Et cetera : Free program provides teachers with pencils to use during assessment testing

Treasurer Fitzgerald Helps Teachers Prepare Students for Assessment Test

Free program provides teachers with pencils to use during assessment testing

State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is offering free #2 pencils for Iowa teachers to distribute during the annual Iowa Assessment Test through the Prepare for the Basics program. Last year, the program distributed over 19,000 pencils to schools statewide. "Teachers play an important role in the enormous task of monitoring the growth of students through the assessment test," Fitzgerald said. "The Prepare for the Basics program is a small token of appreciation to our teachers for their hard work."

Along with the new pencil, students will receive information to take home about College Savings Iowa, the state-sponsored 529 plan. College Savings Iowa is designed to help Iowa families meet the continually increasing costs of higher education while providing them with multiple tax benefits, including a $3,045 deduction per account from their 2013 state taxable income.* "Families who save early will be in a better position to help pay for college when the time comes," Fitzgerald stated. "Saving ahead of time may reduce the need to borrow for college, which can help families-and their children-get to graduation with less debt."

Teachers who would like to participate in the Prepare for the Basics program can register online at iowatreasurer.gov. Participants can register by clicking on the tab For Citizens, then clicking on the Financial Literacy tab, which will take you to the Prepare for the Basics section. Program materials will be sent directly to the participating schools. Supplies are limited, so early registration is advised. For more information about College Savings Iowa, please visit collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.