Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF389

Introduced
2/23/23  
Refer
6/5/23  
Introduced
2/23/23  

Caption

A bill for an act directing the department of education to convene an achievement gap working group.(Formerly SF 38.)

Impact

Upon establishment, the working group is required to meet a maximum of four times and may conduct its meetings in person or remotely. The bill emphasizes a bipartisan approach and mandates representation of minority individuals within the group. This thoughtful composition aims to ensure diverse perspectives are considered in the discussions related to educational equity. By the end of December 2023, the working group is expected to submit a report detailing its findings and recommendations for reducing the academic performance gap among students.

Summary

Senate File 389 (SF389) is a bill aimed at addressing educational disparities among different racial and ethnic groups in the state of Iowa. The bill mandates the Department of Education to convene an achievement gap working group composed of no more than ten members, including at least two teachers from grades K-12. The primary objective of this working group is to study any existing disparities in academic performance between different racial or ethnic groups of students and to identify potential causes, along with specific actions that can be taken to mitigate those disparities.

Contention

While the bill is designed to promote equity and fairness in education, there are potential points of contention surrounding its implementation. Critics may argue that establishing yet another working group could be seen as a mere bureaucratic solution that may not lead to actionable results. Additionally, the debate may arise over the best strategies for addressing educational disparities, as various stakeholders might advocate for different approaches, each reflecting their distinct educational philosophies and priorities.

Companion Bills

IA SF38

Similar To A bill for an act directing the department of education to convene an achievement gap working group.(See SF 389.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2335

A bill for an act directing the department of education to convene a working group to study the impact of technology on the cognitive function and academic performance of students.(Formerly SF 516, SF 237.)

IA SF516

A bill for an act directing the department of education to convene a working group to study the impact of technology on the cognitive function and academic performance of students.(Formerly SF 237; See SF 2335.)

IA SF237

A bill for an act directing the department of education to convene a working group to study the impact of technology on the cognitive function and academic performance of students.(See SF 516, SF 2335.)

IA LD1979

Resolve, Directing the Department of Corrections to Convene a Working Group to Examine the Establishment of a Program to Award Earned Time Credit for Educational Achievement to Persons Who Are Incarcerated

IA LD1701

Resolve, Directing the Department of Education to Establish a Working Group to Study the Maine Learning Results

IA LD1069

Resolve, Directing the Department of Education to Review Personal Finance Course Offerings in Maine Schools and Convene a Working Group of Relevant Stakeholders

IA HR69

Encouraging The Hawaii State Department Of Education To Work With The Office Of Hawaiian Education To Create And Convene A Working Group To Establish A K-12 Hawaiian Immersion Campus In West Oahu.

IA HCR75

Encouraging The Hawaii State Department Of Education To Work With The Office Of Hawaiian Education To Create And Convene A Working Group To Establish A K-12 Hawaiian Immersion Campus In West Oahu.

IA HB2244

Standards of Quality; measurement of student educational performance and academic achievement.

IA LD1246

Resolve, Directing the Department of Economic and Community Development to Convene a Working Group to Review the Process of Setting Impact Fees

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.