Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Superintendent Ybarra’s schedule: March 11-15
State superintendent Sherri Ybarra will get hearings this week on two of her legislative proposals: a bill to address the state’s rural teacher shortage and a bill to expand Idaho’s mastery education pilot program.
Idaho immunization ‘opt-outs’ have doubled since 2009-10
What’s more, these kindergarten opt-out numbers surged, even as kindergarten enrollment has stagnated.
Immunization opt-in bill, guns-in-schools bill dead for session
The House had passed the bill requiring schools and child-care centers to provide immunization opt-in information along with state immunization information. A divided House State Affairs Committee introduced the guns-in-schools bill last week.
In Nevada, a snow-day policy collapses under an avalanche of opposition
The Reno, Nev.-based Washoe County School District adopted a “digital snow day” policy, requiring students to work online when the weather turned bad.
Superintendent Ybarra’s schedule: March 4-8
A chili reception? Among other items on Ybarra’s schedule is a Monday chili cookoff and legislative open house.
Independent report praises Idaho’s mastery pilot — with some qualifications
The pilot program has built a “solid framework” for mastery-based learning, according to researchers with Education Northwest in Portland, Ore. Mastery is one of state superintendent Sherri Ybarra’s top legislative priorities.
Five finalists named in University of Idaho president’s search
They will visit the U of I’s Moscow campus and Boise Center next week.
Superintendent Ybarra’s schedule: Feb. 25-March 1
Lawmakers will draft state superintendent Sherri Ybarra’s administrative budget Monday, and get a first look at her teacher pipeline bill Wednesday.
Michigan embraces its version of a ’60 percent goal’
Like Idaho — which struggles to make headway on its postsecondary goal — Michigan faces daunting demographic hurdles.
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship: Where the money goes
Students received $39.4 million in the state-funded scholarships from 2008 to 2018. And the students’ college of choice? It’s a close race.