DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ Gov. Terry Branstad has signed an education reform bill
into law at a Des Moines high school.
Branstad chose the stage at the Des Moines North High School auditorium as the
location of the bill signing.
The education plan approved by the Legislature includes more basic school
funding for the next two academic years, as well as increased money for
districts that adopt a program to raise minimum teacher pay and offer leadership
incentives. A task force will review teacher evaluations and some restrictions
on home-schooling will be lifted.
Branstad made education reforms a priority of the legislative session, arguing
that Iowa’s public school system has gradually fallen from among the best in the
nation to middle of the pack due to years of complacency.
