A second day of testimony on proposed science standards was held by the House Education Committee Friday, but committee chair Julie Van Orden, R-Pingree, held off on a vote to adopt the standards. As we shared in Thursday’s Hotline, Idaho will revert to science standards developed in 2001 if new standards are not approved by the legislature during this session.
More than 20 people testified in favor of adopting the proposed standards during the two-day public hearing, with no testimony opposed to adoption. Those testifying included science professionals, teachers, curriculum experts, and students. Public testimony submitted online also ran overwhelmingly in favor of adopting the new standards, which were developed by a team of experts, including co-chair Melyssa Ferro, an IEA member and former Idaho Teacher of the Year. Superintendent Sherri Ybarra has attended both days of the hearing, and each day has lobbied in favor of adopting the proposed standards.
At issue are five passages related to climate change and human’s impact on the environment, which were removed from the temporary standards passed by the legislature last year. The standards committee re-worked those passages again this year and emphasized an inquiry-based approach.
Rep. Van Orden cited the hectic legislative schedule in announcing the postponement of a vote on adopting the standards. No date has yet been scheduled for the committee to resume their work on the science standards.
Celebrating Idaho Teachers and Public Education at the Statehouse Monday
Several IEA members will address the House and Senate Education Committees Monday, sharing their experiences and expertise as part of Celebrating Idaho Teachers and Public Education activities at the Capitol. As we first shared in Wednesday’s Hotline, IEA members from various parts of the state representing different grade levels and disciplines will have an opportunity to speak with legislators.
IEA President Will Appear on KTVB’s Viewpoint Sunday at 6:30 a.m.
IEA President Kari Overall was interviewed at-length by host Doug Petcash for KTVB’s weekly public affairs program, Viewpoint, which will air Sunday morning at 6:30. The discussion included the IEA’s position on a number of education-related issues, including the pros and cons of the Career Ladder salary allocation formula, Master Educator Premiums, addressing Idaho’s problems recruiting and retaining teachers, and the challenges facing rural school districts and teachers. Angela Hemingway, Executive Director of Idaho’s STEM Action Center, was also interviewed for the show.
When asked about opportunities to better education in the state, Overall said “Idaho is a great place to live, with great schools and great educators, but we must invest in programs that help students achieve and educators succeed.”
Viewpoint airs on KTVB, Channel 7 in Boise Sunday at 6:30 a.m., with re-broadcasts on the station’s 24/7 platform throughout the morning. The show should be available online sometime Monday or Tuesday.
