Literacy

Reading scores drop across the board

The lackluster results point to the need for a new test, state officials say. In 2018-19, Idaho will spend nearly $13 million to try to help students at risk.

JFAC puts money back into statewide reading test

The $550,000 would fund the statewide rollout of a new test to assess K-3 reading skills — and identify at-risk students.

Review of new reading test leaves lawmakers skeptical

The Legislature has already zeroed out funding to continue the rollout of a new reading test. And two key lawmakers aren’t even sold on a statewide test.

JFAC cuts budget to replace elementary reading test

Statehouse roundup, 2.26.18: The debate over replacing the state’s reading test heats up, House Education passes a bill encouraging schools to offer gun safety courses and more.

Kindergarten reading scores hit an 11-year low

Third-grade reading scores hit their highest mark in more than a decade.
But “summer melt” appears to be a continuing issue, even as the state spends money to provide struggling readers extra help during the school year.

Testing a reading assessment — and testing the market

As a Texas-based vendor pilots a replacement to Idaho’s reading test — to favorable early reviews — the company is also looking to expand its business in the state.

Returns on the literacy initiative, in historical context

The first year of Idaho’s $11.25 million literacy initiative paid dividends — particularly at the kindergarten level. Here’s a look at a decade’s worth of numbers.

Reading scores suggest a widening urban-rural gap

Idaho’s largest districts showed definite improvement in 2016-17, as the state spent $11.25 million to help at-risk readers. The data suggests rural schools lost ground, but the numbers aren’t conclusive.

Spring reading scores show signs of improvement

One year into an $11.25 million-a-year literacy initiative, 73 percent of kindergarten through third-grade students ended the school year reading at grade level. In 2016-17, that number was 72 percent.

Schools prepare to test Idaho’s new reading test

In 2018-19, Idaho hopes to have a new way to test reading skills in kindergarten through third grade. For some educators, the change can’t come soon enough.