Kevin’s blog

DeVos nomination clears Senate committee

President Trump’s controversial nomination for education secretary passed on a 12-11 party-line vote. But two committee Republicans aren’t sure they will back Betsy DeVos on the Senate floor.

Lawmakers get a tutorial in rewriting school funding formulas

‘You want to build a system that lasts,’ a national expert told lawmakers Monday. That’s easier said than done.

U of I research digs deeper into college ‘go-on’ gender gap

Young men who place a premium of finding a job they love are less likely to attend college than young women who share the same view, according to research released Monday.

Analysis: Now, the tough budget decisions fall to lawmakers

Legislative budget-writers will have to settle the teacher evaluations battle and address rising insurance costs. That means they’ll have to side with Gov. Butch Otter or state superintendent Sherri Ybarra.

National group criticizes teacher evaluations — including Idaho’s

In 28 states — including Idaho — teachers can earn an evaluation score of “effective,” even if a teacher scores low on student growth measures.

Common Core critics to converge on Statehouse

Speakers at Monday’s rally will include Republican gubernatorial candidate Russ Fulcher and Madison School District Superintendent Geoffrey Thomas.

Citing data collection concerns, senators punt on rule

At issue are the “continuous improvement plans” school districts prepare, in an effort to track student achievement and growth.

New growth numbers add $8.5 million to K-12 request

The unexpected growth adds about $4 million to the sticker price for the third year of the teacher career ladder.

The DeVos hearing: a reading roundup

A Senate committee could vote on President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial pick for education secretary next week, if a review of her finances is completed by Friday.