2019 Idaho Legislature
How accurate is Ybarra’s mastery ‘waiting list’?
The state superintendent says she has up to 50 districts that want to experiment with mastery-based learning. At least one superintendent and one principal say they never approached the state about the idea.
Funding formula bill will be unveiled this week
A draft of the much-awaited and controversial bill will be posted online, Sen. Dean Mortimer said. That’s likely to happen before legislators even hold their first hearing on the proposal.
Statehouse roundup, 1.25.19: Scholarship proposal won’t eliminate backlog
More than 3,400 students are on a waiting list for an Idaho Opportunity Scholarship. Gov. Brad Little wants to spend an additional $7 million to cut into the backlog.
Ybarra faces an uphill fight on mastery education
The superintendent wants more money for mastery education, and she wants to get rid of a cap on pilot programs. That could be a long-shot battle for Ybarra, who has had limited success getting her agenda through the Statehouse.
Statehouse roundup, 1.23.19: U of I pushes for a boost in state-funded scholarships
If state Opportunity Scholarship dollars do not materialize, the University of Idaho says it will make up the difference for 500 qualified students. The university’s potential risk hinges on how much money the Legislature puts into scholarships, President Chuck Staben said.
Statehouse roundup, 1.22.19: Idaho’s new presidents have their day before JFAC
Tuesday was the second day of “Education Week” in JFAC, with budget sessions focused on K-12 and higher education.
State Board spells out plan for master teacher premium rollout
It will cost the state a projected $263,000 to review applications for the premiums, which go into effect this year.
Statehouse roundup: 1.21.19: Colleges subsidize dual-credit programs by more than $1.6 million
College presidents sound the alarm about the hidden cost of the state’s growing dual-credit program. “That is a challenge and that is a crisis,” College of Western Idaho President Bert Glandon said.
State agency makes push for a full-time school safety analyst
Gov. Brad Little has not recommended funding the $141,000-a-year position.