DES MOINES (AP) - The Democratic leader of the Iowa Senate on Wednesday rejected a Republican plan to increase testing of students and teachers, calling it "a tired old idea" that wouldn't improve education in the state.

In a telephone interview with The Associated Press, Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal belittled the Republican proposal to expand testing and issue annual report cards for local schools. He said the plan wasn't needed and wouldn't move through the Legislature convening in January.

"This seems like a tired old idea they had back in the '90s when they were fighting with (former Republican Gov. Terry) Branstad over education," said Gronstal, of Council Bluffs.

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn and key legislators unveiled their education package at a news conference Tuesday. The centerpiece was a requirement for testing students before high school graduation and testing new teachers before their first jobs. They were unclear on the consequences of failing the test.

Gronstal questioned the purpose of such testing.

"What's the point of testing a kid when you're done with him at the end?" said Gronstal. "The point is to make sure that kids are learning along the way."

Gronstal said Democrats will focus on raising Iowa teacher pay to the national average and refining curriculum that schools must offer.

"We're going to continue to struggle to find resources to make sure we don't lose ground on teacher pay," said Gronstal.

With Democrats controlling the Senate by a lopsided 32-18 margin and the House by a 56-44 edge, Republican Party of Iowa Executive Director Jeff Boeyink said the proposals offered by the GOP are aimed more at voters in 2010 than pushing measures through the Legislature.

"There's no question that this is one of many issue we intend to take to voters," said Boeyink.

He said the idea of toughening testing requirements for teachers and students is a winner with voters.

"I'm confident we have a set of reforms that will resonate with Iowa voters," said Boeyink.

Boeyink said the GOP education package is one of a series of proposals that Republicans will outline in coming months to underscore differences they have with Democrats.

Gronstal dismissed the effort.

"We have the best teachers in the country," said Gronstal. "They are tested at every class they take through four years of college."