Administrative Rules describe the details of how a law will be implemented and include policies, procedures and practices. Once approved, rules become part of Iowa law and are then known as administrative code. In Iowa, the public can participate in the rule-making process by submitting comments on proposed rules, attending the public comment hearing, and speaking at the legislative review hearings.
DDIA has helped change three sets of administrative rules to better address dyslexia:
Reading Endorsement Rules
Drafted by: Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
Finalized: July 2016
Summary: Requires teachers who receive any Iowa reading endorsement (K-8, 5-12, Reading Specialist) to have knowledge of dyslexia, including signs and symptoms, appropriate interventions, assistive technology, and accommodations. The rules also state that teachers must understand phonological awareness, sound-symbol association, syllable types, morphology, syntax and semantics, and the relationship of these to reading development and effective instruction.
Teacher Prep. Program Rules
Drafted by: Iowa Department of Education
Finalized: March 2017
Summary: These rules outline how Iowa colleges and universities must prepare teachers in literacy. These are general rules which apply to teachers of all grades (K-12) and all subject areas. Programs must provide evidence that teacher candidates develop the ability to identify and meet the needs of all learners, including those with dyslexia. Teacher candidates must demonstrate competency in making accommodations for students who struggle with literacy.
Elementary Classroom Endorsement Rules
Drafted by: Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
Finalized: July 2017
Summary: Require Iowa teachers who receive the Elementary Classroom endorsement to complete coursework in phonemic awareness, word identification including phonics and orthography, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Coursework must also cover information about dyslexia and atypical reading development, including signs and symptoms of dyslexia, interventions and remediation, accommodations, and assistive technology.
The Administrative Rules Process in Iowa
Learn more about the rules process and see a list of currently pending and recently adopted rules.
See the legislators who currently serve on the Administrative Rules Review Committee (ARRC).