14 Feb 2014

Branstad, Reynolds announce removal of barriers for veterans, military spouses who want to teach in Iowa

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Announcement comes as Iowa House Subcommittee passes similar measure for professional and occupational licensure of veterans and their spouses

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced a new effort to eliminate licensing barriers for qualified veterans and military spouses who want to teach in Iowa.

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners has created a new military exchange license for veterans and military spouses who have teaching credentials but face new licensure requirements when they move to Iowa. Military families move every few years for employment, and spouses who are teachers must relicense and meet new requirements with each move to a new state.

The new license ties in with the Branstad-Reynolds administration's Home Base Iowa Initiative to recruit veterans to Iowa. The announcement comes on the same day as the Iowa House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee passed House Study Bill 616, an Act relating to professional and occupational licensure of veterans and the spouses of veterans.

"This was the right thing to do. These are standout citizens who are defending our freedoms or are supporting family members who are defending our freedoms," said Branstad. "I'm pleased the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners has removed this barrier that causes military families to seek a new licensure in the state of Iowa."

About 70 percent of out-of-state residents who apply for teaching licenses in Iowa must take additional coursework to meet the state's licensure standards.

"The Home Base Iowa Act that Governor Branstad and I have proposed would direct all licensing boards to take action similar to what the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners has done," said Reynolds. "We know members of the military and their spouses will bring a wide array of skills and knowledge to Iowa. Continued action like this will ensure our service members and their spouses are able to land the career that meets their qualifications."

The new military exchange license enables veterans and military spouses to teach up to three years without taking any additional college courses. The license also is offered at a reduced cost of $85 instead of $210.

The military exchange license is a three-year license. After three years, the license can be converted to a one-year license, giving license-holders full authority to teach while they take the required classes.  Once the requirements are met, the license can be converted to a regular Iowa teaching license.

Eligible applicants must have completed a teacher preparation program through a college or university and must have been a licensed teacher in another state.  Teachers who completed an alternative teacher preparation program outside of a college or university and are not eligible for full licensure will be granted substitute licenses.

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10 Feb 2014

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR 2014 IOWA FARM ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER AWARDS

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today encouraged Iowans to nominate farmers for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award who have taken voluntary actions to improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state.  Nominations are due by June 15, 2014 and the nomination form can be found at www.iowaagriculture.gov/EnvironmentalLeader.asp.

The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa's farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.

"We have seen great participation by farmers in the Iowa water quality initiative and these awards are an opportunity to recognize farmers that are taking steps to protect the soil and improve water quality here in Iowa," Branstad said.

"Iowa is leading the way in working with farmers to encourage the use of voluntary, science-based practices that can improve our water quality while ensuring our farmers can continue to feed the world and power our state's economy," Reynolds said.

Farmers that are nominated should have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and adopted best management practices throughout their farming operation.  As true stewards of the land, they recognize that improved water quality and soil sustainability reaps benefits that extend beyond their fields to citizens of Iowa and residents even further downstream.

Nominations may be submitted on a year-round basis and are due by June 15th of the year to be considered for the award. Farm owners and operators are eligible for consideration.

"Recognizing farmers who are taking the lead in conservation is a way to encourage others to consider adopting some of the same practices on their land," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

An appointed committee of representatives from both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair.

The award was created in 2012 and last year 63 Iowa farm families were recognized.  Winners were presented a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Monsanto. Hagie Manufacturing also sponsored a recognition luncheon following the ceremony.  Last year EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy spoke at the luncheon and recognized the efforts of the winners.

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10 Feb 2014

Gov. Branstad, represented by Iowa Attorney General, asks the Iowa Supreme Court to overturn Iowa Juvenile Home court decision

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced that he has asked the Iowa Supreme Court to review and overturn Wednesday's district court order to reopen the Iowa Juvenile Home, which was found to have mistreated youth and denied them the education they deserve.

