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.
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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