The Iowa Department of Education is hosting a series of public forums seeking input on proposed updates to the state’s literacy standards.
The standards were reviewed by a team consisting of elementary and secondary educators, administrators, content specialists, families, industry and community partners, and representatives from higher education.
State law requires an ongoing review of Iowa’s academic standards, including public comment, to ensure that current content aligns with best practices.
Iowans who wish to share feedback are encouraged to review the proposed updates and register for one of the following public online forums or submit comments by responding to the survey. The online forums provide an opportunity for community members to share their thoughts and feedback verbally, which will be included for consideration during the final review.
Online public forums will be held on the following dates. Please complete the Google Form by Monday, April 8 at 3:00 p.m. to select a session and receive a registration link via email:
- Literacy Standards Public Forum 1: Monday, April 8, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Literacy Standards Public Forum 2: Tuesday, April 9, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Literacy Standards Public Forum 3: Thursday, April 11, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Public comment ends on April 12, and the survey will no longer be available. Input from the forums and survey responses submitted by April 12 will be considered in the review team’s final recommendations to the State Board of Education.
A final standards proposal will go before the State Board of Education for consideration. If adopted, the revised literacy standards will be required of school districts as a matter of state law.
About Iowa’s academic standards: Iowa’s academic standards provide a set of common expectations for school districts across the state while allowing for decisions regarding curriculum and how it is delivered to be made locally. The standards establish what students must learn to be prepared for success after high school. Local schools and educators continue to set and oversee curriculum and instruction decisions.
In addition to literacy, Iowa’s academic standards also cover mathematics, science, social studies, and 21st-century skills, such as financial literacy. They also include recommended standards for computer science, fine arts, physical education, and health.