Idaho Department of Education

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education distributed more than $91 million in facilities funding to Idaho schools this week. The payments are from the School Modernization Facilities bonds issued over the past year following the passage of House Bill 521 by the 2024 Idaho Legislature.

(BOISE) Longtime administrator of the Idaho Educational Services for the Deaf and Blind (IESDB) Brian Darcy has announced his retirement from the organization effective June 30. Darcy has served in the role for the Gooding-based school for the past 15 years. In July, Darcy will take over as the executive director of the prestigious New York Institute for Special Education in New York City.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education, along with Idaho Parents Unlimited (IPUL) and the Lake Pend Oreille School District are kicking off a pilot program designed to connect parents and guardians of special education students with state and local experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the special education process. The pilot is designed to support students and families of special education students. It will begin with an event for local parents in Sandpoint this Wednesday.

(BOISE) – The news around educational changes at the federal level is starting to pick up in pace and significance, primarily with the recent executive order to effectively close the U.S. Department of Education and provide states with more control. My message about these changes has been consistent: Idaho, and the people who know our state and communities, should be setting the priorities for educating Idaho students. I have always stood firm on this principle.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education continues to seek local sponsors to help provide healthy, balanced meals to Idaho children through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The SFSP provides free meals and snacks to children 1 -18 years of age by operating sites located in low-income areas during the summer months.

(BOISE) – Six outstanding Idaho educators will be honored as Idaho’s 2025 finalists for the national Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

(BOISE) – Two high-performing high school students have been selected as Idaho’s delegates for the annual National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp), to be held from July 10 to August 2.

(BOISE) – To help ensure that Idaho’s districts and charters are fully staffed with the right professionals to support student success, the Idaho Department of Education will again host a series of statewide Educator Career Fairs throughout the month of April.

(BOISE) – Idaho juniors and seniors are again invited to apply to participate in the prestigious National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp). Two students from each state, Washington D.C. and select countries will attend the all-expenses-paid program, to be held July 10 – August 2.

(BOISE) – Leaders have the responsibility – and the opportunity – to make decisions. In fact, it’s an essential function of the role. In my experience, most decisions in leadership roles aren’t easy, but some are easier than others. “Back in the day,” as a newly elected school board member for the Cassia County School District, I was making regular decisions on things that I had limited to no experience in.

(BOISE) – Teachers, administrators and educational stakeholders are again invited to connect and collaborate with peers and thought leaders at the Idaho Department of Education’s annual Prevention and Support Conference. This year’s conference will be held April 16 – 18 in Sun Valley. Registration is now open.

(BOISE) – Idaho school districts, preschools and childcare organizations will again receive funding to install, improve or replace child nutrition technology solutions with the USDA fiscal year 2023 Technology Improvement Grant (TIG).

(BOISE) – Educators nationwide will now have the opportunity to be honored as recipients of the prestigious PAEMST awards after the White House recently announced the 2021, 2022 and 2023 national awardees for the top honor bestowed by the U.S. government to K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educators. The White House announced the honors on January 13.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education is again seeking sponsors for the 2025 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The SFSP provides free meals and snacks to children 1 - 18 years of age by operating sites located in low-income areas during the summer months.

(BOISE) – I have seen a lot of things in education in the last twenty plus years. I have been in a leadership role at the local and state level for four U.S. presidents. I have learned that the federal government is an influence on what states do to educate their kids, but the most significant influence on outcomes is the state. We have a vested interest in educating our citizens, and we don’t take this responsibility lightly.

(BOISE) – The latest scores from the National Assessment for Education Progress (NAEP) show Idaho fourth and eighth graders holding steady in this year’s assessed subjects of math and reading when compared to results from other states.

(BOISE) – Public school districts in Idaho will receive an additional $86.5 million towards facilities funding thanks to favorable conditions in the bond market and collaboration between the Idaho Department of Education, Idaho State Building Authority and financial services firm JP Morgan in moving the bond process forward. The funding goes beyond the $1 billion that districts were expected to receive following the passage of 2024’s House Bill 521.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education is again seeking nominations for the state’s top honor for teaching talent, the CapEd Credit Union Idaho Teacher of the Year. Applications to nominate a teacher are now open.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education has selected Istation, now known as Amira Learning, as the approved vendor for the administration of the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI). An updated version of the test will feature advanced tools and resources, including elements that will assist instructors in effectively identifying and assessing students with dyslexia.

(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield is applauding a plan laid out today by Governor Brad Little to continue investing in Idaho’s K-12 public schools.

(BOISE) – In the midst of the season of giving, I’d like to take a moment to consider what this spirit of generosity looks like in our schools and wider communities. Though this spirit is alive and well in our learning communities year-round, it’s never more visible than during the holiday season. The amount of giving that’s generated in our schools is inspiring, and I’d like to take a moment to give thanks to our educational communities for this generosity.

