Bold action needed on Iowa school reform, Branstad says

Gov. Terry Branstad is urging lawmakers to take bold action when they tackle his plan to reform Iowa's education system.

The governor says the state has been complacent too long on education, and that's led to falling test scores and failing schools. His plan calls for more testing for students and tougher evaluations for teachers.

Branstad spoke Monday at his weekly news conference.

The House is scheduled to begin debate the school reform package Tuesday. Republicans, who hold a House majority, have crafted a package similar to Branstad's plan.

Teachers union head Mary Jane Cobb held a separate news conference, where she noted teachers see Branstad's plan as a mixed bag. She says teachers largely oppose plans to hold back third graders who don't pass reading tests.