How it works
Short guides to how education decisions get made in Iowa, and how to take part.
- Guides
- 01
How a bill moves through the Iowa Legislature
From a bill number to a law: the stages, and where you can weigh in at each one.
- 02
Commenting on a proposed state rule
How the Department of Education and other agencies turn new laws into rules, and when you can weigh in.
- 03
Speaking during public comment at a board meeting
How to sign up, what to say, and how long you’ll have at a school board meeting.
- 04
Writing to a legislator
A short, specific message from a constituent is the most effective kind.
- 05
How we show legislators’ records
Where the votes and contact details come from, and what we count.
- 06
How we count campaign money
Where the numbers on each legislator’s page come from, and what they leave out.