New Idaho Core Standards Approved with IEA Support
The IEA this week stood behind the results of a years-long effort to refine education standards first adopted over a decade ago.
Two legislative acts endorsing new math, English language arts and science standards were approved by the House Education Committee on Thursday in a bi-partisan vote. The bills represent a complex, and at times politically contentious, process.
Educators, including IEA members, were part of a committee that worked with lawmakers on the new standards over the past year and IEA Executive Director Paul Stark told lawmakers that IEA members had reviewed the standards and “had a comfort level with this.”
The committee approved two proposals on Thursday that together serve to replace the old standards by July 1:
- House Bill 716 adopts the new standards
- House Concurrent Resolution 39 rejects the old standards
The legislation, sponsored by House Education Committee Chairman Lance Clow (R-Twin Falls), now moves on to the full House of Representatives for consideration, likely early next week.
Here’s a thorough media report on the issue and Thursday’s committee vote.