(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra is launching an important survey to collect input from Idaho parents focusing on the availability and use of technology to support instruction.
News Releases
(BOISE) – – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra today appointed Karlynn Laraway as her director of communications. In her new position, Laraway will oversee all external communications for the State Department of Education including media relations, online content and information requests.
(BOISE) – High school seniors from Hailey, Moscow and Boise have been named U.S. Presidential Scholars for 2020, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra announced Thursday.
(BOISE) – Teacher Appreciation Week is something we celebrate every year in Idaho, and for very good reason. But this year, May 4-8 has particular resonance because Idaho teachers are stretching their imagination and energy to meet students’ needs during a state and national crisis that has closed our schools and impacted education in ways we never expected.
(BOISE) – Reducing youth suicide rates and addressing students’ emotional and mental health needs are among the most important issues in Idaho education, and the need doesn’t end when students graduate from high school.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra is one of three state education chiefs selected for a national webinar to discuss issues public schools are grappling with under the COVID-19 pandemic.
(BOISE) – Idahoans now have until Monday, May 11, to nominate an outstanding educator for the state’s top teaching honor, Teacher of the Year.
(BOISE) – Up to 10,000 Idahoans can receive free online training to identify and respond to the warning signs of students in crisis through QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention funded by the State Department of Education.
(BOISE) – Six high-achieving Idaho high school seniors have been selected as semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program.
(BOISE) – Eight Idaho school districts and five community organizations will receive grants ranging from $75,000 to $170,000 to provide youth academic and enrichment opportunities through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program.
(BOISE) – Four educators from across Idaho will begin three-year terms on the Professional Standards Commission July 1. Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra recommended them to the State Board of Education during Thursday’s board meeting, and all four were unanimously confirmed by the board.
(BOISE) – Thousands of Idaho students don’t have a computer at home or a way to connect to the internet so they can learn remotely during this coronavirus pandemic. But nearly every family in Idaho has a television set and can watch Idaho Public Television. That is where IdahoPTV’s “Classroom Idaho: Learn @ Home” programming can connect these students with certified Idaho teachers so that they can finish learning for the balance of this school year.
(BOISE) – Idaho elementary schools can apply now to participate in the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) through Child Nutrition Programs of the State Department of Education.
(BOISE) – Although public school buildings are closed, Idaho educators continue instructing students through distance learning, and parents are helping children learn at home. To support these efforts, the State Department of Education is providing a wide range of resources to maximize the continuity of education.
(BOISE) – As Idaho education officials grapple with what the end of this school year will look like amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the State Board of Education unanimously agreed Monday to extend the soft closure but give flexibility to Idaho’s school districts and charter schools as they determine new ways to meet requirements and gauge students’ readiness in high school civics and early reading.
(BOISE) – For Idaho educators, as for all Idahoans, this rapidly developing COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of quick study and rapid response, with unprecedented challenges from all directions.
(BOISE) – Thirteen school districts and child care organizations across Idaho will implement innovative technology solutions for child nutrition programs thanks to a grant from the US Department of Agriculture.
– SDE seeks nominations for 2021 Idaho Teacher of the Year March 11, 2020
(BOISE) – The State Department of Education is accepting 2021 nominations for Idaho’s top teaching honor, Teacher of the Year.
(BOISE) – The Idaho Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) took up Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra’s proposed fiscal 2021 budgets for K-12 public schools and departmental operations Tuesday. JFAC’s actions, approving several of the superintendent’s key priorities, now go to the full House and Senate for approval.
(BOISE) – Schools can play an important role in efforts taken by health officials to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19, Coronavirus. And the State Department of Education is circulating helpful links and information to all school districts and charter schools in Idaho.
(BOISE) – A new federal grant, awarded in January to the State Department of Education, will greatly expand Idaho’s Sources of Strength program to include trained behavioral health case managers and peer-to-peer groups for survivors of suicide attempts.
– Media advisory: Superintendent Ybarra to speak at IETA conference February 3, 2020
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra will be the featured speaker at the luncheon of the Idaho Education Technology Association (IETA) conference Tuesday, Feb. 4.
– SDE seeks summer food service program sponsors January 31, 2020
(BOISE) – The Child Nutrition Division of the Idaho State Department of Education is seeking partners for this year’s Summer Food Service Program, which provides free meals and snacks to children, ages 1-18, in low-income areas during the summer months.
