ARC 0651D

ARC 0651D

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT[281]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to standards for practitioner and administrator preparation programs and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The State Board of Education hereby proposes to amend Chapter 79, “Standards for Practitioner and Administrator Preparation Programs,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code sections 256.7 and 256.16.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code section 256.16.

Purpose and Summary

    This proposed rulemaking removes surplus language and provides greater detail on preparing future teachers to deliver instruction consistent with the science of reading and evidence-based instruction in mathematics. The Department of Education published a Regulatory Analysis, the public comment period of which closed on August 25, 2026.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on August 5, 2026. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   August 25, 2026

Fiscal Impact

     This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

    After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the State Board for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 7—Chapter 2504.

Public Comment

     Any interested person may submit written or oral comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the State Board no later than 4:30 p.m. on November 3, 2026. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

     A public hearing at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows:

    Persons who wish to make oral comments at the public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking.

     Any persons who intend to attend the public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the State Board and advise of specific needs.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Adopt the following new definition of “Literacy changes lives: Iowa literacy competencies for preservice educators,” in rule 281—79.2(256):

    “Literacy changes lives: Iowa literacy competencies for preservice educators” means the department’s tool with specific requirements for all teacher candidates and those candidates in specified endorsement areas listed on the department website (educate.iowa.gov) that was most recently updated by the department on [the effective date of this rulemaking].

    ITEM 2.  Rescind subrule 79.15(3) and adopt the following new subrule in lieu thereof:

    79.15(3) Literacy instruction and practical application include all of the following:

    a.  All teacher candidates demonstrate competency in:

    (1)  Literacy, including reading theory, knowledge, and evidence-based reading strategies and approaches, and integrating literacy instruction into content areas.

    (2)  Direct and explicit strategies and systematic and sequential approaches to teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and text comprehension.

    (3)  Responsive teaching and making appropriate accommodations for students who struggle with literacy. Demonstrated competency shall address the needs of all students, including those listed in Iowa Code section 256.16(1)“a.”

Preparation shall not include instruction or practical application on teaching foundational reading that incorporates the three-cueing system.

    b.  Each educator preparation program will adopt literacy curriculum for teacher candidates in specified endorsement areas, listed on the department website (educate.iowa.gov) that include evidence-based reading instruction, determined by research, including those practices identified within the statewide literacy plan, and detailed in literacy changes lives: Iowa literacy competencies for preservice educators.

    ITEM 3.  Renumber subrules 79.15(4) to 79.15(5) as 79.15(5) to 79.15(6).

    ITEM 4.  Adopt the following new subrule  79.15(4):

    79.15(4) Mathematics instruction and practical application include all of the following:

    a.  All teacher candidates demonstrate competency in:

    (1)  Assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation of student learning in mathematics.

    (2)  Current, research-based instructional methods in mathematical processes, including:

    1.  Systemic and sequential instruction in mathematical progressions.

    2.  Conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and application.

    3.  Use of high-quality instructional materials aligned to Iowa’s academic standards.

    4.  Leveraging multiple numerical models, benchmark numbers, and diverse representations across all grade levels.

    5.  Differentiated instruction and responsive teaching, including small-group interventions and intensive interventions for students who are persistently at risk in mathematics.

    (3)  Appropriate integration of technology in teaching and student learning in mathematics.

    (4)  Classroom management applied to mathematics methods, including fostering productive struggle and mathematical discourse.

    b.  Each educator preparation program will adopt mathematics curriculum for teacher candidates in specified endorsement areas, listed on the department website (educate.iowa.gov) that include evidence-based mathematics instruction and that are detailed in the mathematics teacher preparation workbook, most recently published on [the effective date of this rulemaking].