"Governor Branstad has the duty to faithfully execute all laws of the State of Iowa. These laws include the entire statutory scheme of children adjudicated delinquent or in need of assistance ... these laws are based on a single, overriding premise -- the best interests of the children," the request said. "The district court's extraordinary and unprecedented order demands this Court's immediate review."

The governor is represented in the case by the Attorney General.

"My utmost concern is protecting the health, safety and education of the children who resided at the Iowa Juvenile Home," said Branstad. "The children were subjected to over 47,000 hours of isolation, denied the education they deserve and mistreated by staff. As chief executive, I have the responsibility to ensure the safety of Iowa's most vulnerable. These children are now in licensed and accredited facilities where they are being better served, receiving the education they were denied at the Iowa Juvenile Home and the treatment and care they need."

On behalf of the governor, the attorney general filed the request, called an Application for Appeal in Advance of Final Judgment, with the Iowa Supreme Court.  Under the district court's decision, the order does not take effect until the plaintiffs file a bond, giving both parties until March 3 to submit additional documents regarding the bond amount.

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06 Feb 2014

Branstad, Reynolds announce new Main Street Iowa Communities

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Avoca, Guthrie Center and Newton receive designation

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that three Iowa communities were selected to join the Main Street Iowa program: Avoca, Guthrie Center, and Newton.  The announcement was made during a special ceremony held at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.

"Iowa's historic main streets are the heart and soul of our communities," said Branstad.  "We will continue to do whatever we can to keep Iowa's downtowns strong and vibrant for business owners, workers, residents and visitors.  I am pleased to welcome each of these communities into the Main Street family, and wish them much success in the future."

For more than 27 years, the Main Street Iowa program and its communities have been looked upon as the "best of the best" in a national effort to revitalize downtowns across the country.  The addition of these new communities brings the total number of Main Street communities in Iowa to 52.

"In their applications and presentations, the selected communities demonstrated strong partnerships, a high level of volunteerism, and a commitment to the revitalization of their downtown districts.  We are confident that these three cities will thrive and grow for many years to come," said Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the agency that houses the Main Street Iowa program.

Becoming a designated Main Street Iowa community is no easy task.  Community representatives must attend rigorous training sessions before even being eligible to apply.  They must demonstrate support from local organizations, businesses, and lawmakers; funding and in-kind support must be secured and documented; strategic plans outlining short- and long-term goals must be in place.  Most importantly, community officials, business owners, and volunteers must agree to work together with the common goals of 1) preserving Iowa's historic buildings and unique commercial business districts, and 2) improving the local economy by adopting and following the Main Street Four Point Approach® to historic commercial district revitalization.

"After seeing the results of the Main Street Iowa program had on my hometown of Osceola, Iowa, I'm excited for the communities receiving the designation today," said Reynolds. "The process was not easy, nor was it quick, but it certainly showed results and brings new energy to the community."

While it may be challenging to become a Main Street community, designated communities reap many benefits.  During the first three years of the program, each community receives approximately 40 days of on-site training and technical assistance from Main Street Iowa, National Main Street Center staff and private consultants, as well as 30 days of training for volunteers and local staff, valuing the state's investment at $120,000. Main Street communities each receive continuing training and technical assistance valued at $10,000+ annually.

Over the years, by working together with the state, Main Street Iowa communities have realized the benefits of more than 2.4 million hours of volunteer time invested into improving their city centers, a significantly increased job and business base, and over $1.3 billion in private investment to purchase, construct and rehabilitate downtown property.

For more information on the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Main Street Iowa program, visit www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com , or call the Main Street Iowa office at 515.725.3051.

For more information about the local programs, contact:

Avoca: Clint Fichter, 402-990-3623

Guthrie Center: Marian McQuaid, 641-740-0319

Newton: Darrell Sarmento, 641-792-5545

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05 Feb 2014

ACT Report Reveals Iowa and Nationwide Student STEM Interests

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(February 5, 2014; Cedar Falls, Iowa) A new report from ACT provides valuable information to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education policy and programming leaders regarding the intentions of students to pursue STEM studies and careers. Of Iowa's 22,377 ACT test-takers in 2013 (66% of all high school graduates), almost half (49%) have an interest in a STEM major or occupation, an increase of 2.2% since 2009. But translating interest into the reality of a STEM degree presents Iowans with a great challenge.

