Des Moines Register Staff Blogs » Education

Changes possible for Valley Scholars program

Mary Stegmeir — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 03:15:21 +0000

A program designed to recognize Valley High School students who excel in a particular academic area may soon see some changes. West Des Moines school board members directed district officials Monday to continue to review the qualifications of the Valley Scholars designation. The honor is bestowed to students who take the most rigorous courses offered […]

Iowa teachers say more must be done for families in poverty

Mary Stegmeir — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 19:08:09 +0000

Iowa educators said Monday that more must be done to help families in need. Children from poverty are more likely than their middle and upper class peers to struggle academically, and the state’s growing rate of childhood poverty undermines school-based efforts to increase learning, said Andrew Rasmussen, president of the Des Moines Education Association. In […]

Callanan Middle School briefly locked down after report of gun

Jens Manuel Krogstad — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 21:03:37 +0000

Callanan Middle School in Des Moines was locked down for about 15 minutes this afternoon after a student reportedly lifted his shirt to show a handgun to two students, officials said. No weapon was found on the student, and police are searching the school, said district spokesman Phil Roeder. Two nearby schools that serve students […]

Regents approve U of I law school tuition cut for Iowa residents

Jens Manuel Krogstad — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 21:46:48 +0000

University of Iowa law school tuition for Iowa residents will be reduced by several thousand dollars in fall 2014, under a plan approved Wednesday by the Iowa Board of Regents. The move reverses a tuition increase for Iowa law students proposed in October. The original plan cut tuition for non-Iowans by 16 percent, from $47,252 to $39,500. […]

Polk County grant approved for Drake archives construction

Jens Manuel Krogstad — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 21:30:38 +0000

A $450,000 grant approved Tuesday by the Polk County Board of Supervisors will pay for construction at the Drake University Archives, which will one day house documents and memorabilia from retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin. The papers of a prominent Iowa Republican are already at the archives. Staff are in the process of digitizing the personal papers and […]

Superintendent of Iowa schools for deaf and blind to retire

Jens Manuel Krogstad — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 19:14:54 +0000

The superintendent of Iowa’s schools for the deaf and blind plans to retire by June 30, 2014, documents show. Patrick Clancy was chosen to lead the Iowa School for the Deaf in 2012 after the previous superintendent left for another job. The Iowa Board of Regents, which governs both schools, appointed him by unanimous vote. […]

Johnston school board will hear proposals from firms for superintendent search

Grant Rodgers — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 17:15:25 +0000

Johnston school board members will hear proposals tonight from three search firms hoping to guide the district as it seeks to hire a new superintendent. The board is beginning a search to hire a new superintendent after Superintendent Clay Guthmiller announced his retirement in a meeting in October. Guthmiller, 62, has served as the district’s superintendent since […]

Woman who inspired ABC’s ‘Scandal’ to speak at Iowa State University

Jens Manuel Krogstad — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:53:16 +0000

The woman who inspired the character of Olivia Pope on ABC’s “Scandal” is scheduled speak at Iowa State University on Dec. 9. Judy Smith, co-executive producer of the TV series about a woman who manages crises, will talk about a career that has included a stint as deputy press secretary for President George H.W. Bush. […]

Documentary addressing race, education to be screened in Des Moines

Mary Stegmeir — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:46:56 +0000

“American Promise” — an award-winning documentary that addresses race and education — will be screened next month in Des Moines. The movie will be shown at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Fleur Cinema, 4545 Fleur Drive, Des Moines. A panel discussion featuring local educators and students is scheduled between the two […]

Creation of statewide suicide prevention center discussed by Iowa task force

Mary Stegmeir — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 20:15:42 +0000

A statewide suicide prevention center being considered by an Iowa task force would help at-risk youth and their advocates, members say. Other recommendations from the group focus on educating school staff to identify and respond to warning signs that a student may hurt himself. The value of that vital training, however, would be limited without […]

West Des Moines school board praises efforts to increase AP access

Mary Stegmeir — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 12:54:05 +0000

Efforts in the West Des Moines school district to increase student participation in Advanced Placement classes are paying off, according to a recent report. The district was one of five Iowa school systems included in the Fourth Annual AP District Honor Roll. The Waukee school district also make the list. Schools included “simultaneously increased access […]

West Des Moines school board approves purchase of new school buses

Mary Stegmeir — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 03:00:39 +0000

The West Des Moines school board approved Monday the purchase of five new school buses from a Waterloo-based vendor. The purchase will be finalized in August and will cost $502,531. The new vehicles will replace existing district buses that have been used for 11 to 13 years. One of the buses will be equipped to […]

Education officials request more state money for early literacy

Mary Stegmeir — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 21:57:14 +0000

