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Even as the pandemic recedes, students might not return to campus

Is Idaho’s college enrollment decline a blip, caused by the coronavirus, or a sign of a bigger trend? Many of the early numbers for 2021-22 are ominous.

The student experience: adjusting to classes and campus life in a pandemic

For first-year students and for returning college students, the coronavirus was a constant specter, looming over an uncertain school year.

Eighteen months, 5,000 students: Idaho colleges and universities face a deep enrollment decline

Not unlike the scientists and infectious disease experts who have tried to unlock the mysteries of the coronavirus, college and university officials have been trying to determine the pandemic’s effects on their institutions. Here’s what we know about 2020-21.

Why they showed up: Three students tell their stories

For students who returned to campus for the 2020-21 school year, showing up was a matter of setting aside concerns about the coronavirus, or accepting required protocols.

Parents filed a federal complaint against an Idaho school district. A state audit showed similar problems

An audit of Wilder School District’s English Language Learner programs found issues in 18 of 23 areas reviewed for compliance with state and federal law.

Analysis: A surplus of money could generate a surplus of ideas

Idaho could put some of a record-shattering $800 million windfall into all-day kindergarten, or any number of education programs. The state is awash in enough cash to address a lot of issues — or start a lot of fights.

State Board endorses full-day kindergarten

The board also dropped a college entrance exam requirement, OK’d a plan for spending $440 million in federal COVID aid and gave the green light to another cybersecurity degree.

McGeachin names indoctrination task force replacement

Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin has chosen Pete Coulson to replace ISBA President-elect Jason Knopp on her task force. Though little information was provided about Coulson, a man by the same name introduced McGeachin as she announced her candidacy for governor.