Legislature looking to make changes in education

Education is the biggest topic of the 2014 Idaho Legislature, with the conversation revolving around the Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s task force recommendations, a list of 20 items that aim to improve Idaho’s education. One of those recommendations is implementing Common Core standards.

There has been plenty of talk in the Capitol about how long it should take to implement these recommendations.

House Education Committee Chairman Reed DeMordaunt said his committee will aim for solutions in a way that is “as quick as practical.”

Some of the recommendations need more time to be flushed out, like the career ladder.

Others, he said, could use a pilot program.

“Some of this is new areas that we are talking about,” he said. “As we look at mastery and competency-based learning, as opposed to the way we currently do, which is seat time, that’s going to need some pilots. We are going to have to test some of these concepts out, so that will necessitate a several-year approach.”

The governor may be leaning toward a five-year time frame. In his State of the State address, he spoke often about ensuring an sustainable budget before introducing new items, especially in education.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna hopes to see reforms implemented in two to three years.

To submit a question to the House Education Committee, especially regarding Common Core, email hedu@house.idaho.gov.