Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF393

Introduced
2/13/25  
Engrossed
3/11/25  
Refer
3/12/25  
Enrolled
5/19/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa school performance profiles published by the department of education, including how dropout students affect school performance grades contained in the profiles. (Formerly HF 136.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Impact

The proposed changes in HF393 aim to provide a more favorable assessment of schools by mitigating the negative consequences of dropout rates on performance evaluations. It suggests that performance measures will now include a broader array of academic indicators such as graduation rates, attendance, college readiness, and other related factors. This approach intends to offer a comprehensive picture of school effectiveness, while still addressing individual student circumstances that might unduly influence overall evaluations.

Summary

House File 393 (HF393) proposes modifications to how the Iowa Department of Education calculates school performance profiles, specifically addressing the impact of students who drop out of school on overall performance grades. The bill introduces provisions that state if a student returns to school after having dropped out and subsequently drops out again, that second dropout will not adversely affect the school's performance grade. This reflects a shift towards a more nuanced evaluation of schools, considering not just the end results but also the path students take.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HF393 appears largely positive, as it is designed to enhance the fairness of school grading systems. By considering the challenges faced by students and allowing for a more forgiving assessment mechanism, supporters argue that the bill promotes equity in educational evaluation. However, this bill might also draw criticism from those who believe it could make it easier for schools to avoid accountability for persistently high dropout rates, potentially leading to complacency in addressing systemic issues within education.

Contention

One notable point of contention may arise regarding the implications of the bill's modifications to performance criteria. While supporters advocate for the importance of addressing dropout issues without penalizing schools for circumstances beyond their control, opponents might argue that this could obscure the true performance of schools and the effectiveness of their programs. The debate highlights the ongoing struggle to balance accountability and equity in educational policy, as stakeholders seek to ensure comprehensive and clear measures of school success.

Companion Bills

IA HF136

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the Iowa school performance profiles published by the department of education, including how dropout students affect school performance grades contained in the profiles.(See HF 393.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF136

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa school performance profiles published by the department of education, including how dropout students affect school performance grades contained in the profiles.(See HF 393.)

IA HF2670

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to summative testing in schools and the educational program provided to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade twelve, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 746.) Effective date: 07/01/2026 Applicability date: 07/01/2027

IA HF2538

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the duties of the department of education, the discipline of students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools who exhibit disorderly conduct in the classroom, the responsibilities and powers of the department of education, school district teachers, and other educational staff related to students who have individualized education programs or plans under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, and school district professional development plans, and authorizing teachers to request a meeting of a student's individualized education program team. (Formerly HF 2122.)

IA HF2783

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, state board of regents, department of workforce development, and Iowa special education council. (Formerly HSB 778.) Effective date: 07/01/2026

IA HF260

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa lottery. (Formerly HSB 69.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA SF647

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents, and including contingent effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1231.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HF392

A bill for an act authorizing school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to apply to the department of education for authorization to maintain a year-round school calendar at an attendance center or school for students enrolled in grades nine through twelve. (Formerly HF 120.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HF316

A bill for an act relating to career education, including middle school career exploration and industry-recognized credential seals and certificates for high school students. (Formerly HSB 44.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA SF2086

A bill for an act authorizing schools to offer an elective junior fire fighter program to students enrolled in grades eleven and twelve. (Formerly SSB 3007.) Effective date: 07/01/2026

IA HF784

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to mathematics instruction, practitioner preparation programs, and the duties of the director of the department of education, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 137.) Effective date: 06/02/2025, 07/01/2025.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.