VERA Iowa
VERA-IA integrates Iowa Core Standards with ISASP and ELPA21 assessment data. With universal Students First ESA eligibility and SF 72 advancing dyslexia specialist training, Iowa needs systematic Type 4 identification through oral-written delta analysis.
Launch VERA-IA Request Demo2025 Legislative Session
Iowa has invested $335,000 in dyslexia training through SF 72's specialist endorsement program. Combined with universal Students First ESA and Iowa's strong literacy focus, systematic Type 4 identification addresses students who speak well but struggle with written expression.
SF 72 | 2025 Session
Establishes advanced dyslexia specialist endorsement program for educators, with $335,000 appropriation for training and certification.
Iowa Code 279.68
Requires K-3 literacy assessment with intervention for struggling readers. Iowa Reading Research Center provides evidence-based screening guidance.
HF 784 | 2025 Session
Parallels literacy bill structure for mathematics instruction, establishing consistent assessment and intervention framework across subjects.
Type 4 Detection
Type 4 dyslexia candidates demonstrate strong oral communication but struggle with written expression. VERA-IA analyzes the delta between ELPA21 Speaking and Writing domains to flag students who may be missed by traditional phonics-focused screening.
English Language Proficiency Assessment measures oral language production, fluency, and comprehension across academic and social contexts.
Writing domain captures written expression, organization, conventions, and language control aligned to Iowa Core English Language Development Standards.
When Speaking scores significantly exceed Writing scores, the student is flagged for additional screening under Iowa's early literacy protocols.
Iowa Data Systems
VERA-IA integrates with Iowa's established assessment and accountability systems, connecting ELPA21 English learner data with ISASP academic achievement to identify Type 4 patterns.
Iowa Core Standards for ELA, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies adopted by State Board of Education.
Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress for grades 3-11 ELA and Mathematics, grades 5/8/10 Science.
English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century measuring Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.
Iowa Department of Education provides comprehensive district and school performance data and accountability metrics.
Iowa Reading Research Center supports evidence-based literacy assessment, intervention, and dyslexia identification.
Accountability Integration
Iowa rates schools on multiple indicators including proficiency, growth, chronic absenteeism, and graduation rates. VERA-IA shows how Type 4 identification gaps affect school performance.
Students must demonstrate proficiency across all four ELPA21 domains to exit ELL status. High Speaking but low Writing scores may indicate Type 4 patterns requiring intervention.
IRRC provides evidence-based guidance for dyslexia screening and intervention. VERA-IA identifies Type 4 candidates who need evaluation beyond phonological processing.
Iowa's MTSS framework requires data-driven intervention. VERA-IA provides oral-written delta data to inform Tier 2 and Tier 3 support decisions.
School Choice Context
Iowa enacted the Students First Act in 2023, establishing universal ESA eligibility. VERA-IA provides curriculum alignment verification and dyslexia identification across public and private school settings.
Pilot Districts
Initial deployment includes Iowa's largest districts, selected for significant English Learner populations and established data reporting infrastructure.
| District | Location | Students | EL % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids Community | Cedar Rapids | 15,200 | 9.2% |
| Council Bluffs Community | Council Bluffs | 9,100 | 14.8% |
| Davenport Community | Davenport | 14,500 | 11.3% |
| Des Moines Independent | Des Moines | 31,500 | 22.4% |
| Dubuque Community | Dubuque | 10,400 | 6.5% |
| Iowa City Community | Iowa City | 14,200 | 12.1% |
| Sioux City Community | Sioux City | 14,000 | 18.7% |
| Waterloo Community | Waterloo | 10,100 | 15.3% |
Get Started
Browse Iowa Core Standards, access district-level ELPA21 and ISASP data, run Type 4 screening analysis, and identify students who need additional evaluation under SF 72.
Launch VERA-IA