– Guest opinion: Don’t rely on luck to address teens’ challenges. Invest in social-emotional learning January 23, 2020
(BOISE) – Our lives are defined by moments, especially the ones we never see coming. My compelling moment – the moment that gave me my mission as an educator -- was on an October afternoon in 2014. I remember putting on my backpack as I watched my athletes load the bus after cross country practice. My phone kept ringing and ringing, and I struggled to find it in my backpack. I had missed three phone calls from my 18-year-old son Keegan, who was a freshman at BSU.
– SDE announces student winners of ‘future’ art contest January 23, 2020
(BOISE) – Young Idaho artists with big dreams for their futures got a moment in the spotlight Thursday when Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra Thursday presented her 2021 budget request to the Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations committee.
(BOISE) – Improving Idaho students’ ability to learn and succeed is at the heart of each priority listed in Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra’s proposed public schools budget for 2021.
– Idaho’s innovative mastery network expands, looks to the future January 20, 2020
(BOISE) – Idaho’s shift to a mastery-based learning model is going strong, with new schools and school districts joining the Idaho Mastery Education Network. After the 2019 Legislature approved a bill to lift the cap on participation in the mastery-based network, the number of participants more than doubled. Today, more than a quarter of Idaho’s school districts and 12 percent of the state’s charter schools are working on new, innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
– Idaho’s 4-year graduation rate steady; 5-year rate increases January 17, 2020
(BOISE) – Idaho’s four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2019 remained steady, coming in at 80.7 percent, compared to 80.6 percent in 2018. The percentage of students who graduated in five years increased from 82.0 percent to 82.8 percent, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said Friday.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra is, once again, pleased that Gov. Brad Little has made education a top priority. In his annual State of the State address Monday, the governor laid out his agenda for education, which aligns with Superintendent Ybarra’s continued commitment to supporting Idaho schools and students to achieve.
– Idaho State Department of Education announces holiday closures December 23, 2019
(BOISE) – State Department of Education offices will be closed on the following dates:
– SDE seeks waivers for recently rescinded program policies December 20, 2019
(BOISE) – The Idaho State Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs (SDE, CNP) has submitted multiple waiver requests to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for recently rescinded policy waivers as issued in SFSP 01-2019 Summer Food Service Program Memoranda Rescission, October 11, 2018.
– Superintendent nominates two Idaho students as Presidential Scholars December 20, 2019
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra has nominated two Idaho high school seniors to be Presidential Scholars.
– Idaho's new online report card gets high marks nationally – again December 18, 2019
(BOISE) – Idaho is one of three “States to Watch” highlighted in the latest Time to Act report from the national Data Quality Campaign (DQC).
(BOISE) – The Child Nutrition Division of the Idaho State Department of Education today published newly updated lists of Centers and Family Day Care Homes that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
(BOISE) – The Child Nutrition Division of the Idaho State Department of Education today published newly updated lists of Centers and Family Day Care Homes that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
– SDE releases results of 2019 Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey December 5, 2019
(BOISE) – The latest Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey provides encouraging news in some areas of student well-being and reinforces the State Department of Education’s commitment to social-emotional learning.
– Idaho students can Picture My Future through art contest December 3, 2019
(BOISE) – Students in grades 7 through 12 throughout Idaho are invited to envision their future after high school and share that vision with artwork that answers the question, “What Does College or Career Ready Mean to Me?”.
– SDE announces student winners of 2019 holiday card contest December 2, 2019
(BOISE) – This year’s holiday cards from the Idaho State Department of Education will feature a Bonneville County fifth-grader’s detail-rich holiday scene of home and hearth.
– Guest opinion: Supporting Idaho schools and students November 26, 2019
(BOISE) – In more than 20 years as an educator, I have learned that one of the most important things we can do – as parents, family members, teachers or community leaders – is to show our children how much we value their education by supporting and celebrating their hard work and success. Our support, individually and collectively, makes all the difference.
– Statewide, district early reading test results show improvements November 15, 2019
(BOISE) – Statewide, district and school final results are out for the fall Idaho Reading Indicator. Like the preliminary statewide data released in October, the results show that more Idaho students in first through third grade are performing at grade level than was demonstrated in the new IRI’s first outing last fall.
