News
The latest and breaking news and investigative reports about Idaho public education.
Campus coronavirus roundup, 3.22.21: A surprising decrease in cases at BYU-Idaho
Last week, the New York Times identified Rexburg as a national coronavirus hotspot.
Students organize vigil against anti-Asian racism
The vigil was to talk about anti-Asian discrimination around the country. One state representative says the problem is “already here.”
CDC shortens social-distancing guidance to 3 feet for students in school
The change from 6 feet to 3 feet offers some relief to educators as Idaho’s large districts plan to return fully in-person after Spring Break.
Analysis: Idaho grudgingly accepts a staggering windfall from the feds
Idaho K-12 and higher education will receive more than $500 million — eclipsing the combined total from the two previous coronavirus stimulus laws. The money will go a long way toward determining student success.
SAT scores for 2020 seniors follow Idaho’s downward trend
The exam measures “college and career readiness” and is important because Idaho pays for all students to take it in an effort to promote continuing education.
Legislative roundup, 3.18.21: Rural teacher certification bill held in committee
Also, one more member of the House Education Committee tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total up to three.
Senators kill ‘shall-to-may’ bargaining bill
The bill would have given school boards the option of negotiating with teachers unions. A bipartisan coalition of Senate Education Committee members killed the proposal.
Legislative roundup, 3.17.21: Senators pass higher education budget
In other Statehouse news, senators keep the August school election date on the books, and a second House Education Committee member tests positive for coronavirus.
Supporters offer to drop private school scholarship proposal
But sponsors want to push forward with the other half of their bill: an extension of Gov. Brad Little’s popular Strong Families, Strong Students grant program.
Legislative roundup, 3.16.21: New early education grant bill emerges
Two weeks after the House narrowly rejected the $6 million federal grant, the controversial proposal could come up for another vote. And in other Tuesday Statehouse news, a big tax cut bill heads to the House floor.