This bill modifies the provisions related to English learner participation in open enrollment in Iowa. It stipulates that a request for an English learner to transfer to another district will only be granted if the receiving district has an appropriate program for special instruction that meets the educational needs of the English learner, and if the enrollment does not exceed the maximum class size or caseload established by the state board of education. Additionally, if the English learner is to be placed in a general education class, there must be sufficient classroom space available.

The bill also clarifies the financial responsibilities of the district of residence regarding payments to the receiving district for English learners. It amends the existing law to replace the term "non-English speaking" with "additional" weighting assigned to English learners, ensuring that the funding reflects the actual costs incurred by the receiving district in providing special instruction. These changes apply to open enrollment applications filed on or after the effective date of the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 282.18, 257.9