A dozen Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) were among the state's lowest performing in a list released this week by the Iowa Department of Education. Why it matters: This is the first year the online report cards have used a new state system that includes indicators like proficiency in core academics and chronic absenteeism.

The Iowa Department of Education has identified 377 schools that are in need of targeted support and improvement because of performance and achievement gaps among some student groups. The schools were identified as part of the Iowa School Performance Profiles for the 2023-2024 school year posted Tuesday.

It's five more schools than the district previously had among the lowest performers. The data is part of the newly released Iowa School Performance Profiles that identify schools that need "additional support and improvement based on their performance" during the 2023-24 school year.

All five of Des Moines Public Schools' traditional high schools will receive additional support from the federal government in response to a statewide performance review that scored all five low. On Tuesday,

EPA says parts of, Raccoon, Iowa, Cedar and S. Skunk rivers should be added to Iowa's impaired waters list because of high nitrate levels.