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The Department has published its annual “Letter to the Field,” summarizing education legislation enacted during the 2026 Session of the 91st Iowa General Assembly. Once again, the Letter to the Field is organized by our state education system priorities:
I. Supporting a Strong Teacher Pipeline
II. Strengthening Evidence-Based Literacy and Math Instruction
III. Narrowing and Closing Achievement Gaps through Accountability and Support
IV. Empowering Students with Multiple Pathways to Postsecondary Success
V. Promoting Vibrant, Safe, and Healthy Learning Environments
The Letter to the Field also includes summaries of:
VI. Appropriations
VII. Related Legislation
VIII. Vetoed Legislation
All legislation is hyperlinked and each summary is organized by legislative divisions and/or sections. Each summary also concludes with “Implementation Resources” and “Points of Contact” for designated topics with direct contact information. Additional new implementation resources will be differentiated, noting date of change.
In addition to Implementation Resources embedded in each summary, all “Round 1 Significant New Implementation Resources” are hyperlinked following the Table of Contents, including:
- SF 2220: Advanced Mathematics Pathways and Automatic Enrollment FAQ
- HF2676: Student Instructional Technology FAQ
- HF2676: Sample Board Policy Implementing Iowa Code Section 279.89 (As Enacted By 2026 Iowa Acts, House File 2676)
- SF2428: Application of State and Federal Law regarding Nonviolent and Violent Disruptions FAQ
- SF2428: Special Education and Behavior Pilot Program Application Instructions
- SF2428: Special Education and Behavior Pilot Program Application Rubric
- SF2472: Unspent Balance Carryforward Maximum Factsheet
- SF 2472: Updated Unspent Authorized Budget Report hosted on the Department of Management School Resources webpage
- HF2591: Chapter 36, “Extracurricular Interscholastic Competition” Adopted & Filed Emergency Rules and Notice of Intended Action
- Senate File 2219: Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism Summary for Schools 2026-27, Attendance Coding and Technical Assistance 2026-27, and Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism FAQs
Additional rounds of significant new implementation resources also will be noted in the same location.
Please contact Legislative and Policy Liaison Eric St Clair at eric.stclair@iowa.gov with general questions regarding the Letter to the Field.
The Instructional Quality Act (Senate File 2220) requires each school district to develop middle school advanced mathematics pathways designed to enable students to be prepared for, enroll in and master Algebra I as early as the beginning of middle school and by the end of 9th grade at the latest. It also provides that any student in grade 4 or higher who scores in the advanced performance level/exceeds grade-level expectations on the statewide summative assessment in English Language Arts and/or mathematics will be automatically enrolled in the next most rigorous course or program, with the ability for families to opt out of accelerated coursework.
Review the Advanced Mathematics Pathways and Automatic Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to support school districts in implementing the requirements of Iowa Code sections 279.89 and 279.90. The FAQ provides guidance on student eligibility, placement, parent notification, advanced coursework, assessment, and local implementation.
Please contact Bureau Chief Tom Wood at tom.wood@iowa.gov or Education Program Consultant Molly McConnell at molly.mcconnell@iowa.gov with questions.
The Iowa Make America Healthy Again Act (House File 2676) limits digital instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 5 to no more than 60 minutes per school day, with certain exemptions. The legislation also requires the board of directors of a school district to adopt and publish on each elementary school’s website a Student Instructional Technology Use Policy (Grades K-5).
Additionally, prior to adopting or renewing a one-to-one digital device program for any grade level, the board of directors of a school district must also complete a technology adoption checklist.
The Department published HF2676: Student Instructional Technology FAQ addressing implementation questions on the screen time limitations. School also may choose to utilize the field-requested Sample Board Policy published by the Department in meeting the requirements of Iowa Code Section 279.89.
Please contact Bureau Chief Tom Wood at tom.wood@iowa.gov or Administrative Consultant Lyn Jenkins at lyn.jenkins@iowa.gov with questions.
The Iowa Legislature expanded on protocols for handling challenging student behavior through Senate File 2428, establishing a process for the removal of a student from a classroom who causes a nonviolent or violent disruption. Please refer to the Department’s Application of State and Federal Law regarding Nonviolent and Violent Disruptions FAQ for initial implementation support, including information on procedures applicable for situations in which a student receiving special education services is removed from a classroom.
As school districts meet district professional development plan requirements, please revisit the Department’s Policy & Practice webpage related to special education services, including Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), FAPE-Special Requests, and Least Restrictive Environment.
Please contact Special Education Division Administrator Leisa Breitfelder at leisa.breitfelder@iowa.gov with questions.