The ACT national and state reports, The Condition of STEM, examine the expressed and measured interests of high school graduates in the class of 2013 who took the ACT college readiness exam. Expressed interest is when students say they intend to pursue a particular major or occupation. Measured interest, in contrast, is derived from students' responses to the ACT Interest Inventory, a battery of questions that measures preferences for different types of work tasks.

"The Condition of STEM report revealed that positive progress is being made in Iowa, especially when compared to similar states.  Having a successful STEM strategy in Iowa is critical for helping young Iowans understand the breadth of opportunities that await them following graduation," said Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds who co-chairs the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. "Governor Branstad and I, along with the Governor's STEM Advisory Council, are committed to offering a quality, innovative education in our schools ensuring Iowa students are fully prepared for the careers of tomorrow."


Of Iowa's 11,041 STEM-interested graduates, 4,153 had both expressed and measured interest in STEM, which places Iowa in the top ten states of comparable test-taking populations for STEM interest. By gender and ethnicity though, Iowa has an opportunity to gain ground. Female interest in STEM is slightly lower than male at 46.2% though gain in interest since 2009 outpaces male gains 2.8% to 1.5%. Interest among African-American is at 42.6% and for Native Americans 40.4% - both slight declines since 2009. For Hispanic students interest has remained comparable to that of whites at 48.8%.

"Iowa's workforce solutions depend on an inspired pipeline of home-grown talent," said Vermeer CEO and STEM Council co-chair Mary Andringa. "This ACT report is a valuable snapshot but even more priceless a longitudinal indicator for Iowa moving forward. Every young Iowa, regardless of geography, demography, ethnicity, or economy, deserves a top-quality STEM education leading to fulfilling careers and high quality lives right here within our borders."

A number of national reports have pointed to a need for more STEM workers. A recent report from the Bayer Corporation's Facts of Science Education survey suggests Fortune 1000 companies are struggling to fill STEM positions due to a shortage of qualified candidates. The STEM job outlook is strong, and STEM occupations tend to be high-paying, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the recently released U.S. News 100 Best Jobs of 2014, more than half of the top 50 jobs are STEM-related. Iowa's Workforce Development office projects STEM occupations to be high wage and high growth for the foreseeable future.

"ACT has delivered another great product to education leaders across the country. This report is an unprecedented window into the intentions and probabilities of our graduates" said Jeff Weld, executive director of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. "Aligned as they may or may not be, the expressed and measured interest of STEM prospects to post-secondary study is a unique and vital indicator that every state (and the nation as a whole) needs to track if we are to deliver the STEM promise to our youth."

The Condition of STEM reports for the nation and for each state can be accessed for free on ACT's website at: www.act.org/stemcondition. 

About the Governor's STEM Advisory Council: Formed in 2011, the Council is a 46-member, public-private partnership dedicated to building a strong STEM education foundation for all Iowans. For more information, go to IowaSTEM.gov.
31 Jan 2014

Branstad, Reynolds take additional action to ease burden of propane shortage

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Branstad declares proclamation of disaster and emergency; Administration launches new webpage as resource for those affected, applauds federal action

(DES MOINES)  - Gov. Branstad today declared a proclamation of disaster and energy emergency due to the record high demand for propane throughout the upper Midwest.  This Proclamation of Disaster Emergency activates the disaster response and recovery aspect of the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department's (HSEMD) Iowa Emergency Response Plan.  The proclamation may be found here.

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Human and Health Services (HHS) released a second Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) appropriation of $7,419,062 to the State of Iowa to help Iowa families heat their homes during the cold weather.  Additional information may be found here. The action comes following Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds writing President Obama expressing their concern with the propane shortage in Iowa and requested the President's engagement.

