Hagenow Statehouse Update: Education Reform Expanded to Include School Choice

By Rep. Chris Hagenow

Since the opening of this year’s legislative session, a top priority for the House has been Governor Branstad’s education reform plan. Many of us believe that now is the time to change the way that education is delivered in this state. Iowa needs to again be a leader is student achievement, not just in the nation, but across the world. Simply put, the status quo is no longer good enough.

The cornerstone of the bill is the new “Teacher Leadership Pathways” program, designed to promote professional development for educators and provide better career options for graduates. The bill provides an infusion of $145 million into the career pathways over a three-year span to help districts promote their best teachers to leadership positions. These leader teachers then in turn provide professional development to other teachers in the school, creating a support network to improve the quality of education and raise student achievement.

Much has been reported about the various teacher development provisions in the governor’s bill, but I am particularly excited about several new components added by the House. I have long been an advocate for school choice and am very pleased to see this bill expanded to provide help to families that choose an educational setting outside of traditional public schools.

How are Iowa legislators doing so far on education reform? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

In addition to the exceptional public schools in our area, we are fortunate to have several great private schools as well. The legislative district I represent has over 2600 students enrolled in a private school.  Schools like Dowling Catholic, Des Moines Christian School and Iowa Christian Academy deliver a terrific education to their students, and should be free to conform to their own standards.

This bill allows for independent accreditation of private schools, not that imposed by the state Department of Education. 

In the coming weeks, I will also be working to expand the school tuition organization tax credit program, which has been extremely effective at providing private school education for families that could not otherwise afford a private school option. 

Other provisions adopted to the bill will help those families that choose homeschooling, and allow them to educate their children free from undue government interference. The bill will allow multiple homeschool families to collaborate and provide relief from bureaucratic obligations with their local school district.

Each family is different, and parents should be trusted to know what is in the best interests of their child.  We should empower families to choose what is best for their family, and allow them the freedom to succeed.  

We all share an interest in making sure that our educational system is the best it can be.  This bill works toward our common goal of making sure our students get the best education possible and is a strong step forward for the next generation of Iowans.

(Rep. Chris Hagenow, R-Windsor Heights, represents District 43 in the Iowa House of Representatives, where his is the majority whip. Contact him at 515-281-3221 or chris.hagenow@legis.iowa.gov.)