Legislators in Iowa have hammered out a tentative deal on education reform, one that creates a commission to study teacher evaluation methods and grants new independence for home schoolers. Representative Ron Jorgensen, a Republican from Sioux City is chairman of the House Education Committee and one of 10 legislators who’ve been trying to resolve the differences between Republicans and Democrats. “I’m very, very optimistic we’ll get something done today,” Jorgensen says. Under the proposal, home schooling parents would be able to teach their kids driver’s ed and would be able to teach four unrelated students in the home. The plan also removes the state requirement that parents who home school their children file regular progress reports with the school district in which they live. Jorgensen says some kids just don’t do well in the “larger settings” of a public school classroom.

“We just want to provide parents with options that we feel they should have a right to on who educates their kids, how their kids are educated and stuff and not a one-size-fits-all type scenario,” Jorgensen says. The package sets a new, minimum Iowa teacher salary of 33-thousand-500 dollars and offers stipends to talented teachers chosen mentor or coach others. The governor has said the ultimate goals are to improve the teaching profession and improve student achievement. Jorgensen says the deal meets those goals. “This will do it,” Jorgensen says. “I’m very pleased with where we’re at right now.” Public school districts that implement teacher mentoring programs would get about 310 dollars per student to finance the effort, but it would be optional, something Jorgensen and other Republicans insisted upon.

“We’re wanting to put in some safety valves for school districts that get into the program,” Jorgensen says. “We don’t want any unfunded mandates.” Weeks ago legislators agreed this plan would include the equivalent of a four percent in general state support for schools in the 2013/2014 school year and a four percent increase the following year. Legislative leaders suggest today (Wednesday) could be the last day of the 2013 legislative session, but there are a host of issues to resolve before midnight, as House rules prevent votes from occurring in the wee morning hours.

(Radio Iowa)

U-S Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, today (Wednesday) announced loan and grant funds will be provided to applicants in 11 states, to support businesses, improve the quality of medical care, and create or save hundreds of jobs. Funding is provided through the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program. In the KJAN listening area, the Central Iowa Power Cooperative received a $1-million loan to construct a dormitory for Southwestern Community College, in Creston.

Vilsack says the USDA’s action is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy. Funding of each recipient of the grants and loans is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions for the grant or loan.

Police in Red Oak report a traffic stop Monday evening resulted in alcohol-related citations being issued to a man from Red Oak. 35-year old Timothy Orville Welch was pulled over in the 1900 block of 200th Street at around 6-p.m., Monday. During the stop, authorities determined Welch allegedly had an open container of alcohol in the vehicle, and a suspended driver’s license.

Welch was cited for being in possession of an open container while driving, and for driving while suspended. He was released on those citations.