Voices

Reading literature helps develop critical-thinking skills

The benefits of literature are legion. Books improves vocabulary, organizational skills, and the ability to read, comprehend, and analyze text. Plus, it can provide people with important historical perspective, encourage sympathy for other human beings, and promote appreciation for diversity and understanding of other cultures.

Changing Idaho’s college-going culture

College education is not for everybody, but we are certainly not reaching enough students with the message of why it is valuable, and how it can be attained.

High school dual credit programs continue to grow

Research indicates that high school students who complete some form of early college are more likely to enroll in college and complete a degree. This is a tremendous opportunity to reach students early and bridge the gap to degree and career readiness.

Is Idaho prepared to fund a mastery-based learning model?

If the state is not prepared to write the check for necessary resources to support this shift in teaching and learning, perhaps it’s better we wait until we are.

Common Core legal challenge is ‘extremely puzzling’

The Supreme Court has never found a state compact void for not getting congressional approval under the Compact Clause. It’s a little difficult to imagine the courts would change their tune in this case.

Schools should be held accountable for failing transparency test

Wayne Hoffman writes “It has to be made clear that transparency is an important obligation, especially given that K-12 education comprises more than half of the state budget.”

Idaho, we invite you to listen to students

About 150 high school juniors will share their voice and re-imagine learning. The limitless passion and creativity of students has been begging to be heard for years.

Students will continue to persevere

You are going to experience misfortunes and you are going to fall, but that’s not the point: It’s how quickly you get back up, that really matters!

The economic impact of education on rural communities

Besides investing in education, rural communities must explore partnerships with local industries.

School levy and bond elections are out of control

Under the current rules, school elections “depend too much on cleverness, and not enough on public support,” says Wayne Hoffman of the Idaho Freedom Foundation.