WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), president pro tempore emeritus of the U.S. Senate, met with superintendents and chief administrators from Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs). The group presented Grassley with a “Friend of the AEA” award to recognize his longtime work to support Iowa students, including by ensuring all students have access to equal educational opportunities through AEAs.
 
“I’ve always had a passion for helping the next generation of leaders succeed. I led the charge to create AEAs when I served in the Iowa legislature, and I’ve enjoyed watching the success and profound impact these agencies have had on education in our state. It’s an honor to work on behalf of Iowa students in the Senate, and I’ll continue doing my part to ensure that they have the resources needed to reach their full potential,” Grassley said.
 
“Without the hard work of Senator Grassley in advocating and introducing state legislation the AEA system would not exist. Senator Grassley's vision then and the AEA's work today insures that every student in Iowa has effective and equitable access to important educational services and programs. In every school building, every day in Iowa, AEA staff work hand in hand supporting school staff in educating students,” said John Speer, chief administrator, Grant Wood AEA.
 
Grassley met with superintendents and AEA administrators. Click HERE for downloadable photos.

 
In the Iowa legislature, Grassley wrote the legislation that formed the network of Iowa AEAs that exists today to ensure that all Iowa schools have access to services for students with disabilities. Grassley previously worked to pass legislation mandating that all Iowa schools serve students with disabilities, which predated the federal special education mandate. The current network of nine AEAs provides special education services for Iowa students with diverse learning needs, as well as other support services for students and teachers in their region. These AEAs ensure all students receive effective and appropriate resources to reach their full potential, no matter which school district they live in.
 
Grassley has been a strong advocate for helping all students find their potential. He introduced the TALENT Act, which was included in the Every Child Achieves Act, to address the unique needs of gifted and talented students and ensure that they don’t slip through the cracks. Earlier this year, Grassley urged Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to address shortcomings in a funding review process that left a critical college readiness program underfunded.
 
In an ongoing effort to educate Iowa students on the structure and function of the federal government, Grassley held his third annual Judiciary Youth Summit in April. He also holds Q&As at Iowa schools throughout his 99 county meetings to learn more about the issues that matter most to students.
 

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