Investing in improving local schools has been a hot topic throughout the 2013 session. Although there are many good ideas on the table, we must make sure that we provide the dollars needed so that the initiatives we approve can truly accomplish the goal of boosting student achievement.
Here’s where things stand on Education Reform. The House and Senate have agreed to a 2 percent increase in basic state aid for local schools, plus a 2 percent one-time increase in funding for the 2013-14 school year. For the following school year, we’ve agreed to a 4 increase in basic state aid for local schools.
In addition, efforts to help young students learn to read, including keeping class sizes small, will continue. When we invest in our young readers, we set the stage for their success in school and in life.
We are now hammering out House and Senate differences on the Education Budget (HF 604). Key funding for the education reforms we’re working on is contained in this budget, including:
• Funding to raise minimum teacher salaries to $35,000 and develop teacher career pathways that fit local school districts.
• Funding to implement last year’s improved reading assistance for youngest students, which the Governor and House failed to fund in 2012.
• Investing in Iowa Common Core standards to help students succeed in a technology rich, global economy. The Iowa Core raises academic expectations for K-12 students in literacy, math, science, social studies and other 21st century skills. It’s a student-based approach that creates high expectations for all.
If legislators continue to focus on our areas of agreement, we will be able to provide responsible funding to our local schools while assisting their efforts to improve student achievement throughout Iowa.