Idaho Reading Indicator

Reading scores drop across the board

The lackluster results point to the need for a new test, state officials say. In 2018-19, Idaho will spend nearly $13 million to try to help students at risk.

State extends contract ahead of new K-3 reading test

All students in grades K-3 will take a new reading test during the 2018-19 school year.

House upholds veto of reading test bill

Statehouse roundup, 3.27.18: A House vote fell far short of the two-thirds support needed to override a veto. Meanwhile, Otter objected to a piece of one K-12 budget, but stopped short of a second veto.

JFAC puts money back into statewide reading test

The $550,000 would fund the statewide rollout of a new test to assess K-3 reading skills — and identify at-risk students.

Review of new reading test leaves lawmakers skeptical

The Legislature has already zeroed out funding to continue the rollout of a new reading test. And two key lawmakers aren’t even sold on a statewide test.

JFAC cuts budget to replace elementary reading test

Statehouse roundup, 2.26.18: The debate over replacing the state’s reading test heats up, House Education passes a bill encouraging schools to offer gun safety courses and more.

Kindergarten reading scores hit an 11-year low

Third-grade reading scores hit their highest mark in more than a decade.
But “summer melt” appears to be a continuing issue, even as the state spends money to provide struggling readers extra help during the school year.

Testing a reading assessment — and testing the market

As a Texas-based vendor pilots a replacement to Idaho’s reading test — to favorable early reviews — the company is also looking to expand its business in the state.

SPECIAL REPORT: Reading scores fall short of schools’ own goals

Local school leaders were supposed to set benchmark goals for the first year of Idaho’s $11.25 million literacy initiative. Most did. Some didn’t. And a few set goals that were lower than previous years’ scores.

Returns on the literacy initiative, in historical context

The first year of Idaho’s $11.25 million literacy initiative paid dividends — particularly at the kindergarten level. Here’s a look at a decade’s worth of numbers.