Idaho's S 1336 requires all public high school students to demonstrate core virtues (like patriotism and justice) and master key principles of American self-government, including natural rights, the rule of law, and the separation of powers, before graduation. It mandates two credits each in American history and government for grades 9-12, with a full-year Western civilization course required for 8th graders by 2030. The bill specifies curricula must cover foundational documents (Declaration of Independence, Constitution), the American founding era, and the influence of Western traditions, while including instruction on how totalitarian ideologies like communism conflict with U.S. principles. These changes directly affect Idaho public school students and educators developing course materials. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill amends Idaho school law to prohibit in-person student instruction on election days, ensuring schools do not operate as polling places unless a specific agreement is made between the county clerk and school district. It directly affects school districts, students, and election officials by restricting classroom activities during election periods while allowing exceptions for activities that do not require students to be inside buildings used for voting. The law permits professional development, training, and extracurricular activities on election days as long as they do not involve students being present in designated polling locations, and it grants the state board of education authority to waive instructional hour requirements when election-related closures are necessary.
This bill establishes the Idaho Student Safety and Educator Disclosure Act to enhance student safety by requiring schools to verify the background and conduct history of all school employees. It mandates that school districts require job applicants to provide sworn statements about any past investigations, resignations during investigations, or disciplinary actions for misconduct, while non-district schools must obtain written authorization to contact an applicant's past employers for the last ten years to verify such information. The law also requires schools to report certain misconduct-related resignations or terminations to the Idaho Professional Standards Commission and clarifies that schools cannot delay reporting child abuse to law enforcement to conduct internal investigations. Additionally, it provides legal protections for employers who share information in good faith and outlines specific conditions under which private school employees can bring claims against their employers.
This bill amends Idaho law to create a new Division of Career Technical Education within the state board of education, led by an appointed administrator. The division will coordinate career technical education efforts, develop virtual course options, and maintain a list of pathways that can be delivered online, in person, or through a mix of both. It also establishes new criteria for issuing teaching certificates to career technical education instructors, allowing individuals with industry certifications, significant professional experience, or relevant degrees to qualify if they complete approved training. Additionally, the bill ensures that postsecondary credits earned in career technical programs transfer at full value between public Idaho colleges and universities.
Idaho's H 711 creates an alternative pathway for school administrators to obtain temporary certification without traditional credentials. It establishes two routes: "grow your own" for experienced Idaho teachers (5+ years) and "executive leadership" for professionals from business/government/military (5+ years in leadership roles). The bill requires school districts to provide 70+ hours of structured mentoring over two years, using existing funds, and mandates competency assessments to address knowledge gaps. Successful completion leads to a standard administrator certificate, directly affecting school districts hiring principals/superintendents and career-changers entering education leadership.
This bill updates Idaho's Transportation Support Program to clarify which costs school districts and transportation providers can claim for reimbursement when moving students to and from school. It defines allowable expenses such as vehicle maintenance, driver salaries, and contracted transportation services, while excluding costs for optional vehicle features not essential for safety or disability transport. The state will typically cover 50% of reimbursable costs, with higher reimbursement rates for training, fees, and bus maintenance, and includes a cap based on statewide average costs per mile or per student rider. The law also extends reimbursement eligibility to home-based public virtual schools for internet, equipment, and face-to-face visit costs, and establishes specific criteria for hardship bus runs that may qualify for higher reimbursement limits.
This bill allocates state funding to four Idaho higher education institutions - Boise State University, Idaho State University, Lewis-Clark State College, and the University of Idaho - for fiscal year 2027. It provides new money from various funds for personnel and operating costs while simultaneously reducing operating expenditure amounts from the General Fund by a total of $752,900. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to the State Board of Education and the Board of Regents of the University of Idaho.
Idaho's S 1339 requires all public school districts and public charter schools to create annual strategic performance plans focused on improving student outcomes. These plans must set measurable goals for academic proficiency, growth, college/career readiness, and support for at-risk students, using evidence-based strategies and data. Starting in 2027-2028, schools must submit these four-year plans with annual progress reports to the state education department, which will evaluate performance using a state-developed matrix and recognize top-performing schools. The bill replaces previous continuous improvement requirements and mandates regular board reviews of progress toward these goals.
This bill consolidates Idaho's STEM education programs under the Workforce Development Council by repealing the separate Idaho STEM Action Center structure. It transfers responsibilities like computer science education initiatives, STEM funding oversight, and program coordination to the Council. The key change revises references from "STEM Action Center" to "Workforce Development Council" in all relevant laws, streamlining oversight of K-12 computer science programs and STEM education funding.
This bill requires Idaho public schools to address student online harassment targeting staff or others by creating a process for reporting, investigating, and disciplining students. It defines "inappropriate online behavior" as harassment, threats, or bullying via internet, mobile devices, or social media that harms school employees, students, parents, or volunteers. Schools must investigate reports, notify parents, and impose discipline like warnings, behavior programs, or suspension. The law does not block victims from pursuing other legal remedies.
