Patrons call for return of science standards in IF hearing

Five people showed up in Idaho Falls Thursday night for a public hearing on proposed new rules on K-12 education programs. The State Board of Education was considering public comments on professional standards, standards for school bus operations, college entrance exams, special education, and extended content standards. But, the patrons who turned up were unhappy with standards being proposed for science education. According to Idaho Education News, Idaho lawmakers edited the standards to delete five references to human impact on the environment. “I’m here tonight because I’m angry and outraged,” said Jerry Jayne, 85, of Idaho Falls. “All of (the science standards) should be put back, intact.” About 20 of Idaho’s most decorated science teachers, scientists, and other professionals developed the standards presented to this year’s Legislature. Most of the team has been crafting the standards since 2015. The 2016 Legislature quietly rejected the first draft. Some lawmakers said the state failed to solicit adequate public comment, even though the team followed the appropriate rules and laws. Cook and fellow SDE staffer Helen Price said they’ll take feedback from this year’s roadshow back to the team that wrote the standards. After the team reworks the wording, the State Board of Education will review the standards in August. The final decision rests with the 2018 Legislature. If the new version doesn’t go through, Cook said, the state will revert back to science standards approved almost a decade ago. The state is accepting online comments on the standards through April 27. You can comment here.