Iowa lawmakers begin working on education reform

Work is under way on reforming Iowa's education system.

The House Education Committee took up the issue on Monday, with majority Republicans focusing on testing 11th graders and Democrats looking at literacy efforts for elementary students.

Committee Chairman Greg Forristall, a Republican from Macedonia, says Republicans will modify Gov. Terry Branstad's proposal to give all 11th graders college entrance tests. He says not all high school students go to college, and those who don't should be given other tests.

Rep. Sharon Steckman, a Mason City Democrat, says Democrats are leery of Branstad's proposal to hold back all third-graders who don't demonstrate reading competency. She also says Republicans aren't setting aside enough money for schools.