IDAHO
Help wanted: Funding formula committee will seek consultants
The committee has $400,000 at its disposal — and a Nov. 30 deadline to finish its work for the year.
Reading scores suggest a widening urban-rural gap
Idaho’s largest districts showed definite improvement in 2016-17, as the state spent $11.25 million to help at-risk readers. The data suggests rural schools lost ground, but the numbers aren’t conclusive.
State Board of Education approves ESSA plan
State Superintendent Sherri Ybarra faces a Sept. 18 deadline to submit the ESSA compliance plan to the U.S. Department of Education.
State Board approves new master teacher premium plan
The plan stipulates that candidates must submit a portfolio emphasizing five areas of exemplary teaching practice. Those who qualify could earn an extra $4,000 a year.
State Board votes to expand CEI taxing district to Bingham County
Bingham County patrons will now vote on the measure, which could raise taxes $11 to $12 a year for the average homeowner.
Ybarra stands firm on ESSA plan as Board braces for federal pushback
State Board of Education President Linda Clark said the feds may send Idaho’s plan back because it does not use a single, summative rating.
Counselors advise the state on college ‘go-on’ woes
In June, the University of Idaho assembled 31 counselors and advisers to look at the state’s stagnant college “go-on” rates.
Higher ed task force starts kicking around ideas
As Idaho continues to struggle to boost college go-on rates and graduation numbers, the task force spent Friday kicking around possible solutions. The group will make its recommendations on Sept. 15.
Education news briefs from across East Idaho
One East Idaho school district wants all freshmen to have a free laptop. Another wants to float big-money bond issue later this month. Read these stories and others in this week’s East Idaho briefs package.
State Board meeting likely to shape school policy for years to come
When the State Board of Education meets Wednesday and Thursday it will take on proposed new science standards, the ESSA compliance plan and a bonus program for master teachers.