IOWA
A comprehensive overview of Iowa's enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.
BRIEF SUMMARY
Iowa requires universal dyslexia screening for K-3 students, structured intervention plans, and professional development in dyslexia-focused literacy instruction. Schools must implement evidence-based reading strategies, and teacher preparation programs emphasize dyslexia awareness and intervention skills.
IOWA LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS
1. HF2618 (2024)
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Summary: This bill modifies teacher preparation program requirements to require pre-service teachers to pass a ‘Foundations of Reading’ test similar to that in Massachusetts, mandates personalized reading plans for students not reading proficiently by third grade, and provides parent/guardian discretion for student grade retention.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Enhances literacy instruction and support for struggling readers while giving families more say in grade retention decisions.
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More: HF2618
2. SF2360 (2018)
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Summary: Established a dyslexia task force to make recommendations for improving support for students with dyslexia in Iowa schools.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Led to increased awareness and subsequent legislation addressing dyslexia in Iowa schools.
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3. Iowa §279.68 (2018)
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Summary: Requires universal screening in reading for K-3 students, progress monitoring, and intensive instruction for students at risk in reading.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Ensures early identification and support for students struggling with reading, including those with dyslexia.
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More: Iowa Code §279.68
4. SF2319 (2014)
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Summary: This bill provides state definition of dyslexia and ensures that the state center develop professional development strategies and resources to support teacher effectiveness in improving the literacy skills of all students.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Improves support for students with dyslexia and enhances state-wide support for teacher training in literacy instruction.
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More: SF2319
5. Iowa §256.7
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Summary: Outlines that the State Board of Education will collaborate with the IRRC to develop standards for approval of programs that offer the dyslexia specialist endorsement.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Ensures that educators providing guidance and supporting student with and at-risk for dyslexia across the state are all provided the same information and held to the same standards.
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More: Iowa Code §256.7
TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
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All K-3 teachers must receive training on the science of reading, including understanding dyslexia and effective instructional strategies.
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By the 2023-2024 school year, all PK-5 instructional staff and Title I teachers had to have completed the IRRC Module ‘Dyslexia Overview Module’ specific to providing instruction and intervention to students with characteristics of dyslexia by 7/1/24 or within one year of employment after 7/1/24.
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The Iowa Dyslexia Task Force recommends that teacher preparation programs include content on:
- Dyslexia characteristics
- Assessment strategies
- Evidence-based interventions
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The Iowa Department of Education provides resources and guidance for professional development related to dyslexia for educators.
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The Iowa Department of Education, in consultation with the IRRC, offers a 1.5 year ‘dyslexia specialist endorsement’, focused solely on dyslexia and the development of students with dyslexia.
More:
MORE IOWA STATE RESOURCES
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