News

The latest and breaking news and investigative reports about Idaho public education.

Analysis: The view from House Education Island

Increasingly — and not surprisingly — the House Education Committee is following its own map on policy issues. But are there signs of common ground, even on the heated academic standards issue?

State Board debates education goals and accountability

Policymakers want to shift the focus to growth and progress, rather than proficiency levels.

Statehouse roundup, 2.12.20: Senate reinstates math, English and science standards

Senators voted to keep the hotly contested science standards and Common Core-aligned math and English standards on the books and in Idaho schools. Senators also reinstated teacher certification requirements. But the rules debate still isn’t over.

Transgender athletics bill clears its first legislative hurdle

Rep. Barbara Ehardt says her “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act” is designed to ban transgender women from participating in women’s sports. Wednesday’s first hearing on the bill split along partisan lines.

Ybarra warns against repealing academic standards

Ybarra said repealing standards without replacing them jeopardizes $250 million in annual federal funding. The Senate Education Committee could decide their fate today.

Statehouse roundup, 2.11.20: Flexible school schedule bill survives, barely

In other news, get the latest information on the grocery tax bill of the day.

Charter commission floats revamped accountability model

The proposed framework would ease up and streamline performance expectations for nearly 60 Idaho charter schools.

House Education trashes task force’s social-emotional learning recommendation

Afterwards, state superintendent Sherri Ybarra accused some legislators of turning the issue into a political football.

Senate Education floats a counteroffer in standards stalemate

Committee Chairman Dean Mortimer suggests assembling a committee to study academic standards through the year — and perhaps recommend changes in 2021. His House counterpart was lukewarm to the idea.