Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF286

Introduced
2/12/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the national board certification pilot project and establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the college student aid commission, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SF 72.)

Impact

The bill establishes a new program specifically for teachers pursuing an advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement, including provisions for tuition reimbursement for eligible educators across various educational institutions. Eligibility for this reimbursement includes teachers employed by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and area education agencies working towards obtaining the advanced endorsement. This initiative underscores a commitment to improving dyslexia education and supporting educators through financial means.

Summary

Senate File 286 (SF286) focuses on enhancing educational quality by modifying the existing national board certification pilot project and introducing an advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program. The bill rebrands the pilot project into a formal national board certification program managed by the Department of Education (DE) and aims to provide formal recognition and financial incentives for teachers achieving national certification.

Contention

Controversy exists regarding the allocation of funds used for the new endorsement program, as the bill dictates that unused funds from the previous national board certification awards will be redirected to support this new program. Critics may raise concerns about the sustainability of funding and whether this shift appropriately addresses other educational needs. As it takes effect immediately upon enactment, the bill represents a proactive approach to improving educational standards for teachers specifically focused on dyslexia education.

Companion Bills

IA SF72

Similar To A bill for an act establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.(See SF 286.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF272

A bill for an act establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 96.)

IA SF72

A bill for an act establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.(See SF 286.)

IA HF96

A bill for an act establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.(See HF 272.)

IA HSB43

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to community college and department of education reporting requirements, the national board certification pilot project, and employees of the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program or the Iowa school for the deaf, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 890.)

IA HF890

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to community college and department of education reporting requirements, the national board certification pilot project, employees of the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program or the Iowa school for the deaf, and the employment contracts between community colleges and community college instructors, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 43.) Effective date: 06/06/2025, 07/01/2025.

IA HF2752

A bill for an act relating to the teach Iowa scholar program, including modifying eligibility provisions and establishing funding allocations. (Formerly HF 2441, HSB 648.)

IA HF2441

A bill for an act relating to the teach Iowa scholar program, including modifying eligibility provisions and establishing funding allocations.(Formerly HSB 648; See HF 2752.)

IA HF118

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program. (Formerly HSB 4.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HF2230

A bill for an act relating to teacher education and licensing, including by modifying provisions related to practitioner preparation programs and licenses issued by the board of educational examiners. (Formerly HSB 555.) Effective date: 07/01/2026

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.

Similar Bills

IA HF96

A bill for an act establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.(See HF 272.)

IA SF72

A bill for an act establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.(See SF 286.)

IA HF272

A bill for an act establishing the advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement competitive scholar program within the college student aid commission and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 96.)

CA AB1454

Pupil literacy: credential program standards and professional development: instructional materials.

OK SB1291

Strong Readers Act; removing language establishing three-year pilot program; increasing number of literacy specialists required. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1338

Education initiatives; Education Impact and Innovation Revolving Fund; competitive grants pool; State Department of Education to administer grant program; rubric. Effective date.

MS SB2294

Education; institute initiatives to promote literacy in math, reading, finance, computer science, and civics.

MS HB1213

Adolescent Literacy Initiatives; require MDE to establish for Grades 4-8.