Research shows that all of these factors influence how students achieve in school. While there are many districts in Iowa that are moving quickly to improve, many Iowa school districts lack the expertise to put proven methods for raising student achievement into practice in the classroom. Many changes in education by educators, school boards and public policy makers to date have been fragmented, not comprehensive changes that increase student achievement. Public support for public schools is waning, resulting in less funding, and in calls for reforms such as tuition tax credits, charter schools and highly prescriptive mandates that do little to help students learn. All children are learning challenging content.
Education is personally rewarding and challenging for all involved.
Parents are actively involved in their child's education. Teachers and administrators have the knowledge and skills they need to help all students succeed. All schools have access to the financial and technical resources they need. Iowa citizens understand and support their public schools. IASB's Role Fulfilling the promise of public education is Iowa's challenge, not just that of school board members.