New Iowa Education Laws for the 2026-27 School Year

Each year, the Iowa Legislature adopts new laws that impact public schools. As we begin the 2026-27 school year, we'd like to share a high-level overview of several changes that families and staff may notice.

Student Discipline (SF2428)
A new state law establishes consistent expectations for how schools respond to classroom disruptions. The law provides teachers with additional authority to remove students who cause a violent or non-violent disruption. It also outlines timelines for returning students to the classroom, requires behavior planning for repeated disruptions, and establishes additional processes for serious incidents. The law also requires each school to create an Oversight Review Committee to help guide classroom readmission decisions. Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) retain IDEA protections.

For additional information, the following board policies speak specifically to disruptive behavior:

• 503.11 Disruptive Behavior
• 503.11R1 Disruptive Behavior - Removal Procedures

We will provide updates to families and staff on this new legislation as more information becomes available from the state level.

Elementary Screen Time (HF2676)
Beginning this school year, Iowa law limits digital instruction for students in kindergarten through fifth grade to no more than 60 minutes per school day, with exceptions for items such as IEPs, Section 504 plans, state assessments, assistive technology, computer science instruction, and other circumstances outlined in the law. We continue to update our practices and will continue to use technology as a tool to support, not replace, high-quality instruction.

Increased Physical Activity (HF2676)
The new legislation increases the minimum amount of daily physical activity for students in kindergarten through fourth grade to at least 40 minutes each school day. Existing physical activity requirements for students in grades 5-12 remain unchanged.

High School Civics Graduation Requirement (SF369)
Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, Iowa law requires all students attending public, private, and charter high schools to successfully pass the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Naturalization Civics Test in order to receive a high school diploma.

The assessment is based on the same civics questions used in the naturalization process for individuals seeking U.S. citizenship. Students may take the assessment multiple times, and school districts will provide opportunities for students to meet the requirement prior to graduation. Accommodations and modifications can and will be provided to students who have an IEP or 504 plan.

We have incorporated this new graduation requirement into our high school planning and will provide students and families with additional information about when and how the assessment will be administered.

8th-Grade Participation in High School Athletics (HF2591)
State law now allows eligible 8th-grade students to participate in high school athletics under specific circumstances. We have established guidelines to implement this law. Participation is not automatic and is based on eligibility requirements, academic standing, demonstrated varsity-level ability or program needs, and approval by school administrators and coaches. Additional information, including eligibility requirements and the Intent to Participate form, is available on our 8th-Grade Student Participation in High School Athletics webpage.

Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (HF2493)
Beginning with the 2027-28 school year, changes to Iowa's Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program will allow some children who turn five between March 15 and September 15 to remain eligible for the state-funded preschool program. Additional guidance from the Iowa Department of Education is expected over the coming year before these changes take effect.

Library Materials (SF496)
Following the lifting of a recent court injunction, Iowa school districts will return to implementing the requirements of Senate File 496. Under the law, school library collections may not include books or other materials that contain descriptions or visual depictions of a sex act, as defined in Iowa law. The legislation also requires school districts to maintain a process for reviewing library materials when concerns are raised.

This overview highlights some of the key legislative changes affecting Iowa schools this year. A complete list of legislative updates can be found on the Iowa Department of Education's website.

As always, our focus remains on providing a safe and supportive learning environment for every student while implementing state requirements thoughtfully and consistently. If you have questions about any of these changes, please don't hesitate to contact your child's school.