Top News

House passes transgender athletics ban

Democrats led the charge against House Bill 500, calling it hurtful, unnecessary and unconstitutional. But 51 Republicans sided with Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, sending her bill to the Senate.

Statehouse roundup, 2.26.20: Governor’s teacher pay plan clears a major hurdle

Following two days of testimony, the House Education Committee voted unanimously to advance a $223 million proposal that would raise pay for veteran teachers.

Teacher retention concerns revive push for four-day schools

Two districts recently dropped Fridays from their calendars. One of East Idaho’s largest might do the same.

House committee advances Ehardt’s transgender athletics bill

House Bill 500 is headed to the House floor with a recommendation it passes.

Little unveils $225 million plan to increase pay for veteran teachers

The bill provides a path for experienced teachers who meet new performance criteria to earn up to $63,000 in 2024-25.

Latino students underrepresented in advanced courses

They make up 19 percent of elementary school students — but only 6 percent of students enrolled in gifted-and-talented programs.

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.