IDAHO
Feds list problems with Idaho NCLB waiver
The State Department of Education is on the clock: The U.S. Education Department cited several compliance problems with Idaho’s No Child Left Behind act waiver. Idaho has until February to correct the problems.
Lawmakers dig into standards, reforms
Questions about Common Core, testing and pre-K punctuated a 90-minute Senate and House education committee meeting Wednesday.
Luna changes course on Common Core test
Originally, all Idaho students in grades 3-11 were required to take the new test this spring. Now, schools will be allowed to opt out of testing ninth and 10th graders.
Valley districts seek $43.1 million in levies
In several cases, the districts are seeking to renew existing supplemental levies. In Meridian, for example, voters will decide whether to keep a two-year, $28 million levy on the books.
Thayn: Find alternative to SBAC test
The multistate exam is geared to the new Idaho Core Standards. The questions about the exam come as the 2014 Legislature could be poised to take a second look at the standards themselves.
Senate committee punts on P.E. rule
The State Department of Education rule, ramping up physical education requirements, is already facing opposition in the House.
Mark your calendar for these key dates
These events are key to deciding policy and funding for K-12 public education. In other news, Idaho Business for Education names a new vice president and launches a campaign with the State Department in support of Idaho Core Standards.
P.E. rule could get a makeover
The House subcommittee rejected a rule that would require 60 minutes of P.E. a week in grade school, and 200 minutes bi-weekly in middle school. Lawmakers are also skeptical of a rule to ramp up academic requirements for English teachers.
Supporters unveil pre-K pilot proposal
‘The case for preschool education is compelling,” said Rep. Hy Kloc, the bill’s sponsor.
Fixing a law to fix crumbling schools
The state appears locked into spending $3.6 million to repair two school roofs in Salmon — but local officials say the school district might be better off closing one of the schools entirely. The Legislature may be asked to step in.