Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2154

Introduced
1/25/24  

Caption

A bill for an act requiring school districts to provide the parent or guardian of each student enrolled in the school district with a printed copy of the student's report card.(Formerly HF 2002.)

Impact

The introduction of HF2154 leads to significant changes in how educational authorities must communicate student performance to parents. This requirement for printed report cards may improve parental engagement with their child's education, potentially leading to more informed discussions about academic performance at home. Moreover, by legally obliging schools to provide this document, the bill may also address concerns about transparency in educational assessments.

Summary

House File 2154 mandates that school districts in Iowa provide printed report cards to the parents or guardians of each student enrolled. The bill specifies that each semester—or the trimester or quarter equivalent—districts must mail the report card, hand deliver it, or provide the report card to the student to carry home. This legislative requirement aims to enhance communication between schools and families, ensuring that parents have access to their child's academic progress in a consistent manner.

Conclusion

Overall, HF2154 represents a legislative effort to bolster parental engagement in education through consistent and formalized communication of student progress. Its impact on school operations and potential funding concerns will likely be pivotal in discussions as it moves through the legislative process.

Contention

While the bill aims to streamline communication between schools and families, it may spark debate regarding the financial implications for school districts, particularly if they must absorb additional costs for printing and mailing report cards. Critics may argue that such mandates without accompanying funding could strain school resources, particularly in smaller districts. On the other hand, proponents could view this as an essential investment in student support and parental involvement.

Companion Bills

IA HF2002

Similar To A bill for an act requiring school districts to provide the parent or guardian of each student enrolled in the school district with a printed copy of the student's report card.(See HF 2154.)

Previously Filed As

IA S07477

Requires all school districts to screen all students for dyslexia and dysgraphia; requires school districts to provide notice of such screening to each student and to the parent or guardian of each student; allows parents and guardians to opt out.

IA S10141

Requires all school districts to screen all students for dyslexia and dysgraphia; requires school districts to provide notice of such screening to each student and to the parent or guardian of each student; allows parents and guardians to opt out.

IA HF865

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the harassment or bullying of students enrolled in school districts or accredited nonpublic schools. (Formerly HF 149.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HF121

A bill for an act relating to student resources for the submission of applications for home and community-based services waivers by the parents or guardians of students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, or innovation zone schools.

IA HB1165

Schools; requiring certain school districts to obtain, record, and report citizenship status of enrolling students; effective date; emergency.

IA HB1165

Schools; requiring certain school districts to obtain, record, and report citizenship status of enrolling students; effective date; emergency.

IA SF113

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

IA HF149

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the harassment or bullying of students enrolled in school districts or accredited nonpublic schools.(See HF 865.)

IA HB0113

AN ACT relating to education; clarifying procedures and requirements for school districts to provide parents notice of information regarding students; prohibiting school districts from requiring school district personnel and students to use a student's preferred pronoun if the pronoun does not align with the student's biological sex; requiring parental or guardian permission before instruction relating to diversity, equity or inclusion; authorizing school district personnel to opt out of mandatory trainings as specified; providing definitions; requiring reporting; and providing for an effective date.

IA SB70

Allows the enrollment of nonresident students in public school districts

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.