Leaders with the Iowa Department of Education want to see more state money devoted to early literacy. A proposed budget submitted Monday to Gov. Terry Branstad asked for an additional $16.2 million — $10.2 million of which would be used to help schools increase the number of students reading proficiently by the end of third […]

Des Moines educator honored by state teachers union

Mary Stegmeir — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 17:50:48 +0000

Heather Anderson, a teacher at Cowles Montessori School, was recently presented with the Excellence in Education Award by the Iowa State Education Association. Now in its 14th year, the award recognizes teachers who have made a difference in the lives of their students. Anderson has a particular passion for science and fitness, according to a […]

West Des Moines, Waukee schools honored for boosting AP participation

Mary Stegmeir — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 16:52:28 +0000

Efforts in the West Des Moines school district to increase student participation in Advanced Placement classes are paying off, according to a recent report. The district was one of five Iowa school systems included in the Fourth Annual AP District Honor Roll. Schools listed in the report ”simultaneously achieved increased access to AP courses … […]

WDM school district to begin strategic planning process

Mary Stegmeir — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 19:56:23 +0000

The West Des Moines school district will kick off its strategic planning process next week. Over the next few months, members of the school board and district leaders will work together to set goals for the future. The first meeting will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Learning Resource Center, 3550 […]

State education leaders offer suggestions for student tests

Mary Stegmeir — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 19:20:13 +0000

State school leaders said Thursday that the Iowa Department of Education should have direct authority over development of any new tests for students. The position statement was delivered to Gov. Terry Branstad by executive leaders with the School Administrators of Iowa, a group composed of more than 190 superintendents and other education leaders. Iowa’s 2013 […]

$1.7 million renovation planned at Merrill Middle School

Mary Stegmeir — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 16:58:55 +0000

Security upgrades, three new classrooms and an elevator are among improvements planned at Merrill Middle School. The Des Moines school board approved Tuesday a $1.7 million renovation project at the west-side school. Construction will begin in March. The project will be paid for using proceeds from the statewide penny sales tax. Work is scheduled to […]

Iowa schools tackle achievement gap

Mary Stegmeir — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 15:50:19 +0000

Six Iowa schools were honored by the state Board of Education on Wednesday for significant progress in closing gaps in student achievement. Recipients of the Breaking Barriers to Teaching and Learning Award were recognized for having the highest proficiency rates statewide in math and reading among specific student groups. Data from three years were examined […]

New rules proposed to boost reading achievement among Iowa students

Mary Stegmeir — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 20:09:19 +0000

Only the nation’s top reading materials would be allowed in Iowa’s classrooms under a rule being considered by the State Board of Education. The proposal comes in response to last year’s education reform bill. That legislation included $8 million aimed at increasing the number of students reading proficiently by the end of third grade — […]

State report shows inconsistencies in reading instruction

Mary Stegmeir — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 18:36:28 +0000

A study released today shows inconsistencies in how school districts across the state teach reading, a possible factor contributing to Iowa’s stagnant scores. Nearly one in four of the state’s public third-grade students — or 8,706 children — are not proficient in reading, according to Iowa Assessment data. National reading results for Iowa fourth- and […]

Des Moines teachers seek information about early retirement

Mary Stegmeir — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 04:02:18 +0000

Des Moines teachers asked school board members Tuesday to provide more information to staff about the future of the district’s early retirement program. Although the benefit will be offered in 2013-14, employees said they want to know whether the board plans to discontinue or change the program in subsequent years. Early retirement plans have historically […]

Regional forum today on early childhood education

Mary Stegmeir — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 13:56:33 +0000

The status of the Midwest’s youngest children and the early education opportunities available to them will be discussed today during a meeting in Des Moines. The inaugural Heartland Child Policy Forum will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the city’s Botanical Garden. One item of discussion will be U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin’s Strong […]

Support for students a crucial part of proposed change to WDM math requirements

Mary Stegmeir — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 02:35:28 +0000

Support for struggling students is key to a West Des Moines school district plan to increase high school graduation requirements. Board members are considering a proposal that would require students to pass courses in algebra II and geometry in order to receive a diploma. If approved, the district would create so-called “developmental” algebra, algebra II […]

North High named Apple Distinguished School

Mary Stegmeir — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 20:08:44 +0000

North High School in Des Moines has been recognized as a Distinguished School by Apple for its efforts to make technology available to students. Every student at the school is issued an iPad tablet computer. The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for programs that demonstrate innovation, leadership and educational excellence, according to a news […]

Sixteen Des Moines students recognized as AP National Scholars

Mary Stegmeir — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 18:25:08 +0000