– 2019 ACT results show more Idaho students meet benchmarks October 30, 2019
(BOISE) – ACT results for Idaho’s 2019 graduating class show consistently higher performance than the national average, and contribute to the continuing conversation about Idaho students’ college readiness, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said.
– ‘Nation’s Report Card’ shows Idaho students compare well to peers in other states October 30, 2019
(BOISE) – Idaho’s latest scores in the National Assessment for Education Progress (NAEP) provide some encouraging news as the state continues work to improve student performance in reading and mathematics.
(BOISE) – The Idaho State Department of Education is now accepting Holiday Card Contest submissions from Idaho students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
– Idaho SDE marks Teen Driver Safety Week with PSA, tips for parents October 23, 2019
(BOISE) – For most young Idahoans, the teenage years bring new independence and flexibility via a driver’s license or permit. That license also brings new risk and responsibility – and the State Department of Education urges teens and families to take those considerations to heart.
(BOISE) – The Idaho State Department of Education has awarded $125,215.47 in federal grant funding through its Child Nutrition Programs to help 19 Idaho schools purchase new equipment for their National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra announced Thursday.
– Preliminary statewide results from second year of Idaho’s new early reading test reinforce importance of literacy intervention in grades K through 3 October 17, 2019
(BOISE) – Statewide preliminary results are out for the fall Idaho Reading Indicator, which aims to ensure students in kindergarten through third grade are learning to read so they can read to learn.
– Superintendent Ybarra to visit Sandpoint High for NIC Roadshow, interview by student journalist October 10, 2019
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra will visit Sandpoint High School Friday morning, Oct. 11, for the North Idaho College Roadshow and an interview with a journalist from the Cedar Post student newspaper.
(BOISE) – Author and activist Elizabeth Smart, who gained unwanted fame as a 14-year-old abduction survivor then went on to become an inspirational advocate for legislation and organizations to safeguard children, heads a varied slate of national and regional speakers at the State Department of Education’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) conference Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 7-8.
(BOISE) – The State Department of Education will award about $1.5 million in five-year grants to operate after-school programs across Idaho starting in the 2020-2021 school year.
– Idaho’s 2020 Teacher of the Year teaches PE, champions mental health September 26, 2019
(BOISE) – This morning, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra and Governor Brad Little surprised Stacie Lawler in her classroom to announce that Lakeland Junior High School’s health and physical education teacher is Idaho’s Teacher of the Year for 2020.
– SDE distributes video PSAs for Suicide Prevention Month September 24, 2019
(BOISE) – Four new public service announcements featuring Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra are being circulated statewide to highlight the importance of emotional health, recognizing the warning signs of suicide and resources that offer help.
– Top Idaho math teacher advances to nationals September 11, 2019
(BOISE) – A math teacher from Timberline High School has been selected as the state’s finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
(BOISE) – Teacher pay, social-emotional learning, mastery expansion and literacy are top priorities in Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra’s 2021 budget request for Idaho public schools.
(BOISE) – This summer, Child Nutrition Programs at the State Department of Education received two large competitive grants from the USDA, totaling more than $2.3 million.
(BOISE) – The State Department of Education’s revamped K-12 report card, first unveiled in December, is now updated with 2019 assessment results, other data and new features.
(BOISE) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has set new income guidelines for the free and reduced price meals provided to students in schools operating the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, and for free milk in schools operating the Special Milk Program.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra and Major General Michael J. Garshak will join forces for the opening ceremony of Educator Day at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at Gowen Field.
(BOISE) – A new pilot program will provide children in two Idaho elementary schools nutritious breakfasts at the start of their school day via a grant to the State Department of Education.
(BOISE) – Migrant high school students from across Idaho are living in a dorm at Boise State University this week learning about college life and career options, hearing from expert speakers, team-building and visiting a wide range of local businesses.
(BOISE) – State Department of Education (SDE) efforts to help Idaho’s at-risk students and recognize student and school success got a boost this week with U.S. Department of Education approval of amendments to the state’s year-old consolidated plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Students at 124 schools across Idaho will receive free, fresh fruit and vegetables during the coming school year thanks to state-administrated grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra announced.
