IDAHO

Green: ‘Misinformation and half-truths’ threaten higher education funding

University of Idaho President C. Scott Green is urging alumni and business leaders to speak up for higher education funding. A critic of the higher education budget dismissed Green’s attacks as “spin.”

Standardized testing returns after a COVID-induced break

One Boise parent worries that standardized tests in 2021 will be more of an indicator of how she wasn’t able to teach her own children when they were at home.

Legislative roundup, 4.12.21: Senate narrowly passes early education grant

The 18-17 vote kicks the controversial $6 million grant back to the House, which rejected an earlier version of the bill in March.

Given a second chance at life, Idaho teen vows to help others

Calvin Loffer tried to take his own life. He’s grateful to be alive and be able to share his message: Mental health challenges can impact anyone.

Campus coronavirus roundup, 4.12.21: A week of low numbers, and a few modest increases

Last week, six colleges and universities reported no new coronavirus cases, or just a single active case. Boise State University reported the highest number of active cases, and a slight increase from the previous increase.

Idaho’s approach to school mental health was already scattered. Then COVID hit.

States across the country have put increased focus on mental health in schools for several years. Momentum is building in Idaho, but the state lacks a cohesive plan to ensure services from district to district.

House revives bid to axe August school elections

After the Senate killed a proposal earlier in the session, the election change is back by a different legislative maneuver.

Legislative roundup, 4.8.21: Vaccine exemption bill heads to Senate floor; McGeachin plans indoctrination task force

“Idahoans are increasingly frustrated by the apparent lack of awareness and leadership coming from the state on these issues,” McGeachin said in a news release announcing the task force on school indoctrination.

Analysis: Lawmakers remain reluctant to put public dollars into private schools

School choice advocates almost got a private school bill through the Legislature, but fell short. After a year of turbulence in the classroom — and amidst a record-setting state surplus — they couldn’t have asked for a better opening.