In July, the Department published its annual “Letter to the Field,” a summary of education-related bills enacted during the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session. Below are the items most relevant to fine arts educators, including new licensure pathways, expanded access to performing arts programs, and updated absence policies for competitions and performances. You can find the full “Summary of Enacted Legislation 2026 Session of the 91st Iowa General Assembly” on the Department’s Legislative Information webpage.
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New Fine Arts Teacher Authorization Coming (HF2724)
The legislature has directed the Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) to create a new PK-12 fine arts authorization and affixed endorsement, joining similar new pathways for math and science as "high-need teaching areas." This authorization sets a bachelor's degree as the minimum requirement, a change from the existing Content Specialist authorization, which requires a graduate degree. BOEE rulemaking (the formal process agencies use to turn a new law into specific, enforceable rules) begins this fall, but the endorsement will not be usable immediately. Expect a Notice of Intended Action and public comment period before it is finalized. Also worth noting: this authorization sunsets July 1, 2030, meaning it would require legislative reauthorization to continue past that date. (pp. 7–8)
Charter and Nonpublic Students Gain Access to Theater, Show Choir, and Band (HF2754)
This legislation expands existing provisions related to student participation in district extracurricular activities, now explicitly naming theater, show choir, and band as covered activities. Students enrolled in charter schools can now access these performing arts programs through their resident district (or a contiguous district), based on an agreement between the relevant boards. This provides fine arts access for students who may not have these programs available at their own school. (pp. 15–16)
More Extracurricular Access for Open-Enrolled Virtual Students (SF176)
Students who are open-enrolled and receive their instruction primarily online can now participate in co- and extracurricular activities offered by their district of residence, including band, choir, theater, and art shows. The key change is the participation cap: students can now take part in up to two such activities per academic term, rather than per school year as before. This gives virtual/online students more room to stay involved in fine arts programming throughout the year. (p. 28)
Exempt Absences for School-Sponsored Activities (SF2219)
Districts and accredited nonpublic schools must now adopt a policy granting students an exempt absence for participation in a school-sponsored activity, program, competition, or project. This directly covers events like band/choir/orchestra festivals, all-state auditions, theater/speech and debate competitions, and art show installations. The policy also guarantees students the ability to make up any classwork missed because of the absence. (p. 30)
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As you begin planning for this school year's professional learning, please know I am here to support you! As the Department's Fine Arts Education Program Consultant, I work with K-12 arts educators and administrators across Iowa schools and districts of every size, helping teams sustain and strengthen their fine arts programming. I would welcome the opportunity to serve as a thought partner as you shape your professional learning goals this year.
If you would like to schedule time to talk, brainstorm a session that fits your team, or just think out loud about what your team needs this year, email me at diana.hawley@iowa.gov. I'd love to hear from you!
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IOWinds Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to educating and inspiring young wind and brass musicians throughout Iowa. The organization’s programs include an annual festival, a Young Artist Competition, performing and teaching within school programs, and scholarships for Iowa wind and brass students.
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, we'll host WindFest 2026 at the University of Northern Iowa. This is a full day of masterclasses, chamber coachings, Q&A sessions, a parent session, and a final concert led by teaching artists from the UNI School of Music and beyond. WindFest also includes our Young Artist Competition (YAC), an optional competition open to all WindFest participants in grades 6–12. The YAC awards $6,000 in cash prizes across woodwind and brass divisions, with separate categories for 6th–8th, 9th–10th, and 11th–12th graders. Financial aid for WindFest is available for students. Full details and registration can be found at https://www.iowindsalliance.com/windfest. Questions? Contact lisaryoo@iowindsalliance.com.
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Dive into strategies for making your classroom more student-centered. Explore repertoire selection, performance design, and unit planning grounded in student voice and choice. Music Will’s Student Centered Learning and Instruction course is a free course (log-in required) that includes lesson plan units and templates, as well a Padlet where teachers from across the country can share ideas and get feedback. This course is a great way to gear up for the upcoming school year!
If you’re new to Music Will, check out the Getting Started with Music Will page for information on professional learning, special events, resources, and more.
Curriculum and instruction are local decisions within Iowa's requirements and are supported by recommended standards. Links to external opportunities or materials are provided for general awareness and do not constitute Department endorsement or recommendation.
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Keeping the Iowa fine arts education community informed and connected
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Iowa Communication Association 62nd Annual Conference | September 23-26, 2026 | Divine Word College, Epworth
Art Educators of Iowa 2026 Conference | October 2-3, 2026 | Hope+ELIM, Des Moines
IHSSA Coaches Convention | Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA) | October 9-10, 2026 | Gateway Hotel, Ames
IHSMA Marching Band: State Festival, North | Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) | October 10, 2026
IHSMA Marching Band: State Festival, South | Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA) | October 17, 2026
Iowa Thespian Festival | November 13-14, 2026 | University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls
Iowa Music Educators Association 2026 Professional Development Conference | November 19-21, 2026 | Iowa State Center, Ames
State Debate Tournament | Iowa High School Speech Association (IHSSA) | January 8-9, 2027 | DMACC, Ankeny
Know of an event, conference, or opportunity for Iowa fine arts educators? Send it to diana.hawley@iowa.gov to be included on The Iowa Arts Education Calendar.
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Diana Hawley, DMA
Education Program Consultant, Fine Arts
Bureau of Academic and Learner Supports
Iowa Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
400 E 14th St
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-371-0410
diana.hawley@iowa.gov
https://educate.iowa.gov
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