Iowa’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services program is being restructured under Iowa Workforce Development — a move state leaders say improves efficiency, but staff warn could weaken services for Iowans with disabilities. Some educators, meanwhile, say the changes are helping students find jobs faster and gain real-world experience.
A task force is charged with making any recommendations for further changes to Iowa’s Area Education Agencies after a new state law went into effect this year.
The positions were created by the new, Republican-approved Iowa law that overhauled the operations and funding of the state’s nine Area Education Agencies
A classroom at Prairie High School has been transformed into a simulated workplace to help students with disabilities or other barriers to employment after high school. Participants get to explore 275 jobs in the five career areas.
Among the new initiatives in next year’s budget are increased salaries for judges, funding for a new state Division of Special Education, and funding to increase accessibility at Iowa’s state parks.
Also in the Capitol Notebook: The Iowa House approved legislation that would increase penalties for fentanyl-related deaths.
Special education advocates call it an ‘improvement,’ but say changes are still needed.
Democrats argue Republicans are intentionally underfunding education in Iowa, noting the state has a nearly $2 billion general fund budget surplus, full cash reserves and a Taxpayer Relief Fund projected to total nearly $3.4 billion by the end of next fiscal year.
Local families inspired to home school during pandemic continue homeschooling today
Cedar Rapids schools coaching special education teachers in changes required under U.S. Department of Justice Settlement
More services needed as number of students entitled to special education increases in Marion Independent schools.
Institutions across Eastern Iowa are evolving their definition of inclusivity with new and established programming that brings sensory needs to the forefront.
An investigation into the use of seclusion rooms in Cedar Rapids schools was launched in 2017 after a complaint was made on behalf of a student at Pierce Elementary.
Instances of seclusion and restraint went from 1,400 during the 2018-2019 school year to 69 in 2020-2021, progress leaders attribute to a “culture shift.”
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