(BOISE) – Results of the first statewide administration of the new Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI) under Idaho’s new early reading test for students in kindergarten through third grade show significant growth from fall to spring in the 2018-19 school year.
(BOISE) – The latest statewide results for the Idaho Standards Achievement Test show steady improvement in Idaho students’ proficiency over the past few years, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said Monday.
– Results are available for Idaho students’ SAT scores June 24, 2019
Idaho high school juniors’ 2019 SAT college entry exam scores are in, and they show a general decline from last year’s scores. Analysis of the results will help the State Department of Education understand the trend and this year’s cohort of test-takers, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra announced Friday that Dr. Eric J. Studebaker will join the State Department of Education as director of Student Engagement and Safety Coordination.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra today announced that Todd Driver will be joining the State Department of Education as Director of Content and Curriculum.
Interested media representatives are invited to join nearly 350 educators from across Idaho and presenters from all 32 schools in the Idaho Mastery Education Network (IMEN) at the Grove in Boise for the state’s first Mastery Education Conference Monday and Tuesday, June 10-11.
For the past three years, 32 schools in 18 districts across Idaho have explored and embraced a mastery-based approach to learning with help from the State Department of Education. Now all interested Idaho educators have the opportunity to explore this personalized, flexible approach during a free two-day conference.
Matt McCarter, head of Student Engagement, Career and Technical Readiness at the State Department of Education for nearly eight years, is taking a major career step, so the SDE will look for a new leader for that important department.
Matt McCarter, head of Student Engagement, Career and Technical Readiness at the State Department of Education for nearly eight years, is taking a major career step, so the SDE will look for a new leader for that important department.
Aspiring educators will have a one-stop opportunity to meet with prospective employers from Region I and II school districts and charter schools in Coeur d’Alene Tuesday evening, May 14.
– Idaho’s 2019 Presidential Scholars announced May 8, 2019
A high school senior from Boise and one from Rigby have been named as Idaho’s
two Presidential Scholars for the class of 2019, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri
Ybarra said Tuesday.
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and aspiring educators will have a one-stop opportunity to meet with prospective employers from school districts and charter schools in the Blackfoot and Twin Falls areas Wednesday and Thursday, May 8-9.
As Superintendent, I have the opportunity to visit many classrooms and talk to many Idaho teachers across our great state. What I always see are caring, dedicated, innovative professionals who spend countless hours making sure our kids are learning, growing and achieving. I see rooms, hallways, libraries and playgrounds full of busy, engaged and happy kids.
As part of her statewide Legislative Roadshow to discuss the latest education developments with Idaho educators, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra will visit Rocky Mountain Middle School in Idaho Falls at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
As part of her statewide Legislative Roadshow to discuss the latest education developments with Idaho educators, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra will visit Jefferson Elementary School in Jerome at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra and key staff members will meet with educators in Boise, Twin Falls and Idaho Falls next week to discuss the legislative session and the latest Idaho education developments.
(BOISE) – Four graphic arts students in the tiny Rockland School District saw their colorful design represent Idaho at the White House during this year’s Easter Egg Roll.
(BOISE) – Six Idaho students have been selected as semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program, which recognizes some of the nation’s most accomplished graduating high school seniors.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra and key staff members will launch their annual Legislative Roadshow in North Idaho Wednesday and Thursday, April 24-25, to share the latest Idaho education developments with area superintendents, charter school administrators, business managers and other district and school representatives.
(BOISE) – This year’s State Department of Education Legislative Roadshow has been rearranged to accommodate an unusually long-running legislative session.
(BOISE) – Aspiring educators will have a one-stop opportunity to meet with prospective employers from 16 area school districts and charter schools Tuesday evening, April 9, in Nampa.
The State Department of Education’s revamped K-12 Report Card caught the eye of the national Data Quality Campaign (DQC), which reviewed all state report cards for its newly released “Show Me the Data” report.
The Idaho State Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) has submitted a waiver request to the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to extend the current three-year Administrative Review Cycle to a five-year review cycle and align procurement reviews to mirror the administrative review cycle.
– State Department of Education Postpones Statewide Legislative Roadshow Until Legislature Adjourns March 29, 2019
Due to the duration of this year’s legislative session, the department will postpone its roadshow events scheduled for April 2, 3 and 4 to a later date. This scheduling change does not impact the roadshow events scheduled in north Idaho for April 24 and 25.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra and key staff members are hitting the road again this year to discuss the legislative session and all of the latest Idaho education developments, starting with a livestreamed event in Boise Tuesday, April 2.
