Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Boise chamber wants Legislature to review pre-K issue
“More Idaho children need to be ready to learn when they enter kindergarten under a program that features parental choice, local control and collaborative funding,” the chamber said Tuesday.
Analysis: In a climate of political change, Otter stays the course
On education, Gov. Butch Otter stayed close to his five-year plan. On taxes, highways and health care, he punted.
Idaho gets a D-plus in Education Week rankings
Some of the factors will come as little surprise: low per-pupil spending, low preschool attendance and low percentages of adults with a college degree.
Blaine County hires its own lobbyist
The district will pay $3,300 a month to Phil Homer, a former district superintendent who has lobbied for the Idaho Association of School Administrators.
Reading Revisited: Catch up on our literacy project
We worked with Idaho Public Television to take an in-depth look at Idaho’s literacy initiative. Get caught up on our stories, this week’s “Idaho Reports” and our “Extra Credit” podcast.
Suspect pleads guilty in Dietrich locker room attack
John R.K. Howard faces two to three years’ probation. He could avoid jail or prison time, and have his conviction dismissed, if he successfully completes probation, the Times-News reported.
Lessons I learned from graduate school
As Idaho continues to focus on college graduation numbers, it must make sure college is affordable, and make sure students can take the classes they need, when they need them.
State Board survey: Schools need more money, and more flexibility
More than 2,100 Idahoans responded to the State Board of Education’s school funding survey — and most respondents have some direct connection to education.
Auditors: Most special education spending is not tied to need
Idaho spent $294 million on special education in 2014-15 — with only a sliver of the programs tied directly to the needs of its 29,700 special education students.
NNU earns high marks for preparing reading teachers
The Nampa university received an A-plus grade from a national nonprofit group. Only 13 of the nation’s 820 colleges of education received this mark.