After a lengthy debate on the floor of the Iowa House of Representatives, lawmakers late Wednesday on party lines approved a bill that would reform social studies education in K-12 schools by making the curriculum mandatory.
invoice, house file 2544, social studies educators will decide which historical events need to be taught at each grade level. Supporters say Iowa lags behind in social studies and civics education. Opponents say the bill would overburden social studies classes and leave no time for deep learning about the subject.
The bill passed the Iowa House 58-37 with only Republican support, but three Republicans voted in favor. Brent Siegrist R-Council Bluffs. thomas jay moore, R-Griswold.and Chad IngelsRepublican Randalia — joined all Democrats in opposing the bill.
Republicans say the bill would require more education about American history and make Iowa, a state that underperforms in social studies and civics, more competitive.
“We must continue to teach our children the history of trials, tribulations, and triumphs to cherish and ensure the survival of this great United States of America,” the congressman said. brooke borden said R-Indiana.
Democrats say the bill requires too much to fit into K-12 education and that the goal of education is not to learn a set number of topics but instead to master the basics. The idea is to instill a lifelong love of learning.
“You can't cover everything in one year of schooling. In fact, you don't need to cover everything in K-12 education, because the goal of education is not to go through a list,” the lawmaker said. . eleanor levinThis was announced by the Democratic Party of Iowa City. “The goal of education is to inspire lifelong learners, just like we are surrounded by in this room.”
The bill would also require undergraduate students at colleges and universities administered by the Iowa Board of Regents to pass a civics exam. If a student fails an exam, he or she must take remedial classes until he or she passes.
The bill also prohibits universities from awarding credit for classes that require “civic or political activity.”
Iowa House passes bill to overhaul education standards
Iowa House of Representatives passed a bill requiring the Iowa Department of Education to complete a comprehensive review and make recommendations on curriculum standards and graduation requirements.
invoice, House file 2545The bill passed on a party-line vote of 61-33, with only Republicans supporting it.
House Republicans argued the bill was needed to address Iowa's educational lags nationwide.
“We can do better for Iowa students by not cutting, copying, and pasting a one-size-fits-all standard that isn't working in Iowa,” the congressman said. skyler wheeler R-Orange City said.
Democrats proposed amendments to the bill that would create a special committee to review the state standards and provide more stakeholder input on the process. The amendment was defeated using partisan technicalities.
“We need a real discussion with stakeholders, and not just comments from stakeholders like educators and administrators and people across Iowa,” the congressman said. Molly Buck D-Ankeny said. “If we’re going to rewrite content standards, I really think we need a more diverse and inclusive conference at the table.”