"We appreciate the collaboration of the federal government, Midwest Governors, and Texas officials on trying to resolve the propane shortage here in the Midwest," said Branstad.  "We have had productive conversations with the U.S. Secretary of Energy, U.S. Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Governor Rick Perry, other governors, members of the propane industry and Iowans to do everything possible to resolve this propane issue."

"We continue to urge the federal government to reduce the regulatory burden so propane can be transported to the Midwest states," Reynolds said. "We have driven collaboration across state lines from Texas to Washington, D.C. to make sure Iowans have the propane they need to heat their homes, businesses are able to fuel their operations and livestock producers can warm their animals."

Additionally, the Branstad-Reynolds administration launched the Propane Shortage and Heating Assistance Webpage.  This webpage is a one-stop shop with information regarding low-income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP), reductions in regulatory burdens to propane transport, energy, cost-saving tips and other resources for Iowans.

The propane shortage and cold weather conditions may prompt Iowans to seek alternative sources of heat. The Propane Shortage and Heating Assistance Webpage contains important safety information for those using space heaters and other heat sources.

For more information, please visit www.governor.iowa.gov/propane.

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29 Jan 2014

Gov. Branstad appoints Congressman Leonard Boswell to Iowa DOT Commission

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Appointment comes following resignation of Tom Rielly 

 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today appointed Congressman Leonard Boswell to the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission. The appointment comes after Tom Rielly resigned from the commission due to a business-related conflict of interest.

"I'm pleased today to appoint Leonard to the Iowa Transportation Commission," said Branstad. "As a veteran, former state legislator and United States Congressman, Leonard's life has been one of service to our state and country. I'm confident he'll be a tremendous asset to the commission."

The seven-member commission develops a comprehensive transportation policy and plan for the state, identifies transportation needs, and develops programs to meet these needs.  Other commission duties and responsibilities are broadly stated in Iowa Code chapters 307 and 307A. (IAC 761-1.6)

Boswell served three terms in the Iowa Senate from 1984-1996. He was elected to the United States Congress in 1997, where he served until 2013. He was drafted into United States Army as a private, where he earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Soldier's Medal, two Bronze Stars, Air Medal with the "V" Device and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  Boswell and his wife, Dody, reside on a farm near Lamoni, Iowa.

Boswell will fulfill the remainder of Rielly's term, which concludes April 30, 2017. The appointment takes effect immediately and is subject to Senate confirmation. State law requires the DOT Commission be balanced by gender and party affiliation.

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24 Jan 2014

Branstad, Reynolds announce keynote speakers, preliminary details for Global Insurance Symposium

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart are pleased to announce keynote speakers and preliminary details for the Global Insurance Symposium scheduled for May 20-22, 2014, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Des Moines will serve as the host for the Global Insurance Symposium that will focus on the changing regulations in the international insurance marketplace. These trends are impacting U.S. companies doing business in international jurisdictions. Participants will hear from international regulators, state insurance commissioners, insurance industry chief executives, and other industry experts.   

"The insurance industry in Iowa is critical to our economy," said Governor Branstad. "We are honored to host the Global Insurance Symposium in our capital city and share a dialogue with global leaders about the critical issues impacting the industry."

Globally recognized keynote speakers are already confirmed to attend this event, including Japan's Vice Commissioner Masamichi Kono; Mr. T.S.Vijayan, Chairman, India Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority; and Sen. Ben Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Governor Branstad will welcome attendees to the Symposium at a reception at the World Food Prize building on the evening of May 20. Lt. Governor Reynolds and Commissioner Gerhart will make opening remarks the next morning.

"Iowa is known globally for its emerging insurance industry," said Reynolds. "As an industry that employs thousands of Iowans, Governor Branstad and I look forward to welcoming insurance market leaders to Des Moines and showcasing our state's thriving insurance climate."

