Iowa Strengthens Math Pathways and School Choice 

“Iowa is taking clear steps to ensure more students are challenged and supported based on what they’ve mastered, not just their age or grade level. By guaranteeing access to advanced coursework for students who demonstrate math readiness and setting a clear expectation that all students reach Algebra I by ninth grade, the state is building stronger, more consistent pathways to college and career readiness.

“Along with strengthening the foundations for learning, lawmakers are also expanding opportunity by expanding charter schools, empowering educators, and ensuring families have more high-quality choices that meet students where they are. By improving charter school funding, supporting educators, and opening doors to coursework, activities, and flexible enrollment options, these policies put students—not systems—first.

“We are grateful to Gov. Kim Reynolds, Director McKenzie Snow, House Speaker Pat Grassley, Senate President Amy Sinclair, Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh, House Education Committee Chair Skyler Wheeler, Senate Education Committee Chair Lynn Evans, Sen. Jesse Green, Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, Rep. Dan Gehlbach, Rep. Gary Mohr, Rep. Samantha Fett and Rep. Bill Gustoff for their leadership in providing more students with access to the education options that best prepare them for success.”

About the Legislation

Iowa strengthened math and school choice with adoption of the following policies:  

Guaranteeing Access to Advanced Math (SF 2220) 

• Requires school districts to develop an advanced math pathway that will guarantee access to the next most rigorous course or program for students who score well on the statewide summative assessment in grades 4-12, unless a parent opts out. 
• Requires all students to take Algebra I by grade 9. 
• Allows students who achieve high scores on the statewide summative assessment to explore accelerated options.  

Improving Charter School Funding (HF 2754) 

• Creates a revolving loan program fund for charter schools, making it easier to finance school buildings. 
• Allows the Iowa Finance Authority to issue credit enhancement bonds for charter schools. 
• Adds a second charter school authorizer through the University of Northern Iowa. 
• Recognizes charter schools as local education agencies. 

Strengthening the Charter School Teacher Pipeline (HF 2754) 

• Expands access to teacher salary supplemental funds for charter schools, increasing teacher pay. 
• Allows charter school teachers to participate in the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System. 

Enhancing Public and Private Education Choice Policy (HF 2754)

• Creates a second application window and the opportunity to receive 50% funding for half-year enrollment in the statewide Iowa Students First Education Savings Account program. 
• Allows charter school students to participate in their school district’s concurrent enrollment program and receive credit for both high school and college-level courses. 
• Provides charter school students with access to extracurricular activities available in public schools.  
• Requires districts to document and report interdistrict student transfer denials to the Department of Education.