Idaho receives middling grade on digital learning

Idaho earned a middling grade — a “C” — for delivering digital learning to its classrooms.

That’s the assessment from the Foundation for Excellence in Education, a Tallahassee, Fla.-based nonprofit.

In its 2014 Digital Learning Report Card, Idaho received high marks from the foundation for several policies:

  • Idaho allows any student to enroll full-time in virtual charter schools.
  • The state continues to expand broadband access in high schools — the goal of its mothballed Idaho Education Network project.
  • Idaho has no restrictions on class size or student-teacher ratios. The foundation contends digital learning “lends itself to innovative staffing plans.”

Idaho tied for the No. 23 spot nationally in the 2014 report card. A year ago, Idaho received a “D+,” and tied for No. 24 nationally.

The Foundation for Excellence in Education, founded by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, says it “supports the use of technology to offer students access to a high-quality, customized education and empower teachers to help their students succeed.” The foundation endorses a range of education overhauls, and says its goal is to become a “one-stop shop for those working to reform education.”

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 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. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

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