Featured Series
Stories about Idaho’s educators, students and policy makers plus features on bright spots in Idaho education.
The four-day calendar is prevalent. And perhaps, politically untouchable
Four-day school advocates took on some of Idaho’s most powerful elected officials this year — and won. Politicians might not be in a hurry to take this issue on again in 2025.
UPDATED: Supreme Court sides with Labrador on Phoenix lawsuit
The ruling throws yet another wrench into the University of Idaho’s $685 million bid to acquire the University of Phoenix.
Analysis: The U of I-Phoenix talks, and where things stand
It’s been 139 days since the proposed University of Idaho-University of Phoenix megadeal was last in the public eye. All of that will probably change in January, when the Legislature returns.
A calendar change can cut classroom days — but it doesn’t slash costs
There are plenty of unanswered questions about four-day schools — particularly when it comes to student achievement. But when it comes to the impact on the bottom line — or lack thereof — the research is clear.
School choice
What’s the different between a school voucher and an education savings account? Check out our guide that translates the jargon used in the school choice movement.
A popular unknown: Shortening the school week expands across Idaho
This fall, about 100,000 Idaho kids will attend a four-day school. The impacts on student performance are unclear. The savings for taxpayers are limited.
The four-day schools project: A second look at a growing trend
Idaho EdNews senior reporter Kevin Richert will spend the 2024-25 school year digging deep into four-day schools. And we want to hear from students, parents, teachers and school officials.
A deep dive into four-day schools — and researchers found contradictions
The move to a four-day school schedule delivers a variety of benefits, supporters say. Researchers instead found a gap between perception and reality.
The inception of the College of Western Idaho: A community-driven project
It took a two-thirds referendum approval, seed money from the governor, an advocacy campaign and local grants to launch what today serves 30,000 students.
Balancing expansion and the evolution of higher education
One of the College of Western Idaho’s main goals is to connect students seeking employment with businesses in need of workers.