Senate File 2472 established a limit to the unspent balance amount that can be carried forward into a succeeding fiscal year equal to 35% of the preceding year’s maximum authorized expenditures.
To support school districts in ensuring compliance with the newly established unspent balance authorization limit, the Department published SF2472: Unspent Balance Carryforward Maximum guidance that provides a walkthrough of the Iowa Department of Management’s Unspent Authorized Budget Report. This report demonstrates the calculation of the 35% and how a carry forward amount will be tested against the limit.
Please contact Bureau Chief of School Business Operations Kassandra Cline at kassandra.cline@iowa.gov with questions.
Mark your calendars and set a reminder! Melanie Bloom, the 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year, will be featured on ABC's' 'Disney Celebrates America,' a 24-hour non-stop national television event on July 4.
Melanie’s segment will be featured on July 4 between 10-11 a.m., where she will talk about how agriculture and farming in Iowa, from the first pioneer farmers to today, have helped fuel America's growth and write its success story.
The special multi-platform programming will be available across ABC, Disney+, ESPN, Hulu, National Geographic, Freeform, FX and ABC News Live.
Please contact Administrative Consultant Stefanie Wager at stefanie.wager@iowa.gov with questions.
Twelve middle school students from across Iowa competed this week in the Iowa National Civics Bee, held at Drake University and hosted by the Iowa Chamber Alliance and judged by volunteers including Director Snow. Open to students in grades 6–8, the annual National Civics Bee encourages young people to deepen their understanding of civics, engage in their communities and develop as informed and active citizens.
The students earned their spots by advancing through regional competitions held earlier this spring. The state finalists completed two rounds of civics knowledge quizzes, with the top-scoring students advancing to present proposals for strengthening their local communities and helping shape America's next 250 years before a panel of judges.
Please join us in congratulating the top three finishers:
- First Place: Michael O. (Siouxland Chamber region)
- Second Place: Shal S. (Cedar Rapids Chamber region)
- Third Place: Edison F. (Siouxland Chamber region)
As Iowa's first-place finisher, Michael O. will once again represent the state at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., this November. Michael placed second in the 2024 National Civics Bee and will return to compete against the top state finalists from across the country.
Please contact Administrative Consultant Stefanie Wager at stefanie.wager@iowa.gov with questions.
With our nation’s 250th birthday just days away, North Mahaska High School sophomore Cayden Plate recently competed as one of only 20 student finalists from across the county for the Presidential 1776 Award. The competition aired on CBS on June 30.
More than 8,000 high school students from all 50 states and U.S. territories qualified for the Presidential 1776 Award competition by completing the online Impossible Civics Test earlier this year. From those qualifiers, 173 students advanced to one of five regional semifinal competitions, where they demonstrated their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, the nation's founding and other significant events in American history.
The highest-scoring students from each regional semifinal advanced to the national finals in Washington, D.C. While the national title was awarded to Wyoming student Miriam Washut, each finalist represented the very best of civic knowledge and engagement from their state.
Iowa is so proud of Cayden’s outstanding accomplishments and for representing our state on the national stage.
Please contact Administrative Consultant Stefanie Wager at stefanie.wager@iowa.gov with questions.
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This summer, the Department will again host regional professional development opportunities, including the following:
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CHAMPS focuses on establishing clear behavioral and academic expectations to help create classroom environments where all students and teachers can be successful.
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Early State Intervention focuses on helping educators intervene early using evidence-based instructional and support strategies.
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Engaging and Supporting Students with Challenging Behaviors focuses on providing practical, proven strategies to help students manage behavior, minimize disruptions, and maximize learning for all.
Additional professional development opportunities will also include:
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Every Learner Forward conference is a free, three-day professional learning event (July 7–9) focused on strengthening high-quality instruction and improving outcomes for all students.
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SIOP Professional Learning is a two-day training led by the Center for Applied Linguistics that provides educators with practical strategies for integrating language development and content instruction.
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School Nutrition
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Recipe Standardization Training for School Meals (July 7, July 9, and July 21) focuses on recipe standardization, meal pattern compliance, nutrition analysis and culinary best practices.
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New Directors: Know Your School Meal Requirements (August 3–4) is a two-day training covering program administration, compliance, meal requirements, food safety, financial management and operations.
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Back-to-School Nutrition Conference (August 11–12) focuses on school nutrition operations, menu planning, food allergies, financial management, procurement and program compliance.
Please find details about all summer 2026 professional development opportunities on the Department’s website.
Please contact Administrative Consultant Sarah Seney at sarah.seney@iowa.gov with questions.
