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Iowa State Board of Education

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

The State Board and the Department review progress toward the goals in their strategic plan each year at an annual retreat. For more information, contact Gail Sullivan, Chief of Staff, 515-281-5296.

Vision:
Iowa students will become productive citizens in a democratic society, and successful participants in a global community.

Mission:
Champion excellence for all Iowa students through leadership and service.

Goals:

  • All children will enter school ready to learn.
  • All K -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:

2009 Strategic Plan 2009 Strategic Plan (2009-01-27)

2008 Annual Update on the Strategic Plan 2008 Annual Update on the Strategic Plan (2009-01-27)

 

Meeting Calendar, Agendas & Minutes

2010

  • January 13
  • March 11
  • May 13
  • June 23-24
  • July 27
  • September 16
  • November 17-18

2009

2009


2008

2008

2007
2006
2005

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, visit the link below or contact Carol Greta at 515-281-8661.

icon Student Member Information and Application for the Iowa State Board of Education