5 days ago
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signs bill to boost student math skills
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill Monday aimed at increasing student math skills.
House File 784, also known as the 'Math Counts Act,' aims to strengthen math education in schools across the state by requiring schools to screen students for math proficiency and create individualized support plans for students. It will also provide for professional development for educators, in addition to offering tools families can use to support at-home learning.
The new law also directs the Iowa Department of Education to implement a statewide plan and approve math screeners for K-6 classrooms.
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The law will take effect on July 1, ahead of students' return to class this fall.
It comes as Iowa has continued to fall behind in math scores in the yearly National Assessment of Educational Progress, even as Iowa students' reading scores have improved.
Governor Reynolds said about the bill, 'One of the greatest predictors of future success in the classroom and workplace, along with early literacy, is math proficiency. This bill will ensure children who are struggling in math are identified and receive the personalized help that they need.'
The Director of the Iowa Department of Education McKenzie Snow said, 'Alongside teachers and families, the Math Counts Act championed by Governor Reynolds will help ensure all children in need of support are identified and receive personalized plans that empower them to meet high expectations. Building upon Iowa's new rigorous academic standards and support for high-quality instructional materials, this bipartisan legislation further realizes our commitment to evidence-based instruction and can serve as a model for the nation.'
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