Kevin’s blog

Video: Making the Grade, 5.6.15

This week: Pre-K, possible changes in high school testing — and two remarkable high school graduates.

Coeur d’Alene panel targets ‘Of Mice and Men’

A curriculum committee wants to make the Nobel Prize winner’s 1937 novella voluntary reading in ninth grade.

State looking at consolidating high school exams

State officials are researching whether a college-placement exam would also satisfy federal testing requirements.

Otter ‘reluctantly agreed’ to broadband budget shift

The Legislature shifted school broadband funding away from the Department of Administration — without Otter’s blessing.

Study cites holes in early learning — and postsecondary enrollment

Educational opportunities vary widely from county to county, according to the Idaho Voices for Children study.

Report touts charters’ academic scores, acknowledges demographic gaps

The annual report came from the Idaho Public Charter School Commission, a state panel that oversees 35 charter schools statewide.

Idaho receives middling grade on digital learning

The “C” grade comes from the Foundation for Excellence in Education, founded by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

Schools in timber country get two-year funding reprieve

The federal program was worth $7.2 million to Idaho schools in 2013-14. More money Is on its way.

State launches review of data collection

Does Idaho need to collect 561 data elements from districts? State officials will spend the next two weeks looking for the answer.

Ybarra noncommittal on special session

When the 2015 Legislature adjourned April 11, it left Idaho’s child support enforcement system in limbo.