Establishing a learning recovery task force

This bill establishes a learning recovery task force to evaluate the degree and types of learning losses students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through grade experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The task force shall study, identify, and recommend remedial measures, including but not limited to alterations in the school calendar, remedial classwork, special individualized tutoring, and further options as may seem justified and practical. The task force shall consult with education experts and stakeholders as appropriate. The task force shall consist of the director of the department of education or the director’s designee, who shall convene the organizational meeting, a member of the state board of education who shall be appointed by the chairperson of the board, and members appointed by the governor in consultation with the director of the department of education who shall include elementary, middle, and high school teachers; an elementary and a middle or high school principal; superintendents and school board members for large and small school districts; faculty members from the colleges or schools of education at the regents universities; the director of the Iowa reading research center or the director’s designee; the parents or guardians of students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels; and members of the general public. To the extent possible, members shall be selected to reflect geographic, racial, and ethnic diversity. Members other than the director of the department and the member of the state board of education shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel expenses. The department of education shall provide staffing services for the task force. Task force meetings and records are subject to the open meetings and open records laws. The task force shall submit its findings and recommendations, including recommendations for legislation or rulemaking, as necessary, in a report to the general assembly by December 30, 2021.