Latest news with #MathCountsAct
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
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. Midwest Honor Flight takes off June 3 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.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Governor's math literacy bill advanced by House lawmakers
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said in her Condition of the State speech at the beginning of the 91st General Assembly she would have a bill addressing math literacy rates. The bill is similar to the reading literacy policy passed in 2024 by Iowa lawmakers. the bill would aim to improve student math proficiency and civics education. The policy requires early screening and targeted intervention for students struggling in math. Highlights from Iowa high school state wrestling tournament Wednesday It would also provide family-centered resources to support student development of mathematics at home and a comprehensive state mathematics plan that is designed to increase the level of proficiency. Resources will also be given to teachers in school districts with student populations needing extra emphasis in math, working with school district leaders. Twenty-three percent of fourth graders in the state are testing below grade level at math, with fourth grade test scores ranking 30th in the nation. That is down from seventh only one year ago, according to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress. 'We hope to see many of the successes we have seen in early literacy replicated for students across Iowa through this Math Counts Act before you,' said McKenzie Snow, the Director of the Iowa Department of Education. 'You know, it's a really good plan. The caveat I would say to that, as I do on a lot of other bills similar to this, we have to take a look at the things we're asking our staff and teachers and our schools to do,' said Dave Daughton, a lobbyist for School Administrators of Iowa and Rural School Advocates of Iowa. 'They aren't bad things. There's just only so many hours in the day and so many resources to do that.' The bill passed through the subcommittee, striking the portion requiring high school students pass a civics test in order to graduate. The Iowa Senate subcommittee did the same to the governor's bill on Tuesday of this week, as it was the same language passed three weeks ago by Iowa House Republicans. Iowa News: Governor's math literacy bill advanced by House lawmakers Highlights from Iowa high school state wrestling tournament Wednesday Bird flu detected in Sac County turkey flock It's baby season! Blank Park Zoo welcomes twin cotton-top tamarins Iowa State Fair Board selects replacement for former Steer 'N' Stein location Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
