Summary

HF 215 (Iowa Legislature or Open States) introduces a range of new education reforms including teacher leadership, mentorship and professional development programs. It establishes a competency-based instruction task force and a competency-based education grant award.  The bill also appropriates $1.5 million per year for administering the state online learning initiative.

Competency-based Education Grant Program

This legislation establishes a competency-based education grant award for no more than 10 school districts annually for the purposes of developing, implementing and evaluating competency-based education demonstration projects.

The Department is responsible for developing the grant application, selection, and evaluation criteria.

Every January, an annual progress report is required to be submitted to the Governor, legislature, and state board of education.  This report will summarize each of the grants awarded including student achievement results.  A final report, including recommendations, is required by January 15, 2019.

Competency-based Task Force

In 2012, Senate File 2884 charged the Department of Education with appointing a 12 person task force to study competency-based instruction standards including the development of assessment models and professional development focused on competency-based instruction.  At a minimum, the task force is required to:

• Redefine the Carnegie unit into competencies.
• Construct personal learning plans and templates.
• Develop student-centered accountability and assessment models.
• Empower learning through technology.
• Develop supports and professional development for educators to transition to a competency-based system.

A final report with the task force’s plan, findings, models, and recommendations is required to be submitted to the State Board of Education, the Governor, and the Legislature by November 15, 2013.

HF 215 requires that the task force develop a draft strategic plan and proposed timeline for statewide implementation of competency-based learning for consideration by the legislature.

Online Learning

HF 215 appropriate $1.5 million per year for administering the state online learning initiative. These funds can only support up to three full time staff.

Legislative History

House Vote:         Yea=95   Nay=0   Excused=0   Not Voting=0   Absent=5
Date:                      5/22/2013

Senate Vote:        Yea=40   Nays=10   Excused 0
Date:                      5/22/2013

Detailed Legislative History: Legiscan | Open States

Signed by Governor Terry Branstad  (R)  on 6/3/2013