Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds released a robust plan this week to improve Iowa schools. 

One of the proposals put forth by the Branstad administration would create two pathways for online learning in schools across the state.  The first pathway would allow districts to engage directly with service providers.  Choosing this option would require the districts to undertake the responsibility of ensuring the courses offered by the provider meet the state's quality standards.

The second method would expand the existing Iowa Learning Online (ILO) to "serve as a statewide clearinghouse for quality online content that meets Iowa quality standards." This would allow districts to purchase courses from ILO.  All of the courses provided by ILO would meet the state standards. 

Another major piece of the Branstad administration's education policy would give the State Board of Education the authority to approve charter applications from universities, community colleges and nonprofit organizations, as well as collaborative efforts of all these groups.  This would be a far cry from the state's current charter school law, which allows only existing school districts to establish charter schools.

Additional changes included in the proposed education plan would give school districts greater flexibility in meeting state requirements, in an effort to encourage districts to introduce more innovative ideas to improve learning.   Under this change, school districts would have the same flexibility as charter schools.

To achieve this, the director of the Department of Education would be given the authority to waive compliance with rule or statute for schools wishing to use an innovative approach that isn't currently allowed. The director would have Department staff set guidelines for what sort of waivers would be considered.

"We all share a common goal of giving our students a first-rate education," Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a January 6^th release announcing the plan. "We look forward to engaging Iowans in this ongoing discussion as we work together to find the best solutions for our state."

The National Coalition of Public School Options applauds the Branstad administration for taking the steps to ensure all students in the Hawkeye State are given their chance for an adequate education.  Hopefully the state's legislature follows suit and enacts legislation to provide students with the educational options they deserve.