Lawmakers see little consensus over education

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Key parts of Gov. Terry Branstad's plan to overhaul Iowa's schools appear to be in deep trouble as lawmakers begin crafting their response to his proposal.

Lawmakers of both parties are raising questions about Branstad's proposed testing requirement for 11th graders, and his plan to ensure third graders meet certain criteria before being moved up to the next grade.

There seems to be little consensus in the Legislature about education issues. That was underscored Wednesday when the Senate Education Committee approved a plan giving local schools an extra $122 million for the 2013-2014 school year, but Republicans who hold a majority in the House say they won't approve such a plan.

They intend to stick by a two-year budget approved last year.