Sixteen Des Moines students were recently recognized as AP National Scholars, according to a district news release. To earn the prestigious award, a student must take eight or more AP exams and receive a score of 4 or higher on each 5-point exam. Recipients from the 2012-13 school year include graduates as well as current […]

Live coverage from federal education forum at UNI

Des Moines Register — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 17:51:42 +0000

The University of Northern Iowa today is hosting a public forum on the development of a new college rating system. The U.S. Department of Education is holding forums in California, Virginia, Iowa and Louisiana to gather the public’s input on a new rating system for America’s colleges and universities. This rating system, sought by President Barack Obama, is meant to measure college performance so […]

20K sign a petition to end ISU course that university says doesn’t exist

Donnelle Eller — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 20:18:55 +0000

Nearly 20,000 people have signed an online petition in less than a month asking Iowa State University and a professor of veterinary medicine to end what it says is “an 11-part course that encourages the proliferation of commercial dog breeders” — or puppy mills. “It is unconscionable that these institutions would facilitate the breeding of […]

Buck: ‘Bright spots’ found in state’s math, reading scores

Mary Stegmeir — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 15:44:21 +0000

Math and reading scores of Iowa students showed improvement from 2011 to 2013 and beat the national average, according to test results released today. Long-term trends, however, indicate stagnation. Fourth- and eighth-grade reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress increased by three points and four points, respectively. Fourth-grade math scores saw a three-point […]

No budget cuts projected for Des Moines schools in 2014-15

Mary Stegmeir — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 02:27:47 +0000

No cuts will be needed to balance Des Moines Public School’s 2014-15 budget, according to district leaders. Some programs could even be added or expanded, officials said at Tuesday’s board meeting. If estimates hold true, the school system will experience back-to-back years with revenues outpacing expenditures. More detailed budget projections will be made available prior […]

All Iowa districts apply for teacher leadership planning grants

Mary Stegmeir — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 20:14:09 +0000

All 346 Iowa school districts have applied for planning grants to support the local development of teacher leadership and compensation systems, according to officials with the state Department of Education. The new initiative is aimed at improving student achievement by investing in teacher mentoring and job-embedded professional development. Districts are not required to participate in […]

Cellular giant to award schools $500K for improvement projects

Marco Santana — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 21:33:46 +0000

U.S. Cellular will hand out a total of $500,000 to 20 schools across the country for projects related to school improvement, the cellular giant’s spokesman said Monday. Spokesman Kevin Schuster said in a release that the program, which started in 2008, has awarded $4 million to 56 schools. That number includes eight schools in Iowa, […]

Some students question promptness of ISU alert after shooting on campus

Jens Manuel Krogstad — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 20:50:28 +0000

AMES, Ia. – An alert about shots fired on the Iowa State University campus was sent to students and staff at 10:51 a.m., ISU officials said. The alert was sent on the advice of ISU police; it was sent via email, text and voice messaging, officials said. Some students said they should have been notified […]

Youth have the power to reverse bullying in Iowa, experts say

Mary Stegmeir — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 18:08:29 +0000

Iowa’s youth can reduce bullying by changing the culture in their schools and communities, national experts said Monday at the state’s second-annual bullying prevention summit. Fifty-seven percent of respondents to the 2012 Iowa Youth Survey reported having been bullied in the 30 days prior to the poll, up from 51.5 percent in 2005. Speakers at […]

Police: Suspect in Ames chase is dead

Des Moines Register — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:58:50 +0000

4:35 p.m. – Ames police in a press conference said the suspect in the chase that ended on the Iowa State University campus this morning has died. The suspect stole his father’s truck shortly after 10 a.m. today. Police spotted the vehicle and a chase ensued. The suspect drove the truck onto the ISU campus, […]

Texting service expanded at state’s bullying prevention hotline

Mary Stegmeir — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 15:39:46 +0000

Services offered by a state-funded hotline for Iowans struggling with bullying or suicidal thoughts have been expanded, Gov. Terry Branstad announced this morning at his second-annual bullying prevention summit in Des Moines. Individuals dealing with those issues can now text operators at Your Life Iowa from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Previously, that service was […]

Preschool Palooza to introduce families to early education opportunities

Mary Stegmeir — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 16:13:30 +0000

West Des Moines Community Education will host the district’s inaugural Preschool Palooza from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 9 at Hillside Elementary School, 713 Eighth St. The free event offers fun and educational activities for children ages 2 to 6 and their families. Parents will also have access to information about the district’s preschool and […]

Four Iowa schools receive STEM grants

Mary Stegmeir — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 20:39:42 +0000

The Governor’s STEM Advisory Council announced Wednesday that four Iowa schools will receive $50,000 grants to bolster science, technology, engineering and math instruction. Recipients are Hoover High School in Des Moines, Mount Pleasant Middle School, Sioux Center High School and the Davenport school district. Each recipient will match the state’s contribution. Implementation will begin in […]

