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Iowa Department of Education: Releases annual Condition of Education Report
11/18/2009

For More Information:
Elaine Watkins-Miller, 515-281-5651
elaine.watkins-miller@iowa.gov 

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Education released The Annual Condition of Education Report for 2009 today. Student enrollment statewide continues to decrease as the state’s student population has become more diverse. Since Iowa released its first condition of education report two decades ago, more of our four-year-old children are attending preschool and more of our high school students are taking higher-level courses. In addition, Iowa students continue to do well on many indicators of achievement.

“Over the years we have seen many changes in our state, including shifts in population and demographics. Education does not happen in a vacuum, but within the context of these changes,” Iowa Department of Education Director Judy Jeffrey said. “As education in Iowa changes, we continue to work hard to meet the changing needs of all students to ensure their success.”

Highlights of The Annual Condition of Education Report for 2009, which reports the most recent state education information up to the 2008-2009 school year, include:

Our Schools at a Glance

-       510,916: The number of students statewide in 2008-2009 being served in Iowa’s public and nonpublic schools. Since its peak in 1972-1973 (711,000), enrollment in Iowa’s schools has decreased by more than 25 percent. Based on the most recent enrollment projections, there will be a 2.2 percent increase in public school enrollment over the next five years, but a 4.2 percent decrease in nonpublic enrollment.

-       362: The number of districts statewide in 2008-2009; there were 364 in 2007-2008 and 431 in 1990.

-       15.5%: The percent of minority enrollment across the state; it was 5.5 percent a decade ago.

-        3,000: the number of teachers statewide eligible to retire today.

-       $45,664: The average salary for teachers in Iowa; Iowa is ranked 37th in the nation in teacher pay.

Our Students at a Glance

-       82.9%: The percent of districts offering preschool today; only 43.2% in 1998.

-       39.9%: The percent of students enrolled in higher level math (pre-calculus, calculus, trigonometry, statistics, and Advanced Placement mathematics) in 2008-2009, only 19.1% in 1990.

-       22.4: Iowa’s average ACT composite score in 2009, which is higher than the national average composite score of 21.1. Iowa has the second highest average composite score among states that had more than 50 percent of seniors take the ACT.

-       88.7%: The Iowa public school graduation rate for 2008, which is a decrease from 90.5 percent in 2007. The decrease is due to enhanced data collection with Iowa’s statewide student ID system, which was implemented in 2004. This is the first year the state can track students through their high school years.

Our Funding at a Glance

-       42nd: Iowa’s national ranking among all states for the average total amount it spends to educate each student. Iowa spends $8,432 per pupil.

-       69.5%: The percent of total general fund expenditures in Iowa public schools dedicated to student learning in the classroom in 2007-2008.

The Annual Condition of Education Report for 2009 provides Iowa’s citizens a tool for reviewing prekindergarten through 12th grade education in Iowa. It is be available on the Iowa Department of Education (DE) website at http://www.iowa.gov/educate/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1896:condition-of-iowa-education-report-released&catid=666:highlights.

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The Iowa Department of Education works with the State of Iowa Board of Education to provide oversight, supervision and support for the state education system, which includes public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies, community colleges and teacher preparation programs. The department is committed to high levels of learning, achievement and performance for all students, so they will become successful members of their community and the workforce.  


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