DES MOINES— Today (Monday, June 2, 2025), Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed House File 784, the Math Counts Act, a law focused on improving math achievement in Iowa schools through early identification, targeted intervention, and evidence-based instruction. “One of the greatest predictors of future success in the classroom and workplace, along with early literacy, is math proficiency,” Gov. Reynolds said. “This bill will ensure children who are struggling in math are identified and receive the personalized help that they need.”

The legislation strengthens math education by requiring schools to screen students for math proficiency, create individualized support plans, provide evidence-based professional development for teachers, align educator preparation programs, and offer families tools to support learning at home.

While Iowa experienced some of the largest reading gains among students from low-income backgrounds in the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Iowa continued to fall behind in math, underscoring the critical need to support evidence-based mathematics instruction statewide.

“Alongside teachers and families, the Math Counts Act championed by Governor Reynolds will help ensure all children in need of support are identified and receive personalized plans that empower them to meet high expectations,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “Building upon Iowa’s new rigorous academic standards and support for high-quality instructional materials, this bipartisan legislation further realizes our commitment to evidence-based instruction and can serve as a model for the nation.”

The law also directs the Department of Education to implement a statewide plan and approve math screeners for K-6 classrooms.  HF 784 goes into effect July 1, 2025.