Today’s competitive world marketplace requires our workers to excel in math, reading, science, and other disciplines. The Council supports changes in the delivery of Iowa’s Pre-K – 16 education system that will:

• drive administrative efficiency
• spur student and teacher development in key subject areas
• enhance a quality, lifelong learning experience

In turn, sustainable funding resources must be established for other value-added areas such as:

• professional development
• teacher compensation
• reductions in student tuition
• certified early childhood education for all children

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Access to quality early childhood education should be available to parents of all Iowa children. Participation by 4-and 5-year-olds in these programs should be voluntary, with certifiable standards in place statewide for all publicly-funded and privately-based providers.

Ultimately, a strong early childhood education system in Iowa will have a positive impact on workforce quality, reliability, and availability. The result is a more productive adult employee and dedicated citizen who misses work less frequently, gets involved with community and charitable activities, and supports the local tax base.

The Council has recently sponsored early childhood conferences and a summit to spur dialogue and encourage action. Due in part to significant appropriations made by the Iowa General Assembly in recent years, a measurable improvement in early childhood education is under way.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM)

The Council collaborates with organizations throughout Iowa to generate new interest and create enthusiasm among teachers and students for STEM-oriented curricula and related careers. This is a critically important issue to the future growth and prosperity of the state’s economy. The ultimate goal is for Iowa to be recognized as the premier state in valuing and delivering a quality education relating to STEM.

HIGHER EDUCATION

A strong higher education system is critical to Iowa businesses because our colleges and universities supply the intellectual capital and innovative capacity necessary for a vibrant knowledge-based economy.

TEACHER EDUCATION LOAN FORGIVENESS

The Council seeks to encourage students graduating from Iowa colleges and universities with education degrees to pursue teaching careers in the state by implementing a meaningful loan forgiveness program targeted at areas of need, such as:

• early childhood education
• science
• technology
• engineering
• mathematics