(BOISE) – Two exemplary high school seniors will represent Idaho in Washington D.C. as part of the prestigious 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education has published updated lists of Centers and Family Day Care Homes that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

(BOISE) – Two Idaho student artists will have their winter-themed artwork featured on the Idaho Department of Education’s 2024 holiday cards.

(BOISE) – Gem Prep: Online has been recognized as Idaho’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Distinguished School for 2024.

(COEUR D’ALENE) – Lakes Middle School was brimming with excitement this morning as eighth grade math teacher Marcus Ross was surprised with a Milken Educator Award at a schoolwide assembly in front of cheering students, colleagues, dignitaries and media. The prestigious national honor – created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken – recognizes exceptional educators for their dedication to excellence in education and is considered the “Oscar of Teaching.” Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley and Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield presented the Award, along with its unrestricted $25,000 cash prize that Ross can use however he chooses.

(BOISE) – Recent three-year cohort data from Idaho’s early literacy test, the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI), shows Idaho students making steady progress and that they are arriving to school in the fall with greater proficiency rates and less learning loss during the summer months.

(BOISE) – There are many important events, activities and milestones that take place in classrooms and schools every year. In my opinion, there are few more important than the conversations teachers and parents have, formally, twice a year at parent-teacher conferences. November is one of the months when time is set aside during the school week to discuss needs, progress, achievement, challenges and opportunities to support learning and growth.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education has issued the first of its payments to school districts through the new School Modernization Facilities Fund. So far, more than $514 million have been distributed to improve school district facilities across the state.

(BOISE) – Students at 150 schools across Idaho will get the chance to experience a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetable options free of charge this school year through Idaho Department of Education-administered grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

(BOISE) – Kids in Idaho were served a record number of healthy meals during the Idaho Department of Education’s annual Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) this year.

(BOISE) – Local education agencies are encouraged to take advantage of approximately $1.5 million in available grant funds to facilitate the operation of out-of-school programs for the 2025 – 2026 school year with the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant program. Funding is available through Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2025.

(BOISE) – Districts and charters in Idaho now have access to additional ways to support core classroom curriculum with supplementary resources from PragerU Kids, available for use free of charge.

(BOISE) – Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield was joined by staff and students at Orchards Elementary School in Lewiston to recognize third grade teacher Heidi Cornell as Idaho’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.

(BOISE) – Like any successful business, an effective leader and CEO drives the plan to meet desired outcomes and goals. The superintendents and principals in our schools are no different.

(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield is spending several weeks on the road visiting Idaho schools this month. She kicked off the tour October 7 with visits to the West Jefferson and Sugar-Salem districts. She is visiting schools in the Fremont, Sugar-Salem, Madison and Rigby districts today.

(BOISE) – In an effort to highlight the important connection between schools and local agriculture, Governor Little has signed a proclamation declaring the month of October to be Farm to School Month in Idaho.

(BOISE) – Idaho students in grades 3 – 12 are invited to share their perspectives on what America means to them for a chance to join peers for field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks with the America’s Field Trip essay and artwork contest.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education will conduct a series of regional outreach meetings this month in an effort to bring educational stakeholders up to speed on proposed changes to the state’s graduation requirements.

(BOISE) – Idaho students are invited to get into the holiday spirit and put their most creative artwork on display with the Idaho Department of Education’s 2024 Holiday Card Contest. The contest is open to all K – 12 students and will be judged in a K – 6 division and a 7 – 12 division.

(BOISE) – More than two dozen districts and charters will get a boost in their efforts to provide a safe and secure school environment with newly-available funding for School Resource Officers (SROs), made possible by the Idaho Legislature and the state’s Millenium Fund and administered by the Idaho Department of Education.

(BOISE) – High school juniors and seniors in Idaho will once again have the chance to join peers from across the country for an in-depth exploration of public service careers with the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Two delegates will be selected to represent Idaho during a week of learning and networking in Washington D.C.

(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield has announced the upcoming departure of Chief Deputy Superintendent Ryan Cantrell. Cantrell’s last day with the Idaho Department of Education will be October 25.

(BOISE) – Idaho has joined the ranks of states offering support specific to military-connected students with the Purple Star School program. The first school in the state to receive the designation is Mountain Home’s Stephensen Elementary.

(BOISE) – Schools in Idaho have the opportunity to take a leading role in warning educational communities about the dangers of fentanyl by sharing the latest information and statistics on the deadly substance at events created with students and parents in mind. The outreach program is designed to bring clear, effective messaging on the drug to entire school communities.

(BOISE) – Idaho students will get the opportunity to learn more about the U.S. Constitution and discuss what it means to them as Idaho classrooms observe Constitution Day on September 17.

