Idaho Challenge: Citizens sought to review Core Standards

As part of the Idaho State Department of Education’s regular review process of academic standards, the department is seeking specific input on the English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics standards which were adopted in 2011 and implemented by teachers across the state over the past several years.

The review will be called the Idaho Standards for Learning Challenge, and is designed to challenge stakeholders to read the standards and then provide specific, actionable feedback on any particular standard. It is also important to note that the Idaho Challenge is not intended to be a referendum on the Idaho Core Standards; only comments and actionable recommendations tied to specific standards will be considered.

The Idaho Challenge will not only allow stakeholders to be involved, but will also give parents, students, teachers, higher education, and the public at large the opportunity to review the standards based on their experience over the past several years they have been taught in Idaho public schools.The Idaho Challenge review platform will open Aug. 12, and will remain open through Dec. 15 to allow anyone who is interested, the opportunity to provide feedback on each individual Idaho Core standard. When the Idaho Challenge concludes on Dec. 15, comments provided about specific standards will be evaluated by a team of Idaho educators and stakeholders. The team will then make recommendations on any changes to the standards to the Idaho Board of Education for its consideration.

Access the Idaho Challenge platform by visiting www.sde.idaho.gov/site/idahochallenge.

For additional information on the Idaho Challenge, or questions regarding the review platform please contact Scott Cook at (208) 332-6927 or by email at [email protected].