Legal and Ethical Foundations and Effective Instructional Practices for Emerging Special Education Teachers is a comprehensive foundational course designed for emerging special education teachers. The course provides essential knowledge and skills to support students with disabilities through legally compliant, instructionally effective practices. Participants will explore the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with special education, build fluency in using Iowa’s SDI Framework to guide instruction, and deepen their understanding of special education procedures within the ACHIEVE system.
Special Education Leadership Series for Administrators is a comprehensive professional learning series designed for administrators responsible for leading and supporting special education programs. The series builds leadership capacity to support legally compliant, instructionally effective and student-centered systems that ensure students receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Participants will strengthen their ability to lead special education through a systems-based approach that integrates legal requirements, instructional frameworks, and organizational leadership practices.
NEW Special Education Directors Series will be held in July and August and is designed to provide special education administrators with the essential tools, timelines and resources needed to lead a successful special education program in Iowa. The course includes content on state and federal special education finance, ACHIEVE, teacher rosters, teacher licensure, district developed service delivery plans, child count and alternate assessment. Dates and times are in the linked flyer along with the Zoom link.
Please contact Division Administrator Leisa Breitfelder at leisa.breitfelder@iowa.gov with questions.
The last Policy and Practice webinar of the school year was held on June 10. The topic was End of Year Program Evaluation. This webinar provided an overview of how building administrators might conduct year-end special education program evaluation using the general supervision framework and Iowa’s continuous improvement model to improve special education outcomes for students with disabilities. End of Year Program Evaluation and all recordings from this year are located on the Department’s Policy and Practice webpage.
Policy and Practice webinars will begin again in August for the 2026-2027 academic year. The first session will be held on Aug. 12 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Join the webinars on Zoom using passcode 431127. All sessions will be the second Wednesday of the month from 9:00-10:00 a.m. using the same Zoom information.
Please contact Bureau Chief Betsy Lin at betsy.lin@iowa.gov or Education Program Consultant Mary Beilke at mary.beilke@iowa.gov with questions.
The Iowa Department of Education is pleased to offer New Staff Teacher Training for Writing IEPs in the ACHIEVE platform. The training will be available through AEA Learning Online beginning in mid-August. This learning includes ACHIEVE Basics for writing IEPs, Early Childhood Special Education, Early ACCESS (available in the fall of 2026), Foundations of IEP Development, Secondary Transition and Behavior.
To support implementation and professional growth, each module also includes activities designed to be completed with a mentor. The training offerings are designed to provide foundational knowledge, build confidence and support consistent implementation of special education requirements and best practices across Iowa schools.
Please contact Bureau Chief Betsy Lin at betsy.lin@iowa.gov or Education Program Consultant Katherine Hall at katherine.hall@iowa.gov with questions.
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Last year, Iowa was the first state in the nation to launch a statewide partnership with National Math Stars, which is philanthropically supported. This year, a total of 785 Iowa elementary students who scored in the top 2% on this year's third-grade mathematics Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) were invited to apply for National Math Stars. Now, 569 students and their families—more than 71% of those invited—have submitted applications.
National Math Stars is a free, 10-year enrichment program designed to help mathematically talented students reach their full potential. Beginning upon acceptance and continuing through high school, participants receive individualized support that may include a dedicated family advisor, weekly math mentoring, advanced technology and educational resources, STEM summer experiences, college and career pathway guidance, family and community events, and other opportunities tailored to each student's needs. Depending on individual learning and financial needs, the value of these supports may exceed $100,000 per student.
The Iowa applicants represent 291 elementary schools across 151 school districts. Applications are now under review, and National Math Stars will announce the 2026 cohort later this summer.
Please contact Education Program Consultant April Pforts at april.pforts@iowa.gov or Molly McConnell at molly.mcconnell@iowa.gov with questions.
House File 2591 allows eighth grade students to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletics under the same eligibility framework that applies to students enrolled in grades 9-12. It also modifies the ineligibility period for student participation in varsity interscholastic athletics following open enrollment from 90 school days to 140 calendar days, unless the open enrollment meets one of the specified criteria for good cause.
The legislation directs the State Board of Education to adopt emergency rules, which it did June 18 effective on Aug. 1. The State Board of Education concurrently noticed administrative rules through the normal rulemaking process.
Public comment on the noticed administrative rules may be submitted to the Department’s Administrative Rules Coordinator Thomas Mayes prior to the deadline on Aug. 11 at 4:30 p.m. (email to thomas.mayes@iowa.gov or mail to 400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319).
Please contact General Counsel Thomas Mayes at thomas.mayes@iowa.gov with questions.
Senate File 2428 also establishes a special education and behavior pilot program administered by the Department for one rural school district and one urban school district to establish an attendance center to be used to provide educational services, including special education services, to eligible students enrolled in the selected school districts. Eligible students are students who either:
(a) require special education services, or
(b) whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with the student’s ability to be successful in the general education environment, even with the use of supplementary aids and services.
