Iowa's 2nd District Congressman Dave Loebsack Introduces Education Legislation

The former professor seeks expanded support services in U.S. schools

By MEGAN HAWKINSREGISTER STAFF WRITER
August 4, 2007

Children across the country would have more access to support services in school if legislation from one of Iowa's newest congressmen is passed.

Democratic Rep. Dave Loebsack introduced his first bill on Friday, with the support of 28 co-sponsors.

The longtime professor's bill aims to expand non- academic services ranging from counseling and social work to speech pathology and physical therapy that are offered in schools.

The effort is one sign of the growing responsibilities schools have, and the public's expectation that they offer more than reading, writing and math lessons. Many support services entered schools around 1975, with the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Loebsack said he believes that boosting the nonacademic services is necessary to help students overcome personal roadblocks and succeed in the classroom.

"There are a lot of students who come to school every day and they're really not ready to learn, not prepared emotionally, or sometimes physically, to do their best at school," Loebsack said in an interview. "This is all about reducing barriers to learning.

"The Reducing Barriers to Learning Act would establish an Office of Specialized Instructional Support within the U.S. Department of Education. It would create a federal grant program to help recruit and retain professionals, and to expand support services in schools. It would clarify terminology, definitions and the roles of support staff, which are listed differently in other major pieces of legislation.

Loebsack cited some research on the shortage of support staff in Iowa.

National research recommends schools supply one counselor per 250 students and one social worker for every 400 students. An Iowa law passed last year includes the goal of having one counselor for every 350 students. Last year in Iowa, 40 of the state's 365 districts did not have even one counselor.

Iowa Department of Education officials noted that in Iowa, many districts use services through area education agencies. Director Judy Jeffrey applauded the extra resources for support staff, but also said she hopes it would not mean even more regulations.