60 percent goal
Idaho makes no headway toward ’60 percent goal’
After seven years, two task forces and $133 million in spending, Idaho is unable to convince more high school graduates to continue their education.
Idaho’s college and career advising program: a $21 million budget puzzle
Schools don’t have to spend their college and career advising money to actually hire advisers. And schools haven’t been required to explain where they spend the money.
Idaho’s average student loan debt: $26,675
Idaho’s student loan burden falls well below the national average, but ranks considerably higher than most Western states, according to a study released Wednesday.
Leaving money on the table: Idaho’s big financial-aid gap
Fewer than half of the state’s high school seniors fill out applications for financial aid. This leaves them out of the running for federal and state money that could help them get a college degree or professional certificate.
Higher education ‘deserts’ are widespread across the state
Up to a fifth of the state’s adults live at least an hour from a college campus, the Chronicle of Higher Education reported recently. That percentage is well above the national average.
New math: A “3” on an AP test equals college credit
Passing one of the rigorous tests will earn guaranteed college credits, under a new State Board of Education policy.
Idaho’s advanced opportunities bill: $16 million and rising
More than 32,000 students took part in the popular program last school year — earning at least $55 million worth of college credits.
West Virginia jumps on the ’60 percent goal’ bandwagon
Only 34.7 percent of West Virginia’s adults hold a college degree or certificate, ranking lowest in the nation. By comparison, 40.6 percent of Idaho adults hold a degree or certificate.
Near-peer mentoring programs show promise, study says
High school students who get coaching from recent college graduates appear more likely to go to college themselves. A State Board of Education researcher says “near-peer” mentoring merits more study.
Idaho’s SAT struggles — in districts large and small
This year, SAT scores dropped in 18 of Idaho’s 20 largest school districts. Meanwhile, Idaho’s high-poverty rural districts still lag behind the state’s average.