Gerhart commented, "I am impressed with the quality program that has emerged. As home to over 200 insurance companies, the state of Iowa is uniquely positioned to host this event.  The dialogue we will have in May will transcend borders and highlight the global nature of the insurance industry."

The privately-funded Symposium is the result of collaborative work between the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and Iowa Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart.  To register for the conference and learn more, visitwww.globalinsurancesymposium.com.

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24 Jan 2014

Branstad, Reynolds applaud Texas officials, US DOT for assisting Midwest during propane shortage

By office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today applauded Texas officials, including Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, for waiving Texas licensing, permitting and certification requirements regarding liquefied petroleum gas trucks and operators. The action by Perry and Dewhurst will help expedite the transport of propane to Midwest states during the frigid winter months.

"After asking Texas officials yesterday for the waiver, I was pleased to learn of their quick action to assist Iowans and Midwest states with the shortage of propane," said Branstad. 

Branstad and Reynolds spoke to Gov. Perry and Lt. Gov. Dewhurst's staff yesterday by phone and asked that Texas consider waiving the requirements. Lt. Gov. Dewhurst signed the proclamation as Gov. Perry is out of the country.

"Governor Perry and Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst's willingness to help Iowans is tremendous and the impact is very helpful," said Reynolds. "This action will help propane suppliers keep up with the demand."

In addition, the governor and lt. governor were pleased to learn the U.S. Department of Transportation established a regional emergency declaration suspending the regulatory provisions pertaining to hours of service for drivers of commercial motor vehicles transporting propane to affected Midwest states, including Iowa, through 11:59 P.M. on February 11, 2014. The federal emergency proclamation may be found here.

The language of the Texas proclamation may be found here and below:

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:

WHEREAS, extreme winter weather and cold temperatures throughout much of the United States have created a large demand for liquefied petroleum gas, and such conditions have resulted in a corresponding strain on liquefied petroleum gas resources outside the State of Texas;

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Transportation has declared emergencies in Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern states due to shortages and interruptions in the availability or delivery of propane and other home heating fuels;  

   

WHEREAS, the following states have declared liquefied petroleum gas emergencies: Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin;  

   

WHEREAS, the States of Iowa and Maine have requested that the State of Texas join them in declaring a liquefied petroleum gas emergency; and  

WHEREAS, the State of Texas is the leading producer of liquefied petroleum gas in the nation, and Texas' liquefied petroleum gas resources and infrastructure allow the state to temporarily assist in alleviating the liquefied petroleum gas shortages in other states.

THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 113.083 of the Texas Natural Resources Code, I have determined the existence of a temporary shortage of liquefied petroleum gas in the above states, and I join the governors of those states in declaring a liquefied petroleum gas emergency.

Pursuant to this proclamation and Section 113.083(a) of the Texas Natural Resources Code, the State of Texas waives Texas licensing, permitting, and certification requirements regarding liquefied petroleum gas trucks and operators. This waiver applies only to liquefied petroleum gas trucks and operators meeting all certification, permitting, and licensing requirements of the federal government and another state whose governor has declared or declares a liquefied petroleum gas emergency.

All other legal requirements, including licensing, registration, insurance, and safety, remain in place.

This emergency declaration shall continue for 14 days from the date this proclamation is signed, unless renewed.

In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 22nd day of January, 2014.

DAVID DEWHURST
Lieutenant Governor 
Acting as Governor of Texas

21 Jan 2014

Branstad, Reynolds highlight progress following landmark education reform package

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today were joined by Iowa Department of Education Director Brad Buck to highlight the progress made under the landmark education reform package of 2013.

"Lieutenant Governor Reynolds and I are pleased with the progress being made to restore Iowa's leadership position in education following the landmark reform package signed last year, but we know all parties - our administration, the Legislature and local school districts - must be held accountable to maximize our success," said Branstad. "We have a shared responsibility to give our children the best education in the nation.  Iowa's schools are transforming.  As they transform, the state stands ready to assist districts with further implementation to ensure success while we prepare our students for college or career training after high school."

