Iowa State Board of Education

Duties of the State Board include:

• Adopting rules for carrying out the responsibilities of the Iowa Department of Education
• Establishing standards and procedures as well as reviewing and approving educator preparation programs
• Hearing parent and guardian appeals of decisions by local school boards
• Adopting content standards applicable to all kindergarten through 12th grade students in accredited Iowa schools
• Accrediting school districts and community colleges
• Reviewing and approving the budgets of area education agencies and community colleges
• Approving or denying charter school applications
• Responding to concerns and input from Iowa citizens throughout the year
• Advocating on major educational issues to the executive and legislative branches
• Analyzing the data outlined in the Annual Condition of Education Report

Goal 1:  Promote safe, orderly, and welcoming learning environments.

Outcomes:

1. All learners, school personnel, and visitors feel safe and supported.
2. Incidences of bullying and harassment are reduced.
3. Schools skillfully use effective, positive school discipline practices.
4. Schools implement comprehensive school safety strategies.
5. Access to school-based mental health supports is increased.                      

Goal 2:  Promote equity in education by closing achievement and opportunity gaps.

Outcomes:

1. Teachers effectively use high-quality instructional materials.
2. Teachers effectively use evidence-based instructional practices.
3. Charter school authorization and oversight processes support improved student proficiency and growth.
4. Teachers are prepared to teach in classrooms where all students are supported with high-quality universal instruction and supports.
5. Academic standards establish high expectations for student achievement.
6. All early learners are ready for kindergarten.

Goal 3: Ensure high-quality teachers and other educators are in every classroom and high-quality leaders are in every school.

Outcomes:

1. Elementary teachers provide literacy instruction aligned to the Science of Reading.
2. Teacher, other educator, and leader programs prepare teachers, other educators, and leaders to utilize evidence-based practices and meet world class standards.
3. Recruitment and retention efforts increase number of effective teachers in Iowa.

Goal 4:  Provide all students with multiple pathways for postsecondary success through high-quality career and academic programs and planning.    

Outcomes:

1. All students have robust individualized career exploration and planning experiences that enhance career awareness, aspirations, and advance preparation.
2. Secondary and postsecondary educational institutions support students through industry-aligned career pathways.  
3. All high school students have the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized credential or college credit before graduation.    

Goal 5:  All State Board of Education members will champion excellence, persistence and accountability in achieving our goals for those portions of Iowa education we oversee.

Outcomes:

1. Ongoing monitoring of State Board of Education achievement of goals by critical review thereof based upon objective measures with input from the Department of Education.
2. Rigorous preparation for all meetings. Civil discourse on all topics, but be respectful of all views and input, especially those different from our individual thoughts and views.
3. Welcoming public input whenever we can. Open to new ideas, but respectful of what works for all students, teachers and staff.
4. Make well-reasoned, evidence based decisions to further the achievement of the State Board of Education goals and outcomes.
5. Collaborate closely with the Department of Education to promote a vibrant work culture within the Department of Education where all feel valued, engaged, and empowered to achieve our strategic goals.

The State Board works with the Department to provide oversight, supervision and support for the state education system that includes all public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies (AEAs), community colleges and teacher preparation programs.

The State Board’s mission is to champion excellence for all Iowa students through leadership and service. In order to champion excellence, the State Board developed principles to guide decisions to keep equity embedded in policies and practices and at the forefront of its work. The board acknowledges that removing disparities in the education system is a long-term process, requiring continual efforts that are integral to the success of an equitable Iowa educational system.

The State Board will collaborate and seek the voices of the people it serves.

The following principles guide processes in decision-making and problem-solving with an equity lens:

• Understand, acknowledge and address the history and systems that have led to disparities in education to create a system of belief that all students can succeed
• Every student must have equitable access to rigorous learning opportunities 
• Recruitment and retention initiatives of educators that reflect the student population is key to creating an inclusive and equitable school environment
• Collaboration among students, educators, community members, policy members and other stakeholders is central to the success of serving all students in the collective process of creating equitable policies and practices 
• Dedicate time, funding and labor resources to address and eliminate disparities

Jan. 12, 2023

• 2023-01-12 State Board Meeting Agenda
• 2023-01-12 State Board Meeting Minutes

Feb. 9, 2023

• 2023-02-09 State Board Meeting Agenda
• 2023-02-09 State Board Meeting Minutes

March 23, 2023

• 2023-03-23 State Board Meeting Agenda
• 2023-03-23 State Board Meeting Minutes

May 4, 2023

• 2023-05-04 State Board Meeting Agenda
• 2023-05-04 State Board Meeting Minutes

June 8, 2023

• 2023-06-08 State Board Meeting Agenda
• 2023-06-08 State Board Meeting Minutes

Aug. 3, 2023

• 2023-08-03 State Board Meeting Agenda
• 2023-08-03 State Board Meeting Minutes

Sept. 14-15, 2023

• 2023-09-14-15 State Board Meeting Agenda
• 2023-09-14 State Board Meeting Minutes

Nov. 15, 2023

• 2023-11-15 State Board Meeting Agenda
• 2023-11-15 State Board Meeting Minutes

Dec. 4, 2023

• 2023-12-04 State Board Meeting Agenda
• 2023-12-04 State Board Meeting Minutes

Nov. 15, 2022

• 2022-11-16 State Board Meeting Agenda