IDAHO

Climbing the ladder: how educators earn more money under Little’s proposal

Teachers will need to earn a new advanced professional endorsement and climb to a new rung of the career ladder.

Analysis: Another thing we don’t know about Idaho’s young readers

Only 64 percent of kindergartners left school last spring with grade-level reading skills. Boise State University researchers have no hard answers — but no shortage of theories.

House committee advances Ehardt’s transgender athletics bill

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

Statehouse roundup, 2.20.20: Higher ed budget takes shape, as state leaders seek a long-range plan

Gov. Brad Little, Idaho’s newly hired college and university presidents and the State Board of Education are trying to hammer out a new higher education funding formula. One of these behind-the-scenes meetings took place Wednesday.

Legislators get a move on for February walking challenge

If they hit 290,000 steps by the end of February, each legislator can earn $500 for a school of their choice.

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.

Lawmakers hear emotional testimony — but take no action — on transgender bill

Supporters called it a matter of fairness. Opponents called it “government-ordered discrimination” and “state-sanctioned exploitation.” A committee vote could come Thursday.

Statehouse roundup, 2.18.20: Transgender bill will get a Wednesday hearing

In other Statehouse news, lawmakers took nearly $265,000 from Idaho’s career-technical education program Tuesday — after learning the money wasn’t going where they expected it to go.