Ragan Report

Investing in student achievement is paying off

Students and teachers are heading back to Iowa classrooms for the new school year this month. When they do, the education reforms we have approved over the last couple of years will make a big difference in their experience, as schools put their best teachers in leadership roles, and boost science, math and technology programs.

Our investments in student achievement are paying off. Iowa moved up to 13th in the country for education (from 15th last year) in the latest Kids Count data. More youngsters are going to preschool, the percentage of Iowa kids proficient in reading and math is on the rise, and more high school students are graduating on time.

This year, we continued our progress to boost student achievement in Iowa’s K-12 schools by:

• Investing an additional $87 million in educational opportunities at all levels.

• Improving student reading skills, including addressing dyslexia and assisting teachers to increase literacy.

• Helping K-3 students who are falling behind gain strong reading skills through intensive literacy programs.

• Recruiting the next generation of great Iowa teachers by providing additional funding for the Teach Iowa Scholars initiative.

• Supporting a teacher-leadership effort in which Iowa’s most effective educators work with new teachers and mentor those looking to improve their classroom results.

• Extending incentives for school districts that work together to improve opportunities for students.

Educating Iowa’s future workforce is a smart investment when the state budget is in such good shape. State Auditor Mary Mosiman’s recent review of state finances confirmed that the Legislature has put together a sustainable budget based on sound principles. Our approach has given us a healthy surplus, even while we implement major education reforms and other initiatives to grow our middle class.

We are committed to keeping Iowa’s finances in good shape while also expanding educational opportunities, raising student achievement and ensuring our children are prepared for a global, knowledge-based economy. 

Additional information

This is a legislative column by Senator Amanda Ragan, representing Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties. For newsletters, photos and further information, go to www.senate.iowa.gov/senator/ragan.

To contact Senator Ragan during the week, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise she can be reached at home at 641-424-0874. E-mail her at amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.