New governance model may be ahead for Hillside Elementary

Mary Stegmeir — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 01:31:59 +0000

A new governance model may soon be adopted at a West Des Moines school. Hillside Elementary School is in its fifth year designated as a “school in need of assistance” under the federal No Child Left Behind act. The school was flagged because too few students were reading at grade level. Under the law, Hillside […]

Grinnell Prize winners and events announced

Jens Manuel Krogstad — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 19:16:07 +0000

Grinnell College has awarded its annual $100,000 prize to several young innovators in social justice. Recipients of the Grinnell Prize are: Emily Arnold-Fernández of Asylum Access, a group that works on refugee rights; and Elizabeth Scharpf and Julian Ingabire Kayibanda of Sustainable Health Enterprises. The organization has launched the SHE28 campaign to give girls and […]

Branstad: Would ‘love’ to freeze college tuition again

Jens Manuel Krogstad — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 19:35:18 +0000

IOWA CITY, Ia. – Gov. Terry Branstad said Thursday he’d “love” to see tuition frozen for undergraduate Iowans at the state’s universities. The governor cautioned he’d need to first see December’s annual budget estimate and consider funding requests from other state agencies, before he could recommend a second consecutive year of no tuition increases. Branstad […]

Eighteen Iowans to serve on student assessment task force

Mary Stegmeir — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 19:17:43 +0000

Eighteen Iowans will serve on a task force directed to recommend new state tests for students in K-12 schools, according to the Iowa Department of Education. The group was established by lawmakers last spring. According to the legislation, the exams must align with the Iowa Core, statewide academic standards that list what students should know […]

Renovations will be on display at two area schools

Mary Stegmeir — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 20:10:47 +0000

Two elementary schools in the Des Moines school district are holding open houses to celebrate recently completed renovations. Jefferson Elementary School, 2425 Watrous Ave., will open its doors from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. A $5.7 million project at the school included the addition of three new classrooms and other improvements. Another celebration is planned […]

Valley Winter Warmth Drive starts Monday

Mary Stegmeir — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 15:08:51 +0000

The Valley Winter Warmth Drive kicks off Monday in West Des Moines. Community members are encouraged to drop off gently-used or new winter clothing at Valley High School, 3650 Woodland Ave. Donations boxes will be located near all school entrances, as well as in the front office. Items needed include coats, hats, mittens and scarves […]

Expert: Graduation rates not a good measure of university performance

Jens Manuel Krogstad — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:16:24 +0000

A higher education expert warned an Iowa Board of Regents task force against using graduation rates to determine university funding. The task force, over the next eight months, will study what metrics should be used to measure performance at Iowa’s public universities. The first meeting was Friday. Performance measures could be used by the Iowa […]

Maquoketa educator selected as Iowa Teacher of the Year

Mary Stegmeir — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:41:48 +0000

Jane Schmidt’s expectations for her students — and herself — can be summed up in three words: Never quit learning. That simple philosophy, paired with the belief that success is possible for all children, has helped brighten the futures of countless students in the Maquoketa school district over the past 25 years. Schmidt, 59, now […]

Regents to study university performance-based funding

Jens Manuel Krogstad — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 19:03:04 +0000

Funding the state’s public universities based on performance will be examined by an Iowa Board of Regents task force on Friday. The task force will study how state dollars are awarded to Iowa’s universities, and determine what metrics should be used to measure performance. The regents board governs the state’s universities. Across the country, some […]

Branstad: State will control K-12 academic standards, tests

Mary Stegmeir — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 18:13:13 +0000

An executive order signed Wednesday by Gov. Terry Branstad says Iowa will maintain control over the state’s academic standards and tests for students in grades K through 12. Decisions regarding the adoption of any statewide tests and the content of the Iowa Core will not be determined by the federal government or any other organization, […]

Regents public hearings today and Friday

Jens Manuel Krogstad — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 15:00:21 +0000

The Iowa Board of Regents are holding public hearings at several locations across the state today and Friday. Iowa State University will host a public hearing at noon, Friday, in the Oak Room, Memorial Union. Members of the public are invited to comment on items scheduled for discussion at the next board meeting, scheduled for Oct. […]

Roosevelt chalkboard mementos on sale Saturday

Mary Stegmeir — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 19:56:38 +0000

The Roosevelt High School PTA will be selling pieces of the school’s original 1923 slate chalkboards Saturday. The fundraiser will run from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the West End Architectural Salvage coffee shop, 22 Ninth St., Des Moines. Proceeds will be used for school needs. Blackboards were removed from Roosevelt from 2009 to […]