The Iowa Senate

State of Iowa

Eighty-First General Assembly

STATEHOUSE

Des Moines, Iowa   50319

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                    Contact:  Kimberly Steenhoek

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006                                                                                                                                                  (515) 281-6571

 

Senate Republicans Push Package of Education Reforms

Measures Include Pay-for-Performance System for Teachers

 

DES MOINES – Senate Republicans said today they are pushing for a teacher pay-for-performance system as part of negotiations with the governor over comprehensive education reform.  Republican senators also said they are prepared to meet the governor’s request of $150 million to raise teacher pay as long as it is part of a comprehensive pay-for-performance strategy.

 

“There is widespread agreement over the need to improve Iowa’s schools so that our students are better prepared to compete in today’s global economy,” said Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson (R-Clarion).  “We’re pleased the governor is working with Senate Republicans on comprehensive reforms.”

 

The proposal calls for the creation of a pay-for-performance program offering incentives to both individual teachers as well as school districts for students’ progress in the classroom.  A commission made up of educators and individuals working in the private sector would design the program. 

 

“We believe that good teachers should be rewarded for their performance in the classroom, and this system will pay good teachers more,” said Senate Education Committee Co-Chair Paul McKinley (R-Chariton).  “A pay-for-performance system will not only help attract and retain qualified teachers, but also will provide more accountability in our schools.”

 

In addition to the pay-for-performance program, Senate Republicans are proposing the following initiatives:

 

  • Providing incentives to encourage school districts to share administrative services with other schools.  The legislation, SF 2221, was approved by the Senate Education Committee last week.  Republican senators said they want to see the measure included in any education reform package agreed to by lawmakers and the governor.

 

  • Measuring school year by hours instead of days.  The legislation, SSB 3065, would change the current 180-day requirement for Iowa’s school year to an equivalent number of hours.  Under the measure, partial days would not count as full days.  “Early dismissals would not cut into teaching time, resulting in more classroom instruction for students,” said McKinley.

 

  • Ensuring students in grades K-3 are mastering essential reading skills by the time they are in fourth grade.  The program would identify struggling readers; provide intensive reading intervention to correct problems; and ensure children can read at grade level before being promoted to fourth grade.

 

  • Providing salary incentives for educators in subject areas where teachers are in short supply, such as math and science.  The bill, SSB 3060, would encourage qualified teachers to stay in the classroom and teach in needed subject areas.

 

“Iowa needs comprehensive education reform based on high standards, qualified teachers and more accountability,” said Senate Co-President Jeff Lamberti (R-Ankeny).  “Senate Republicans are proposing meaningful reforms that will help Iowa maintain its national reputation for quality education.”

 

###