Iowa school officials could be forced to lay off teachers and make cuts to instructional programs

Characteristics of effective instruction and the professional development initiatives are being developed to help educators create student-centered classrooms focused on students and learning rather than teachers and teaching. Iowa teachers are expanding their knowledge of learning and pedagogy as they develop the content of the Iowa Core into rigorous and relevant lessons that help them teach for understanding and learner differences. The Department and educators across Iowa continue to investigate more informative, effective, and authentic assessment for learningto guide instruction.