Idaho’s Education System: What You Need to Know
Idaho’s education system is a vital part of the state’s economy and future. It provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college, career, and life. The state’s education system is also responsible for preparing students for the 21st century workforce.
Idaho’s Education System Overview
Idaho’s education system is made up of public and private schools. Public schools are funded by the state and local governments. Private schools are funded by tuition and donations.
Idaho’s public school system is divided into three levels: elementary school, middle school, and high school. Elementary school students typically attend school from kindergarten through grade five. Middle school students typically attend school from grade six through grade eight. High school students typically attend school from grade nine through grade twelve.
Idaho’s private school system is also divided into three levels: elementary school, middle school, and high school. Private school students typically attend school from kindergarten through grade twelve.
Idaho’s Education Standards
Idaho’s education system is based on a set of standards that define what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. These standards are developed by the Idaho State Board of Education and are aligned with the Common Core State Standards.
The Common Core State Standards are a set of academic standards that have been adopted by 41 states and the District of Columbia. The standards are designed to ensure that students are prepared for college and career.
Idaho’s Education Funding
Idaho’s education system is funded by a combination of state and local taxes. The state government provides about 60% of the funding for public schools, while local governments provide about 40% of the funding.
Idaho’s education funding is based on a formula that takes into account the number of students in each school district, the cost of living in each district, and the needs of each district.
Idaho’s Education Performance
Idaho’s education system has made significant progress in recent years. In 2015, Idaho was ranked 44th in the nation in terms of student achievement. However, by 2019, Idaho had moved up to 35th in the nation.
Idaho’s education system is still facing some challenges, however. The state has a high rate of poverty, which can make it difficult for students to succeed in school. Idaho also has a large rural population, which can make it difficult to provide access to quality education for all students.
Idaho’s Education Reform
Idaho’s education system is constantly evolving and changing. The state is currently in the process of implementing a number of reforms designed to improve student achievement. These reforms include:
- The implementation of the Common Core State Standards
- The expansion of early childhood education programs
- The implementation of a new teacher evaluation system
- The creation of a new school accountability system
Idaho’s education reform efforts are still in the early stages, but they are already showing some positive results. In 2019, Idaho’s fourth-grade reading scores increased by 2.5%. Idaho’s eighth-grade math scores also increased by 1.5%.
Idaho’s education system is facing some challenges, but the state is committed to providing all students with a quality education. The state’s education reform efforts are designed to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in college, career, and life.
Resources
- Idaho State Department of Education
- Idaho Public School Districts
- Idaho Private Schools