Blake Jones

Reporter Blake Jones covers the politics and policy of Idaho's K-12 public school system. He's a lifelong Idahoan, and holds degrees in Creative Writing and Political Economy from the College of Idaho. Follow Blake on Twitter @jonesblakej. He can be reached by email at [email protected].

Indoctrination task force posts higher ed-focused agenda, changes it twice

The agenda appears to use a familiar mold: a set of presentations mixed with discussion by group members; a lack of representation from state education policymaking agencies; and no speakers with obvious or publicly-stated intentions of dissenting from the task force’s goals.

Idaho’s K-12 federal relief plan turned away, needs revisions

The state was asked to clarify how it will meet federal requirements before it can access some $147 million in stimulus money.

Hypothetical court challenge could spell ‘dismantling’ of race teachings law, says UI law professor

Watch Shaakirrah Sanders’ remarks and the full African American Chamber of Commerce of Idaho’s critical race theory panel here.

Wasden signs AGs letter clashing with White House on trans student rights

Idaho is embroiled in a lawsuit over its ban on transgender women and girls competing on school sports teams that match their gender identity.

African American Chamber of Idaho to host critical race theory panel

The organization, which advocates for Black businesspeople in the state, is hosting a virtual panel consisting of educators, a law professor and Mike Satz of the anti-extremism group Idaho 97.

Grow-your-own programs could widen Idaho’s teacher pipeline

Some focus on tapping paraprofessionals to become certified teachers. Others eye prospective candidates who are still in high school, and others yet look to increase the number of teachers of color in classrooms.

Idaho’s K-12 stimulus plan still unapproved as other states get the go-ahead

It’s unclear why Idaho’s plan hasn’t been OK’d yet.

Last class of teacher bonus recipients announced

Some 600 teachers earned master educator premiums ahead of the program’s phaseout.

Indoctrination task force took aim at alleged indoctrination in K-12 schools

The task force reignited quarrels with major education policy players in a meeting marked by a rocky start, a tense middle and a slow end.

McGeachin-Trump summit, four-hour agenda set table for indoctrination task force meeting

The task force is set to hear presentations on education players and policy from an intern in McGeachin’s office, a hardline conservative candidate for State Superintendent and fellow task force members.