Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has created new problems and brought other, long-existing challenges to light.
As we watched our educational institutions struggle to respond to rapidly changing circumstances, it became painfully obvious that our one-size-fits-all system was failing to prioritize the needs of individual families and their students. The situation was exacerbated by the pandemic but has long needed meaningful improvements.
Every parent knows each child is unique. That’s why so many Iowa families insist on educational opportunities—programs, services, classes, and schools—that will meet their students’ interests and aptitudes.
We don’t want standardized children. Why would we want to trap them in a standardized program?
In this moment pivotal moment, we must seize the opportunity to transform Iowa’s K-12 system that is failing to meet the needs of our students. And a recent poll indicates that large majorities across our state are ready for this change.
The state legislature is taking the first steps toward realizing the vision of a reimagined education for Iowa’s students by approving Senate File 159, which would expand the number of students eligible for open enrollment, allow the formation of charter schools without the permission of school district administrators, and create a limited scholarship program for students looking for even broader opportunities.
Now, SF 159 heads to the Iowa House of Representatives for consideration. Urge your representative to support SF 159 and bring more educational opportunities to Iowa!