Branstad, Reynolds and Buck highlighted and provided updates for the following portions of education reform:

1) Teacher leadership and compensation system

More than 100 school districts have begun the application process to enter the Teacher Leadership and Compensation System, which aims to transform learning in schools by better utilizing the expertise of top teachers to strengthen the teaching around them.

More than one-third of the school districts in Iowa are expected to submit a plan prior to the deadline on Jan. 31.

The Iowa Department of Education is working closely with the Commission on Educator Leadership and Compensation to develop an equitable selection process.  The goal is to ensure a rigorous selection bar for districts that receive funding and enter the system in the first year and also to ensure that the districts entering in year one reflect the diversity of the size and geography of Iowa's schools.  All school districts will have the option of entering the system over the next three years.

2) Update on taskforces

The Council on Educator Development was created to recommend statewide systems for evaluating teachers and school administrators. The council has met three times and will reconvene on Feb. 13. To date, the council has engaged in conversations that define the legislative language in HF 215 as it pertains to the council's primary task, has examined data around current evaluation practices in Iowa districts, and has reviewed the Iowa Teaching Standards in comparison to national standards known as the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium Standards.

Iowa schools are still required by law to administer the Iowa Assessments for accountability purposes; however, the Legislature created the Assessment Task Force to study testing options for the future. This task force has met three times and is on track to make a recommendation as early as this fall. So far, the task force has defined the scope of its work based on requirements in House File 215, completed a request for information from all major test vendors in Iowa and nationally to identify assessments that would meet those legislative requirements, and is building a mechanism to rate those potential assessments.

3) Year-long student teaching pilot

Five higher education institutions applied for the student teaching pilot project, which will provide students in participating teacher preparation programs with a one-year student teaching experience. Student teachers in Iowa currently train typically for 14 consecutive weeks.

All three regents universities and two privates colleges, Morningside College and Dordt College, applied for the project. The awards went to the University of Northern Iowa and Dordt College.

The Iowa Department of Education is now developing the award documents in order to disburse the money and establish the reporting, communication and accountability procedures.

4) TeachIowa.gov job postings

All 346 public school districts and nine area education agencies have access to TeachIowa.gov, a new statewide education job posting system. There are 23 nonpublic schools or school systems using TeachIowa.gov.  Each Catholic Diocese and five higher education institutions are posting jobs or are set up to post jobs.

By the numbers:

•             More than 2,000 jobs have been posted since the system was launched.

•             There are currently 1,486 jobs posted to TeachIowa.gov.

•             There are 3,500 applications in the TeachIowa.gov system.

5) Iowa Learning Online

 

The education reform package includes an expansion of Iowa Learning Online, a state-run system that has provided high-quality courses online and through the Iowa Communications Network since 2004. The goal is to provide a full array of course options, including language arts, social studies, math, science, health, physical education, fine arts, foreign language, and vocational education online.  The Iowa Department of Education should have most of these options available in the fall.

Lt. Gov. Reynolds took the opportunity to highlight the Teach Iowa Scholar Program, which was also part of the education reform package of 2013. The program is designed to provide tuition reimbursement to top students who commit to teach in Iowa schools for five years.

"Governor Branstad and I believe the key to a quality education is having an excellent teacher in every classroom. In Iowa, we're fortunate to have excellent teachers in every corner of the state," said Reynolds. "The Teach Iowa Scholar Program aims to attract more top students into the teaching profession and into hard-to-fill positions - such as math, science and special education. This program will benefit K-12 students, school districts and the teaching profession as a whole."

Starting with the Class of 2014, subject to an appropriation, selected teachers will receive $4,000 a year for up to five years - $20,000 total - for teaching in Iowa schools.

Reynolds concluded, "We have high expectations given the recent reforms adopted and the collaborative work under way by the Iowa Department of Education, area education agencies, school districts, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, and higher education institutions to reach the goal of giving Iowa children a world-class education. Iowans know we must chart a path that makes steady progress possible on every measure."

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