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On this page...
- Vision, Mission, Goals, Guiding Principles, & Strategic Plan
- Policy & Issue Information
- Student Member Application
The Iowa State Board of Education (the State Board) works with the Iowa Department of Education (the Department) to provide oversight, supervision, and support for the state education system that includes all public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies (AEAs), community colleges, and teacher preparation programs.
The duties of the State Board include:
- Establishes policies for the efficient and effective operation of education in Iowa, from early childhood education through community colleges
- Adopts rules for the enforcement of school laws
- Strives for higher levels of learning and achievement for all students
- Adopts long-range plans for the education system
- Acts as the State Board for Vocational Education and Vocational Rehabilitation
- Recommends changes in school laws to the General Assembly
- Adopts rules for accrediting public and nonpublic schools
- Hears appeals of local school board decisions
- Collaborates with other educational and non-educational bodies and organizations
- Approves the budgets of the community colleges and the area education agencies
- Approves educator preparation programs
Organization & Structure
The State Board of Education consists of ten members: nine voting members who are appointed by the governor for six-year terms and subject to Senate confirmation; and one nonvoting student member who serves a one-year term, also appointed by the governor. Click here for a list of the State Board of Education members.
Vision, Mission, Goals, Guiding Principles, & Strategic Plan
Vision:
Iowa students will become productive citizens in a democratic society, and successful participants in a global community.
Mission:
Our Mission is to champion excellence for all Iowa students through leadership and service.
Goals:
- All children will enter school ready to learn.
- All PK-12 students will achieve at a high level.
- Individuals will pursue postsecondary education in order to drive economic success.
Guiding Principles:
- All students can learn at a high level.
- Students respond best to challenging expectations.
- Safety and respect are essential to student learning.
- Educators need ongoing support and professional development to improve student achievement.
- Improving student performance requires a broad constituency of support.
- A quality education system is essential to a successful democracy, lifelong learning, and a vibrant economy.
Strategic Plan:
Meeting Calendar, Agendas & Minutes
2013
- January, 31, 2013 - Agenda - Minutes
- March 28, 2013 - Agenda - Minutes
- May 9, 2013 - Agenda
- June 4-5, 2013 - Agenda
- August 1, 2013
- September 26, 2013
- November 20, 2013
2012
- January 26, 2012 - Agenda - Minutes
- March 29, 2012 - Agenda - Minutes
- May 10, 2012 - Agenda - Minutes
- June 27-28, 2012 - Agenda - Minutes
- July 31, 2012 - Agenda - Minutes
- September 13, 2012 - Agenda - Minutes
- November 7, 2012 (Telephonic Meeting) - Agenda - Minutes
- November 14-15, 2012 - Agenda - Minutes
Policy & Issue Information
The State Board and the Department have developed clear and detailed priorities to guide their work. More Information
Student Member Application
Each year the Governor appoints a student to serve as a non-voting member of the State Board of Education. For more information, contact Jody Crane at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 515-281-5296.
Student Member Information and Application for the Iowa State Board of Education - Application deadline for the 2013-2014 school year is past.