Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 35 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. He can be reached at krichert@idahoednews.org

Coming Tuesday: A first-of-its-kind school election day

For the first time, Idaho voters will elect school trustees during a November election. But many voters won’t even notice the difference, because most school board races are uncontested so won’t appear on the ballot.

The ‘nation’s report card:’ two very different reactions

The new National Assessment of Educational Progress scores debunk myths about Idaho’s schools, state superintendent Sherri Ybarra says. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos called the results “devastating.”

Idaho NAEP scores hold steady, and exceed national averages

Idaho students fared well on what is widely known as “the nation’s report card.” But eighth-grade reading scores declined significantly — mirroring a troubling national trend.

Idaho ACT scores improve slightly

Idaho’s scores also exceeded the national average. But less than a third of Idaho’s graduates took the exam — and the vast majority of test-takers already planned to go to college.

Soft skills training teaches electricians to fix fuses, not blow them

During the Education Writers Association’s higher education seminar, EdNews’ Kevin Richert heard from participants in a college pilot program that provides students “badges” for mastering skills such as initiative-taking, critical thinking, collaboration and even empathy.

Superintendent Ybarra’s schedule: Oct. 28-29

There is only one item on state superintendent Sherri Ybarra’s schedule for this week, according to her website.

School funding initiative moves into signature-gathering mode

Reclaim Idaho says is has the state’s go-ahead to pursue a voter initiative that would increase income taxes, and put more than $170 million towards Idaho schools.

Little’s State Board search: How it all unfolded (so far)

Emails to and from the governor’s office — obtained by Idaho Education News — weave a behind-the-scenes story that began weeks before Gov. Brad Little publicly courted applicants for two State Board vacancies.