(BOISE) – Wednesday evening, March 13, aspiring educators have a one-stop opportunity to meet with prospective employers from North Idaho school districts and charter schools.
– SDE issues PSAs, Infographic to highlight education outcomes February 26, 2019
(BOISE) – As we continue our work to help schools and students succeed, it’s important to note that Idaho students and educators already have much to be proud of, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said.
– SDE suicide-prevention efforts get boost from donation February 25, 2019
(BOISE) – As part of Suicide Prevention Day at the Capitol, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra will accept a $25,000 check from the Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) Tuesday afternoon to help fund the Sources of Strength program.
(BOISE) – The Idaho Legislature’s budget-setting committee proposes a $109 million increase in public school funding for the 2019-20 school year, representing a total boost to K-12 funding of well over half a billion dollars since Superintendent Sherri Ybarra took office five years ago.
(BOISE) – Appearing this afternoon before a joint meeting of the Idaho House and Senate Education Committees, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra outlined her concerns about a proposal to change how the state funds K-12 education.
– Idaho’s Presidential Scholar candidates announced January 28, 2019
(BOISE) – More than 50 Idaho high school seniors from throughout Idaho are in the running as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, according to the national committee that organizes the program on behalf of the White House.
– SDE announces student winners of Investing in My Future contest January 24, 2019
(BOISE) – Young Idaho artists with big dreams for the future got a shoutout from Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra Thursday during her budget presentation to the Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations committee.
– Superintendent Ybarra outlines plans in JFAC budget presentation January 24, 2019
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra outlined her vision for the future of Idaho’s public schools Thursday morning in her budget presentation to the Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.
– Guest opinion: The future looks bright for Idaho students January 22, 2019
(BOISE) – Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, understood the connection between perseverance and success. He is credited with saying, “the best way to predict the future is to create it.” I predict a bright future for our students because Idaho is creating an education system that prepares our kids to thrive in the 21st century economy.
– Idaho’s high school graduation rate is on the rise January 17, 2019
(BOISE) – With the Class of 2018, Idaho’s statewide graduation rate topped 80 percent for the first time, continuing a steady, positive trend, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said Thursday.
(BOISE) – The Child Nutrition Division of the Idaho State Department of Education is looking for partners for this year’s Summer Food Service Program, which provides free meals and snacks to children ages 1 to 18 whose families may not be able to afford to give their children nutritious meals when school is not in session.
(BOISE) – Midway through the first school year under Idaho’s new accountability plan, it’s time to look at ways to maximize its effectiveness in helping at-risk students and recognizing success.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra is partnering with State Controller Brandon Woolf to make the State Department of Education the third state agency to publish detailed financial records via Transparent.Idaho.gov.
(BOISE) – As Idaho’s top advocate for schoolchildren, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra responded to Gov. Brad Little’s first State of the State address by expressing appreciation to the new governor for making education his top priority, committing funding and ideas to the shared effort of supporting Idaho schools and students to achieve.
(BOISE) – Three Treasure Valley high school students are going into the new year with extra funds for college thanks to the Jiffy Lube Teen Driver Scholarship Program.
– CenturyLink Outage Impacts State Agency Phone Systems in Boise December 27, 2018
(BOISE) – A nationwide communications outage has impacted the ability of customers to call the Idaho State Department of Education and other state agencies in the Boise area.
– Idaho State Department of Education Holiday Closures December 21, 2018
(BOISE) – The Idaho State Department of Education (SDE) is closed on the following dates.
(BOISE) – The Child Nutrition Division of the Idaho State Department of Education today published newly updated lists of Centers and Family Day Care Homes that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
(BOISE) – Four Idaho schools producing stellar results in helping at-risk students succeed have been identified for national recognition by the State Department of Education, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra announced.
– Superintendent Ybarra names Marilyn Whitney Deputy Superintendent, Communications and Policy December 20, 2018
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra today appointed Marilyn Whitney as Deputy Superintendent, Communications and Policy.
