Senate approves changes to K–12 endorsement rules, sets degree floor for certain endorsements

Senators voted to pass House File 27‑24 after adopting an amendment that conforms Senate File 22‑21 to the House version and expands required endorsements for K–12 instruction.

Senator Evans described the bill as directing the Board of Educational Examiners to establish additional endorsements for fine arts, mathematics and science and said the amendment conforms the senate file to House File 27‑24. "Those additional endorsements include K–12 instructional strategist too," Evans said, and noted degree requirements tied to endorsements.

Senator Kornbach questioned whether the measure would permit certification for math, science or fine‑arts instruction based only on a bachelor's degree in any field. "Why would we even let someone in the door who doesn't have any training at all in science or mathematics?" Kornbach asked, warning that it could "undermine[] the quality of Iowa education."

Evans replied that the change would allow a bachelor's degree to be the floor for endorsement eligibility and that "it would be up to the school district to make a decision on whether we want to hire them or not." The amendment was adopted, the Senate ordered a substitution to House File 27‑24 and the Senate passed the substituted bill (roll-call reported 30 ayes, 16 nays).

Senator Evans subsequently asked unanimous consent to withdraw Senate File 22‑21; consent was granted. The passage was messaged to the House.