Idaho Students, Teachers Receive Strong Support From Governor Little, Policymakers

Idaho’s legislative session recently ended with several visionary steps to ensure families and students can succeed in school, careers and in life.

“Under the bold leadership of Governor Brad Little and state policymakers, Idaho is creating a forward-looking education environment where families and students can succeed. From early literacy to quality teachers and customized learning, placing a command focus on the needs of children will put the state ahead of the pack, paying dividends for Idaho’s families and economy.”

 

Governor Jeb Bush, founder and chairman of ExcelinEd

Governor Little signed the following bills to improve educational outcomes and support the state’s families, students and educators:

• Mastery-based Education: Senate Bill 1059 allows for the expansion of Idaho’s mastery-based education network. There was bipartisan support for this critical improvement to ensure students have mastered certain topics before they progress to the next lesson.
• Student-centered Funding: House Bill 293 lays the groundwork for the state to transition to a weighted student funding formula next session.
• Early Literacy: House Bill 222 doubled funding to $26 million for early literacy programs. The ability to read is the foundation upon which all future learning is based.
• Teacher Pay: House Bill 153 increases beginning teacher pay within the state’s career ladder, an important investment to help ensure quality classroom leadership as Idaho continues to grow.
• Public Charter Schools: Senate Bill 1058 opens charter school leadership positions to highly qualified, yet non-traditional leaders who have the knowledge and skills to improve student achievement.
• Charter School Financing: Senate Bill 1180 will help Idaho charter schools put more money in the classroom by providing help with their bond payments, including lower interest rates.

For more information on the transformative powers of student-centered polices, please visit the ExcelinEd policy libraries.