– Idaho State Department of Education unveils new K-12 Report Card December 19, 2018
(BOISE) – After nine months of intensive work, the State Department of Education’s revamped K-12 Report Card is available online, providing a user-friendly way for parents, educators and others to access information about schools and districts throughout the state.
(BOISE) – On Saturday afternoon, Dec. 15, a record 129 Idaho teenagers will cross the stage as graduates of the Idaho Youth ChalleNGe Academy, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra will be on hand to congratulate them.
– Department Seeks Waivers for Recently Rescinded Program Policies December 12, 2018
(BOISE) – The Idaho State Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs (SDE, CNP) has submitted multiple waiver requests to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) for recently rescinded policy waivers as issued in SFSP 01-2019 Summer Food Service Program Memoranda Rescission, October 11, 2018.
– School Bus Stop Arm Safety Awareness Campaign Launched December 11, 2018
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra today released a public service announcement aimed at increasing awareness about school buses and the stop arm law designed to protect students.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra is heading to North Idaho this week as part of a “winter tour” to hear from Idaho educators about the issues and priorities that are most important for them.
– Superintendent Ybarra Briefs U.S. Senator Jim Risch in D.C. on Key Student Safety Initiative December 5, 2018
(BOISE) – Today, Idaho State Superintendent Sherri Ybarra briefed U.S. Senator Jim Risch about Idaho’s comprehensive student safety initiative, Keep Idaho Students Safe, KISS for short.
(BOISE) – This year’s holiday cards from the Idaho State Department of Education will feature a West Ada third-grader’s watercolor rendering of a classic winter scene: transporting a holiday tree home from the forest.
– Scores released for Idaho’s new K-3 reading test November 9, 2018
(BOISE) – State, district, and school level results on the state’s new early reading tests were released today.
– Idaho students invited to envision future through art contest November 7, 2018
(BOISE) – Students in grades 7 through 12 can envision their future and share that vision through the Investing in My Future Art Contest, which runs through Dec. 1.
– Thirteen Idaho schools get USDA grant funds for kitchen equipment October 30, 2018
(BOISE) – The Idaho State Department of Education has awarded $132,068.72 in federal grant funding through its Child Nutrition Programs to help 13 schools across Idaho purchase new equipment for their National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra announced.
(BOISE) – The last of the state’s identifications -- additional targeted support and improvement (ATSI) schools -- under its new accountability system are posted on the Accountability page of the State Department of Education’s website.
(BOISE) – Frank DeAngelis, who led the Colorado high school hit by the nation’s first mass K-12 school shooting, says Idaho is on the right track for keeping our students safe.
– Presidential Scholar nominations open for Idaho seniors October 15, 2018
(BOISE) – Idaho high school seniors interested in being nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program are urged to submit applications to the State Department of Education by Nov. 2.
– Idahoans invited to help shape surveys about schools October 15, 2018
(BOISE) – Draft parent and staff surveys, developed by education stakeholders as part of a new Accountability Framework for Idaho schools, are available online for review and feedback until Oct. 26.
GEAR UP conference in Boise focuses on Advanced Opportunities October 12, 2018
(BOISE) – Nearly 600 education professionals from western states, including 175 from Idaho, will gather in Boise Sunday through Tuesday, Oct. 16-18, for the GEAR UP West conference, which this year will feature the State Department of Education’s Advanced Opportunities program.
SDE’s FACE conference brings wide range of speakers to Boise October 4, 2018
(BOISE) – A former principal of Columbine High School, a therapist who specializes in combatting bullying and an expert who uses sled-dog teamwork principals to strengthen family engagement practices are among the speakers at this year’s Family and Community Engagement Conference.
Top Idaho science, math teachers advance to nationals October 2, 2018
(BOISE) – Three Idaho elementary teachers, two in science and one in mathematics, will be honored as this year’s state nominees for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) during the Idaho Math and Science Conference, Oct. 5-6, at Eagle High School.
(BOISE) – U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today recognized two Idaho schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2018.
Idaho students invited to submit art for SDE holiday cards October 1, 2018
(BOISE) – The Idaho State Department of Education is now accepting Holiday Card Contest submissions from Idaho students in grades K-6.
SDE reorganizes programs as student-centered learning department September 25, 2018
(BOISE) – The State Department of Education has reimagined its academics department with an infusion of mastery education principles and teams organized by district size, not subject matter.
