Highlights

Jointly Enrolled Students Reduce Time to Degree

Iowa high school students who enroll in community college coursework tend to be upperclassmen with higher ACT scores than their peers, according to a pair of reports released by the Iowa Department of Education. In addition, they graduate from college earlier than those who do not enroll in college coursework.

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Enrollment Projections Show Increase

Recently updated statewide enrollment projections show a slight increase in the number of kindergarten through 12th grade students from 2010-2011 to 2013-2014. Certified enrollment is for 2008-2009 is 477,019. In 2013-2014, that number is projected to increase to 487,440.

Projections also show a continued trend of increased enrollment in large suburban districts and a decrease in small rural districts.

Enrollment projections are based on trends observed in the number of students moving from grade to grade and birth rate trends.

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Number of AP Exams Taken in Iowa at an All Time High

More Iowa high school students took Advanced Placement (AP) exams than ever before according to a report released today by the College Board, which administers the AP program. For the 2007-2008 school year, 7,798 high school students took a total of 11,786 exams, which is the highest number of exams and students taking exams ever reported in Iowa. In addition, the graduating Class of 2008 did well on the test and had more class members take the exam than previous classes.

 Number of AP Exams Taken in Iowa at an All Time High

Jeffrey on Iowa Journal

Iowa Department of Education Director Judy Jeffrey talks about how the Iowa Core Curriculum delivers a world-class education here in Iowa. As a guest on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Journal,” Jeffrey explains how the Iowa Core Curriculum is designed to improve achievement of all students, preparing them for the world of work and citizenship.

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State R&D School Recommendation

Two committees have reported their findings and recommendations to the Iowa General Assembly for a state research and development school. The two committees were formed as a result of last year's legislative session. The recommendations include expanding the Malcolm Price Laboratory School at the University of Northern Iowa for this purpose.

 State R&D School Recommendation

 Research and Development Report - complete recommendations and findings