Iowa Department of Education

The Department has extended its Credentials to Careers grant to support 17 more Iowa high schools with industry-recognized credential opportunities for students. These high-value opportunities will ensure students are well-prepared for further education, training or the workforce. #ChooseYourPathwayIA https://bit.ly/44ItqZy

Students at Ottumwa Community School District's Gateway High School took Director McKenzie Snow on a tour to share how the competency-based instruction and an engaging, supportive school environment is propelling them to and through graduation. Director Snow also met some of Gateway’s dedicated teachers and joined Superintendent McGrory, Principal Ruff, Rep. Wilz, Rep. Austin Harris, Senator Westrich, and leaders from Indian Hills Community College, iJAG (Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates), Ottumwa Job Corps to discuss how to grow and replicate best practices in credit recovery and innovative school models. #BridgingtheGapIA #ChooseYourPathwayIA

The Iowa Department of Education and University of Iowa’s College of Education have announced Shawn Datchuk as the next director of the Iowa Reading Research Center. https://bit.ly/3ywH2La Iowa Reading Research Center

May is School Board Recognition Month! Thank you to all of the school board members in districts across the state who are helping shape education in Iowa.

ICYMI: See how Des Moines Public Schools River Woods Elementary and St. Paul the Apostle in Dubuque are using LETRS trainings to learn more about the Science of Reading. https://lnkd.in/gSyX4WRQ #LiteracyChangesLivesIA

The Department-sponsored LETRS training is receiving positive feedback from Iowa teachers. See the results and learn how your school can sign up for the next training cohort. https://lnkd.in/g98S-89E #LiteracyChangesLivesIA

Director McKenzie Snow along with Department team members Amy Gieseke and Heather Meissen joined Iowa Valley Community College District President Howsare Boyens and the Ellsworth community in celebrating commencement last week. Future elementary educator Reagan Goodell delivered the commencement, and scholastic and service award recipients were honored. Congratulations to Ellsworth graduates and all graduates across Iowa for your many accomplishments! 

Don’t miss this learning opportunity! Registration for the 2024 Iowa Science of Reading Summit closes on May 29. This two-day summit will feature seven workshop tracks featuring the latest on literacy instruction. https://lnkd.in/gzyYUU34 #LiteracyChangesLivesIA

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If a student or loved one needs support, contact Your Life Iowa, a 24/7 anonymous lifeline for Iowans who are struggling with mental health, suicide or addiction. Call 855-581-8111 or visit yourlifeiowa.org.

With Lt. Governor Adam Gregg, Director Snow joined North Iowa Area Community College President Schultz and incoming President Pederson to celebrate the ribbon cutting for a new regional center in Charles City. The center was supported by a $1M grant through the Department’s Career Academy Incentive Fund to serve students in seven school districts in advanced manufacturing, construction, health care and IT careers. Congratulations to all center partners! #ChooseYourPathwayIA