News

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

Statehouse roundup, 3.18.22: All-day kindergarten bill remains in limbo, but an alternative path emerges

In other news: Senators approved a school funding switch and put the brakes on increasing school bus speed limits.

Statehouse roundup, 3.17.22: Little vetoes teacher premium expansion

Also Thursday, a $56.9 million budget for the state’s community college system passed the Senate.

McGeachin lays out platform, decries Little’s pandemic response

Offering few specifics, Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin laid out a far-reaching to-do list for her first 100 days as governor.

Analysis: The races that will shape the 2023 Legislature

It’s dizzying. All 105 legislative seats are on the ballot this year, but some races have big implications. Here’s a scouting report.

West Ada trustees name four finalists for board vacancy

All candidates who applied advanced to the next step.

House easily passes higher ed budget

Supporters say the $338 million budget will allow the four-year schools to freeze in-state tuition for a third straight year. Opponents again used the budget debate to decry campus diversity programs.

All-day kindergarten bill runs into trouble on House floor

The House quickly brought up one of Gov. Brad Little’s K-12 priorities Wednesday — then shut off debate before voting on the bill. “It was in trouble, I believe,” House Speaker Scott Bedke said afterwards.

High school grades are up, but test scores aren’t. Why?

The national trends suggest that teachers are adopting more lenient grading policies or that students’ improved skills aren’t being well measured by standardized tests.

Statehouse roundup, 3.16.22: School staff bonuses pass; rural teacher incentives head to Little’s desk

Lawmakers also approved allowing charter schools to award charter-specific teaching certificates to non-certified teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree. Those new teachers wouldn’t be able to teach in traditional schools.