Highlights

Iowa SAT Scores Top in the Nation

Iowa students continue to perform well on the SAT , the college entrance exam administered by the College Board. With three percent of 2009 graduating seniors taking the exam, the SAT is less predominant in Iowa than the ACT test. Iowa students who take the SAT perform well, however, with the highest composite scores in the nation for reading, math and writing.

2010 Iowa Teacher of the Year Announced

Today, the Iowa Department of Education announced Sarah Brown Wessling as the 2010 Iowa Teacher of the Year. Wessling is a high school language arts teacher at Johnston High School in Johnston.

Iowa Second in the Nation for the Highest Average ACT Composite Score

Iowa students earned the second highest average ACT score in the nation in 2009, according to results released today by ACT.

The average ACT composite score for Iowa students this year was 22.4, which is the same as last year. Iowa has the second highest average composite score for states testing the majority of their graduating seniors. Minnesota is again first with 22.7 out of a possible 36.

"Today's numbers show that Iowa's students are some of the best in the nation," said Governor Chet Culver. "Yet, while these are numbers are impressive, we must continue to strive for educational excellence. As Governor, I will continue to do everything possible to make our schools some of the best in the world, and give our children every opportunity for future success."

Iowa Math & Science Teachers Honored

The Iowa Department of Education recently honored this year's state finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) during a luncheon at the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines.

August 2009 School Leader Update

icon August 2009 School Leader Update

This month's School Leader Update addresses Race to the Top funds, ARRA updates, H1N1 information, and more.

View previous School Leader Update newsletters.

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