Jordan Zakery is a Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ Condition of the State address this week resonated with optimism as she outlined Iowa’s educational achievements and proposed a bold, transformative K-12 education plan. Based on Gov. Reynolds’ address, here are the policies to watch during Iowa’s 2024 legislative session:
Gov. Reynolds commenced her address by celebrating the successful realization of the Future Ready Iowa initiative.
The Future Ready Iowa program ensures Iowans receive additional training beyond high school through Registered Apprenticeships, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Programs, Childcare Grants and Last Dollar Scholarships that cover any remaining tuition gaps between federal and state grants or scholarships at community and private colleges.
“Reaching this milestone serves as a powerful lesson in how real change happens,” she said. “The achievement reflects Iowa’s commitment to cultivating a skilled workforce and closing the gap between education and employment.”
The Governor passionately advocated for parental choice, highlighting Iowa’s pioneering programs that provide all families with the flexibility to choose the most suitable learning environment for their children—whether it’s in their public district school, a charter school, a private school or a specially tailored educational program. This bold initiative empowers parents and fosters an array of learning environments.
“Our education policies are working, because—together—we stood firm and passed a law that puts Iowans in charge of their children’s future,” she said. “By locking in educational freedom, we sent a powerful message: Where our children are concerned, no system, however long-standing, is above reform. This session, we must be guided by that same principle once again.”
As the empirical research shows, a strong foundation in phonics and phonemic awareness is crucial to a child’s ability to read, and thus their future success. Gov. Reynolds announced that Iowa will offer all elementary school teachers a free training program on the science of reading and set a goal to elevate literacy standards across the state.
The Governor went a step further, extending her commitment to literacy beyond professional development opportunities. Her plan includes a requirement of all Iowa teachers to pass a nationally recognized test called the Foundations of Reading assessment. She also plans to hold colleges and universities accountable by making the assessment required for education majors to graduate.
Requiring teachers to pass Foundations of Reading ensures competency rather than just completion of a training program. This way, fewer teachers must be retrained or, for novice teachers, complete additional training after they graduate from a teacher preparation program. Instead, these teachers will graduate fully prepared with the knowledge of how to implement the science of reading in their classrooms.
“Like their students, our talented educators will meet high expectations when they have the support they need,” Gov. Reynolds said. “I hope every legislator in this room will join me in making literacy a top priority in every Iowa classroom.”
Recognizing teachers as influential figures in children’s lives, Gov. Reynolds proposed a substantial investment in teacher pay. She urged legislators to budget accordingly, stating, “I’m asking the legislature to invest $96 million in new money to increase starting pay by 50%, to $50,000.” This bold investment aims to attract and retain top talent, sending a powerful message about the value of educators in Iowa.
Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Condition of the State Address outlined a transformative vision for Iowa’s education system in 2024, celebrating achievements and proposing bold initiatives. From workforce training to school choice and essential early literacy training for teachers, her proposals signal a commitment to fostering a dynamic, inclusive and prosperous future for Iowa’s students.