Idaho Teacher of the Year helps shape curriculum, community and students’ futures September 10, 2018
(BOISE) – Idaho’s newly announced 2019 Teacher of the Year offers a distinctive blend of credentials and characteristics that make him stand out: In addition to being a skilled and passionate high school teacher, he leads the state’s most honored FFA program and serves as mayor of American Falls.
Media advisory: Correction on proposed teacher pay increases September 5, 2018
(BOISE) – The proposed teacher pay increases beyond the fifth year of the Career Ladder in the FY 20 Public Schools Budget were updated today.
State IDs Idaho schools for recognition, support September 5, 2018
(BOISE) – The state today identified schools for recognition and for targeted support and improvement (TSI) based on the performance of 10 subgroups of students. The identifications mark the second of three phases of information released from the state’s new accountability system.
Superintendent Ybarra asks for investments in students, teachers September 4, 2018
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra will ask the Legislature to invest in immediate student safety needs, increased support for teachers and continued forward momentum for the state’s plan to improve K-12 education.
Local, statewide ISAT scores finalized and available online August 31, 2018
(BOISE) – Final 2018 results for the Idaho Standards Achievement Test are now available, posted Friday on the State Department of Education website.
(BOISE) – Students, families, and special education professionals across the state are expected to benefit from a new, web-based system to create Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities.
(BOISE) – Idaho will provide coaching, professional development and other supports over the next three years to help elevate student performance in schools identified as underperforming or with low graduation rates by the state’s new accountability system. The state also will invest $6.3 million in improvement grants for underperforming schools that are part of the federal Title I-A program.
(BOISE) – Results from the spring Idaho Reading Indicator – the last time that early reading test will ever be given -- are out, and they reinforce why educators are happy a new, online test will be rolled out statewide this fall, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said Friday.
Guest Opinion: Stakeholders are at the heart of initiative to keep Idaho students safe August 10, 2018
By Sherri Ybarra - Superintendent of Public Instruction
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra is revisiting plans for a new chief policy advisor after Will Goodman, who had planned to rejoin the State Department of Education Sept. 17, told her he wants to remain with the Mountain Home School District.
(BOISE) – With a $13.4 million state investment in providing college-level courses to high school students across Idaho, the State Department of Education’s Fast Forward program saved students’ families more than four times that amount -- $55 million -- in college costs.
(BOISE) – On Aug. 1, more than 100 educators, policymakers and tribal leaders will gather in Boise to promote equity and best practices for teaching American Indian students by identifying strategies and gathering cultural knowledge.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra named former chief technology officer and veteran educator Will Goodman to the position of chief policy advisor in her administration.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra named former chief technology officer and veteran educator Will Goodman to the position of chief policy advisor in her administration.
(BOISE) – Students at 121 schools across Idaho will receive free, fresh fruit and vegetables during the coming school year thanks to state-administrated grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra announced.
(BOISE) – Students at 121 schools across Idaho will receive free, fresh fruit and vegetables during the coming school year thanks to state-administrated grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra announced.
(BOISE) – Two Idaho teachers are among 140 math and science teachers across the nation selected to win Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Lynnea Shafter teaches special K-5 STEM classes at Barbara Morgan STEM Academy in Meridian, and Susan Darden teaches 6th grade general mathematics at Galileo STEM Academy in Eagle. Darden also teaches a history class.
(BOISE) – June is a big month for collaborations between the State Department of Education and Idaho higher education to help math teachers come up with new, effective ways to teach thousands of Idaho children.
(BOISE) – An online analysis tool developed by the State Department of Education allows parents, educators and others to quickly access and compare SAT scores for Idaho schools and school districts.
(BOISE) – Preliminary statewide results from assessments taken by Idaho students this spring show encouraging increases in students’ proficiency in English and math through the ISAT and a puzzling dip in 11th graders’ performance on the SAT college entrance exam.
(BOISE) – When school starts anew at the end of summer, young students throughout Idaho will take a new evaluation designed to identify how best to help them maximize their reading readiness and skills.
(BOISE) – Students at 17 middle and high schools across Idaho will team with adult advisers to fight against teen suicide by decreasing risk factors and building positive influences, thanks to state Sources of Strength grants.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra today appointed Peter McPherson as chief deputy superintendent. He replaces Pete Koehler, who retires June 29.