Please review the SF2428: Special Education and Behavior Pilot Program Application Instructions and SF2428: Special Education and Behavior Pilot Program Application Rubric should you be interested in applying.
Please contact Special Education Division Administrator Leisa Breitfelder at leisa.breitfelder@iowa.gov with questions.
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Senate File 2218 requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of individuals by the BOEE, school districts, accredited nonpublic schools and charter schools. All applicants for Iowa educator licensure now must verify their legal presence and authorization to work in the United States. Applicants who are not U.S. citizens will be required to upload documentation to their online application verifying their legal presence and work authorization. Applicants who do not provide the required documentation will not be eligible to receive an Iowa educator license.
For applicants whose legal presence or work authorization is valid for a limited period, any educator license issued will be valid only through the expiration date of the individual's legal authorization.
Please see the Department’s Letter to the Field for additional information.
Please contact Bureau Chief Mike Cavin at mike.cavin@iowa.gov with questions.
As shared in April 2026, the Department has incorporated the potential underreporting of bullying and harassment incidents into its District Accreditation Monitoring - Risk Assessment process focused on student outcomes, compliance history, and infrastructure factors.Districts and accredited nonpublic schools should review their anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies to ensure they reflect current law, including updated definitions, complaint procedures and forms, and investigation processes.
As a reminder, harassment and bullying are defined as any repeated and targeted electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct directed toward a student that creates an objectively hostile school environment and meets one or more of the following conditions:
- Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student's person or property;
- Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health;
- Substantially interferes with the student's academic performance; or
- Substantially interferes with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from school services, activities or privileges.
As you know, school districts and accredited nonpublic schools must make their anti-bullying and anti-harassment policy available to all employees, volunteers, students, and parents, guardians, or legal custodians and take appropriate steps to ensure these groups are informed of the policy and their responsibilities under it.
Schools must also ensure their bullying and harassment policies are implemented in conjunction with other applicable federal and state laws, including Title VI, Title IX, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and other applicable civil rights and student discipline requirements.
For additional information, visit the Department’s Bullying & Harassment and Civil Rights Compliance webpages.
Please contact Bureau Chief Tom Wood at tom.wood@iowa.gov or Administrative Consultant Lyn Jenkins at lyn.jenkins@iowa.gov with questions.
To help ensure student performance is measured against rigorous expectations, the FastBridge literacy and mathematics screener and progress monitoring benchmarks and norms have been updated for 2026–2027 school year. Schools should update any local data protocols, planning documents, or family communication materials that reference previous benchmark values.
Additionally, Panorama Student Success will use updated literacy and mathematics status calculations. While districts will continue to sort and filter by literacy and mathematics status, some students' fall risk status may differ from their spring status. Districts are encouraged to review student risk levels at the start of the school year.
Additional information on both topics will be shared in the fall. To stay up-to-date with the Panorama Student Success data platform and early screening, please subscribe to the statewide EWS mailing list for important and timely updates.
Please contact Bureau Chief Joanne Tubbs at joanne.tubbs2@iowa.gov or Education Program Consultant Synthia Davis at synthia.davis@iowa.gov with questions.
The Required Student Assessments and Training document has been updated for the 2026–27 school year. The document outlines all assessment requirements for public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools, as required by federal law and Iowa Code. It also includes the testing windows for each assessment and links to approved universal screening assessments for literacy and mathematics. Required training information for each assessment begins on page 5.
Two important updates for 2026–27 include:
- ELPA21 training is now accessed through the ClearCourse Learning Management System within the ELPA21 Portal.
- ISASP Test Security Training must be completed through the ISASP Portal by all educators who administer or proctor the ISASP. Training completed through AEA Learning Online does not satisfy this requirement.
Please contact Education Program Consultant Heather Briggs at heather.briggs@iowa.gov with questions.
Local media outlets amplified several Department features of schools and districts across the state in our headline stories this month.
Please contact Communications Director Heather Doe at heather.doe2@iowa.gov if you would like your district or school to be featured in an upcoming headline story.
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 Visit and subscribe to the Annual Notices and Deadlines Calendar for a list of state and federal notices and deadlines for all public and nonpublic schools.
(Revised 7-1-25)
It is the policy of the Iowa Department of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, political party affiliation, or actual or potential parental, family or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code sections 216.9 and 256.10(2), Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C.§§ 1681 – 1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.). If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy by the Iowa Department of Education, please contact the legal counsel for the Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0146, telephone number: 515-281-5295, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, telephone number: 303-844-5695, TDD number: 800-877-8339, email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov
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