IDAHO

Otter’s $10.7 million literacy initiative: a closer look

Optional, all-day kindergarten for struggling readers is one component of Otter’s plan to improve literacy rates by third grade.

JFAC chair faces a new challenge — and vocal opposition

Will Shawn Keough’s work on the Legislature’s budget-writing committee help her at the polls — or hurt her?

Statehouse roundup, 1.21.16: 60 percent goal — and more

A nonbinding resolution touts Idaho’s oft-stated — and ambitious — goal to boost Idaho’s postsecondary completion rate.

Ybarra, Kuna teachers brief lawmakers on mastery-based education

Kuna Middle School teachers said the students in their mastery-based system of education scored better on the ISAT by SBAC tests than their peers following a traditional academic system.

STEM Action Center in line for a big budget boost

However, supporters will need to sell lawmakers on the idea of creating a long-term, $10 million state fund to match industry donations.

Lawmakers debate flexibility in teacher hiring

Rep. Ryan Kerby, a former school superintendent, said there is an “extreme teacher shortage” and districts need flexibility in hiring.

Field trip introduces lawmakers to refugees learning English

Students at Boise’s Garfield Elementary use Imagine Learning software to improve their reading and vocabulary skills.

Legislative roundup, 1.19.2016

One rule, approved Tuesday, would relax requirements for fire alarms in smaller schools.

Competition challenges students to solve real-world problems

Hundreds of middle school students will compete in the 12th annual Future City Regional Competition, a project-based learning experience where students imagine, research, design and build cities of the future.