IDAHO
Lawmaker seeks to ease ban on church school funding
Rep. Ron Nate said the amendment is necessary to protect families who use state scholarships at church-run colleges. One lawmaker worries the move would pave the way to a voucher system.
Idaho’s big-money broadband battle rages on in court
The Idaho Education Network is dead. But the state and its vendors have tens of millions of dollars riding on a state Supreme Court appeal.
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.