(BOISE) – Constitution and Citizenship Day mark the month of September, and for kids in public schools, it’s an opportunity to emphasize the foundation of citizenship: the Constitution. I’m inviting all Idaho teachers to set aside 10 minutes at the beginning of class on September 17th to talk about the U.S. Constitution.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education is seeking input from educational communities statewide in advance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a vendor for the Idaho Standards Achievement Assessment (ISAT) and the Idaho Alternate Assessment (IDAA).

(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield today submitted her annual budget proposals. The K-12 and Idaho Department of Education proposals are due each year to the governor’s budget office and Legislative Services Office by September 1.

(BOISE) – Many of you have heard the old adage, “showing up is half the battle.” It’s a simple phrase that packs a powerful message, and as Idaho’s educational communities embark on a fresh year of learning, this saying has the potential to help address a growing issue affecting student achievement in Idaho and beyond.

(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield has announced a new hiring in support of North Idaho’s educational communities. Wendy Moore has joined the department as the Director of the North Idaho Regional Support Center.

(BOISE) – New data from the 2024 Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) shows Idaho students making near-uniform gains, with overall proficiency rates that exceed the previous year’s results in all three assessed areas.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Career Ready Students (ICRS) council met this week to reconsider 17 proposals that were recommended for funding by the council previously, but were not awarded due to a lack of program funds. These new grant approvals were made possible through an additional $20 million appropriation from the Idaho Legislature made during the 2024 session.

(BOISE) – Several years ago I attended a teacher professional development session in Twin Falls and brought along my son, who was about to enter second grade. As we live in a remote valley, I was tasked with buying items from his class supply list. As both a teacher and a parent, this was like Christmas for me. When we returned home I had to defend a couple of the choices to my wife—especially the huge box of crayons. At my son’s age I had envied my friends' large crayon boxes while working with my small box of crayons. My wife had a good laugh about that story.

(BOISE) – A change to how eligibility is determined for free and reduced school meals has more than doubled the number of students eligible to be directly certified in Idaho. Depending on their relation to the federal poverty level (FPL), Medicaid-enrolled students will now automatically qualify to receive benefits though USDA’s Direct Certification with Medicaid Demonstration Project.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education and the Idaho State Board of Education are rolling out a program and platform designed to provide selected first, second and third-year public school teachers with support and mentorship. The program aims to reduce teacher attrition rates and to increase student achievement in classrooms statewide.

(BOISE) – The 2024–2025 income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals for the upcoming school year are now available to Idaho families for review.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education is seeking a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Operation sponsors in urban areas due to the recent air quality issues created by nearby wildfires.

(BOISE) – Idaho teachers and education leaders work to ensure that all students have the educational services they need to achieve academic success. There are many factors that go into determining what that work looks like. In some cases, supporting a student’s needs requires additional help.

(BOISE) – Districts and charters in Idaho can now apply for funding to support a School Resource Officer (SRO). Local education agencies who currently lack resources to support an SRO position are encouraged to apply on or before Wednesday, August 14.

(BOISE) – Data from Idaho’s early literacy test, the Idaho Reading Indicator, shows moderate gains from Idaho students in kindergarten through third grade. The data shows increases for kindergarteners, first graders and third graders while Idaho second graders maintained their proficiency rate.

When it comes to technological advancements, the speed of change sometimes feels lightning fast. Most of us have clear memories of what life was like before Google and smartphones. Some may argue it was better/easier then, but we can agree that things that once seemed out of reach are now normal parts of life. Using phones alone as an example, technology has taken them from rotary to tiny computers and so much more.

The Idaho Department of Education has launched a new set of online resources that will assist with the educational and administrative challenges unique to military students and their families. The Supporting Military Families webpage is live now on the Idaho Department of Education website.

(BOISE) – As Idaho students start their summer breaks, the Idaho Department of Education would like to remind families that Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) meal sites are now operational. Families can locate the site nearest to them using the USDA’s meal service location finder.

(BOISE) - The Idaho Department of Education seeks feedback from stakeholders representing school districts, public charter schools, postsecondary institutions and other partners as it prepares recommendations on changes to Idaho's graduation requirements. These recommendations will then be presented to the State Board of Education for review. If approved, they would be the first changes made to Idaho's graduation requirements in over a decade.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Career Ready Students (ICRS) Council voted last week to reconsider 34 proposals from 26 districts and charters that had been recommended for funding but were not awarded due to a lack of program funds. The council is in a position to reconsider the proposals following an additional $20 million appropriation from the Idaho legislature during the 2024 session.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Career Ready Students (ICRS) Council voted last week to reconsider 34 proposals from 26 districts and charters that had been recommended for funding but were not awarded due to a lack of program funds. The council is in a position to reconsider the proposals following an additional $20 million appropriation from the Idaho legislature during the 2024 session.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education is inviting the public to comment on proposed changes to the state’s Special Education Manual.

