Nine University of Iowa College of Education students gained a new perspective on how education policy decisions are made at the top levels during a recent visit to the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.

The trip was hosted by the Iowa Association for College Admission Counseling and the Iowa School Counselors Association. This is the fifth year the groups have offered this opportunity to UI College of Education students.

Carol Smith, a clinical assistant professor of School Counseling in the College’s Department of Rehabilitation and Counselor Education, went with the students, who are members of the Iowa School Counselors Association.

Event topics included how government impacts college choices, school counselor advocacy issues, funding for education in Iowa, quality of education, and college and career readiness. The group met with Jason Glass, director of the Iowa Department of Education, to discuss the Education Reform Bill. They also met with state legislators to discuss their work.

Smith says the visit helps students gain an appreciation for and understanding of the legislative process.

“They learn about issues and concerns impacting Iowa and its students and gain a really good understanding of advocacy and how they can be involved in the process,” Smith says.