Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF132

Introduced
1/26/23  
Refer
5/4/23  
Introduced
1/26/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction in public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly HF 12.)

Impact

The bill specifically modifies Section 256.11 of the Iowa Code to ensure a well-rounded understanding of democracy for students. New provisions emphasize the necessity for students to engage in comparative discussions relating to political ideologies that conflict with foundational democratic principles. This includes educational content on ideologies like communism and totalitarianism to provide context and understanding of historical and contemporary political systems.

Summary

House File 132 mandate changes to social studies instruction in Iowa's public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools. The bill prioritizes student education on essential aspects of government operations, including voting procedures, paper ballot usage, and absentees protocols. Furthermore, it requires that students receive a comprehensive educational experience, which includes at least one-half unit of United States government and one unit of United States history.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HF132 may evoke varied perspectives among educators and policymakers. Proponents assert that educating youth about political ideologies and voter processes equips them with essential knowledge for responsible citizenship. Critics could argue, however, that such educational mandates may prioritize certain political perspectives over others, which could risk creating bias within the educational curriculum.

Companion Bills

IA HF12

Similar To A bill for an act relating to social studies instruction in public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 132.)

Previously Filed As

IA SSB3109

A bill for an act requiring school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to provide success-sequence education in grades seven through twelve.

IA SF2006

A bill for an act relating to physical activity requirements applicable to students enrolled in public schools and accredited nonpublic schools.

IA HF263

A bill for an act relating to physical activity requirements applicable to students enrolled in public schools and accredited nonpublic schools.

IA HSB276

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the minimum amount of instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

IA HF391

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades seven through twelve.(Formerly HSB 34.)

IA SF175

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curricula provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades five through twelve. (Formerly SSB 1028.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA SF211

A bill for an act relating to the administration of the statewide summative assessment of student progress to students of online schools by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly SSB 1025.)

IA HSB33

A bill for an act relating to the administration of the statewide summative assessment of student progress to students of online schools by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 190.)

IA HSB34

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades seven through twelve.(See HF 391.)

IA SF370

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1065.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.