(BOISE) – A student from Boise High School and one from Moscow High School have been named as Idaho’s Presidential Scholars for 2018, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said Tuesday.
(BOISE) – Any time is the right time to let teachers know you appreciate them, but that’s doubly true during National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7 through 11, Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said.
(BOISE) – Next week, 22 teachers in the Treasure Valley and Magic Valley will get time off as part of the State Department of Education’s celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week.
(BOISE) – The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, which annually selects top graduating high school seniors from each state, has selected eight semi-finalists for the state of Idaho, all selected for their outstanding achievements.
(BOISE) – For Caldwell teacher Becky Mitchell, this is “the week of weeks.” She’s in Washington, D.C., as Idaho’s Teacher of the Year, spreading the word about Idaho education, networking with other top teachers, absorbing teaching resources at Smithsonian museums, and encountering people and places she previously had only imagined.
(BOISE) – Want to teach in Idaho? Upcoming Educator Career Fairs in Nampa and Twin Falls this week and next each offer a one-stop opportunity to meet with prospective employers from more than a dozen Idaho school districts and charter schools.
(BOISE) – In September, 20 Idaho high school teachers will travel to the Harvard Business School for an all-expense-paid opportunity to help pilot a new way to teach teenagers about American democracy: the High School Case Method Project.
First week of SDE’s Legislative Roadshow winds up in Boise Thursday, will be livestreamed April 10, 2018
Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra and key staff members are hitting the road to discuss this year’s legislative session and all of the latest education news, from public school finance and technology to Idaho’s recently approved ESSA accountability system, Smarty Ants and the Red Tape Committee.
(BOISE) – Idaho’s new web-based program to help children get ready for reading and kindergarten is ready to roll, and parents are encouraged to sign up online.
(BOISE) – Idaho’s latest scores in the National Assessment for Education Progress provide encouraging news as the state works to increase student performance in reading and mathematics, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said.
(BOISE) – The State Department of Education has awarded $1.5 million in grants to 10 Idaho schools and communities to give students opportunities for academic achievement and well-being.
(BOISE) – Starting next week, all Idaho 4-year-olds will have free access to an animated, interactive reading-readiness program dubbed Smarty Ants through a five-year grant agreement between the State Department of Education and the online literacy program Achieve3000.
(BOISE) – Parents, students, educators and others are invited to weigh in on Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra’s proposed Keep Idaho Students Safe initiative via an online survey.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra got the news that Idaho’s consolidated plan has officially been approved via a personal phone call Thursday from U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.
(BOISE) – Child Nutrition Programs of the State Department of Education is now accepting applications for Idaho elementary schools to participate in the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).
(BOISE) – Parents, teachers and administrators from throughout the state are helping the Idaho Assessment Task Force complete its process of studying the state’s standardized testing system and suggesting ways to improve it.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra called for a greater investment in the safety of Idaho’s students through a new initiative, announced today, focused on increasing support to Idaho’s schools.
Statehouse event showcases mastery-based education in Idaho schools February 21, 2018
(BOISE) – Teachers, students and administrators from across Idaho will gather in the Capitol Rotunda Friday, Feb. 23, to demonstrate a new approach to education that measures student learning by mastery of content.
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra unveiled a new Certification Lookup Tool Wednesday that allows Idahoans to quickly find information about the certification status of teachers, administrators and other education professionals.
Idaho’s graduation rate shows small increase, optimism for future February 7, 2018
(BOISE) – Nearly eight in 10 Idaho high school seniors graduated in 2017, a slight improvement with some bright spots and room to improve, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said Wednesday.
Treasure Valley kids get STEAM’d at Future Design Academy Feb. 5-8 February 5, 2018
(BOISE) – Students from four Valley school districts will flex their creative and artistic talents in a STEM environment during daylong Future Design Academy sessions over the next three months.
Superintendent Ybarra releases report on Idaho’s education landscape January 22, 2018
(BOISE) – More than one in five new Idaho teachers doesn’t return to their school the following year. Students with the greatest economic and academic needs tend to have teachers with the least experience. These and other results from a new study are an urgent call to action, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said.
(BOISE) – Idaho State Department of Education programs and initiatives will take center stage at the State Capitol Monday, Jan. 22, at a legislative open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first floor Rotunda.