(BOISE) – If you’re like me, you’ve heard about fentanyl for the last few years. And, if you’re like me, you are aware that it is an illicit drug that can have fatal consequences. At a high level, I was aware that fentanyl was a major priority for law enforcement, but beyond that, I didn’t take much more interest as I have focused on student achievement, teacher retention and school funding.

(BOISE) – Two exceptional high school seniors have been selected as Idaho’s 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars. They will be recognized alongside peers from around the country with one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. This year, 161 students nationwide were selected for the award.

(BOISE) – Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Education’s sweeping rewrite of federal Title IX law. On Monday, Idaho joined several other states in litigating against the changes.

(BOISE) – Eighteen local education agencies in Idaho will receive full or part-time school-based nurses thanks to funding from the Healthy Schools Grant. The grant aids in supporting school-based nursing in underserved schools in Idaho.

(BOISE) – Schools and charters across Idaho will receive funding to install vape detectors in high school bathrooms and locker rooms through the Vape Detector Pilot grant.

(BOISE) – Five dedicated elementary school math and science teachers have been named as state finalists for the national Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teacher (PAEMST).

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education encourages members of the public to review and comment on drafts of changes made to the Idaho Content Standards alignment for Arts, Humanities, Computer Science/Educational Technology, Driver Education, Social Studies and World Language.

(BOISE) – Elementary school students in Idaho will once again have the chance to access a variety of fresh fruit and vegetable options with the USDA’s 2025 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). Schools are invited to apply for program funds now.

(BOISE) – Superintendent Debbie Critchfield will visit the final day of the 2024 Idaho Department of Education Educator Career Fair’s Meridian event, where she will be joined by area job-seekers and schools and districts looking to hire qualified educators. The event supports Critchfield’s goal of ensuring that Idaho classrooms are fully staffed to support student success.

(BOISE) – School leaders from across the state will once again have the opportunity to hear updates from Superintendent Debbie Critchfield and Idaho Department of Education staff regarding changes made to statewide education policies during the Idaho Legislature’s 2024 session.

(BOISE) – Superintendent Debbie Critchfield today is applauding K-12 public school budget recommendations approved by the Idaho Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) Friday morning.

(BOISE) – Two outstanding students have been selected to represent Idaho at the prestigious National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp), to be held from June 29 to July 20.

(BOISE) – Educators in Idaho are invited to collaborate with thought leaders and other educational stakeholders at the Idaho Department of Education’s annual Prevention and Support Conference. The conference will be held April 10 – 12 at the Sun Valley Resort. Registration is now open.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) heard presentations on the annual K-12 public schools and Idaho Department of Education budgets today, including highlights from Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield.

(BOISE) – In an effort to ensure that Idaho’s schools and classrooms are fully staffed to support student success, the Idaho Department of Education will host Educator Career Fairs throughout the state in March and April.

(BOISE) – February marks CTE Month, a time when Career Technical Education student organizations in many school districts commemorate through various activities. These students are inspired as they search for their post-K-12 educational journey thanks to CTE.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Career Ready Students Council (ICRS) met Friday and awarded $7,437,410 in grants to fund Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in public and charter schools around Idaho.

(BOISE) – Schools, districts and childcare organizations in Idaho will receive funding to implement innovative technology solutions through funds provided to the Idaho Department of Education through the USDA’s FY 2021 Technology Improvement Grant (TIG).

(BOISE) – Idaho high school students with an interest in United States history and the Constitution are again invited to submit their essay or video entries to the Ninth Circuit Civics Contest.

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Education is again seeking nominations for the state’s most prestigious award for educators, CapEd Credit Union Idaho Teacher of the Year

(BOISE) – I don’t have to be on the road constantly to get feedback from Idahoans who care deeply about education. Running errands like grocery shopping or going to Costco can provide me opportunities to hear from both friends and total strangers. People like to share opinions or offer a word of encouragement, and because my weekends are spent at home in rural Idaho, my neighbors want to be sure the “big city” doesn’t change me!

The Idaho Department of Education is seeking sponsors for this year’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). The SFSP provides free meals and snacks to children 18 years and younger by operating sites located in low-income areas during the summer months.

Tribal Education Leaders from across the state have joined partners at the State Board of Education and the Idaho Department of Education in the first of twenty meetings planned to foster cross-agency coordination to improve access, opportunity and success for American Indian students in Idaho’s public school system.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield has announced the Idaho Department of Education’s top priorities for 2024 in a newly-released video created to follow Governor Brad Little’s State of the State address on Monday.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield is applauding a plan laid out today by Governor Brad Little to increase state support for local school facilities.