Idaho Department of Education

Our department’s coordinator for the arts, world languages, gifted and talented, P.E. and health is Rebecca Martin. Earlier this month, Rebecca took a week of vacation to mentor young musicians at the annual Sun Valley Music Festival Institute. This festival has been going strong for close to 40 years, providing the local community with admission-free performances from world-class musicians.

🎶 What is the institute?
Students at all levels—from second graders to advanced college undergraduates—interact with Festival musicians, guest artists, and fellow students who share their passion for classical music. Participants travel from across the country to hone their skills, develop their artistic sensibilities, and make music (and new friends).

🎵 What are people saying?
“Mrs. Martin, our daughter took part in the Sun Valley Music Institute this last week and I wanted to thank you for putting forth such an amazing program for the Philharmonic group. This was her first experience with an orchestra camp, and she walked away excited for next year. What you and the other instructors brought forth was more than just a great performance. You helped inspire our daughter and build her confidence and for that I am so grateful! Thank you for investing your skills and time into the lives of the youth you worked with!”

We’re so proud of you, Rebecca! 👏 Keep shining your light on opportunities for aspiring artists in Idaho!

Superintendent Critchfield was so honored to be the keynote at a districtwide welcome event for new Idaho Falls teachers. While there she saw Kelly Sheridan — one of Idaho’s two 2023-2024 Milken Educator Award winners and an assistant principal at Compass Academy Lions. Towards the close of the event, the Idaho Falls High School band lined the hallways to celebrate the teachers as they stepped toward the new school year. There may or may not have been dancing.

We are SO excited for this school year. Idaho public education is doing great things for students!!

Thank you for the invite, Idaho Falls Education Association and Idaho Falls School District 91!

*MEET THE TEAM SUPPORTING IDAHO EDUCATION*

Amber Worthington is one of three financial specialists on the Public School Finance team here at the Idaho Department of Education. She grew up in the Treasure Valley and attended all of the following schools at various times during her K-12 career: Adams Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, North Junior High, Hillside Junior High School - Boise, ID, Capital High School - Boise, Richard McKenna Public Charter Secondary School (Online) and Marian Pritchett Alternative. Amber earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts from the College of Western Idaho and a B.S. in business administration from Northwest Nazarene University. Before joining the department, Amber held positions at the Idaho Transportation Department, a southwest Idaho charter school, preschool and private school.

Her day-to-day responsibilities include preparing payments for the state’s public charters and traditional schools/districts (her main and top priority), answering external questions about K-12 school finance, managing the school finance school district/charter email list and maintaining the finance secure website. She also assists members of her team with a wide variety of other tasks like reviewing the Idaho Financial Accounting Reporting Management System (IFARMS), helping out with audits, and tracking emergency closures—as in the case of snow days—so that necessary absences don’t count against the school’s average daily attendance.

Amber always loved school and even considered becoming a teacher. Once her daughter started going to school, she found a lot of joy in chaperoning field trips and helping as a classroom parent. She still volunteers as often as possible whenever art projects or music performances require a few more hands on deck. While she has thought about completing her teaching certification, she is now finding a lot of fulfillment in her current role. She says she is still learning new things and enjoys seeing the impact that schools have on their communities.

It’s going to be a GRRREAT year!!

Thank you, Taft Elementary Tigers! 🐯

Superintendent Critchfield had the opportunity to visit this school for its second annual hair salon and back-to-school resource fair. 🙌 Thank you to the local business owners, community members, staff, parents, students and teachers who made these events possible. Every year, Taft welcomes a relatively large population of students from other countries and the school has an all-star staff ready to meet families where they are at!

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is a national nonpartisan initiative. Two student leaders from each state will spend a week (March 1–8, 2025) in Washington D.C. experiencing national government in action.

In addition to the FREE trip—all transportation, accommodations and meal expenses will be provided —each delegate will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies.

Eligibility Reqs:
1) Applicants must be actively serving in a high-level, peer-elected position
2) Applicants must be a junior or senior in high school

Idaho Application:
https://form.jotform.com/242006414734145

⏰ October 11 is the deadline to apply!

An Idaho Career Ready Students (ICRS) grant helped make this July groundbreaking for a new 10,000-square-foot diesel tech shop possible. The facility will allow teacher Chad Evans and his pupils to have their own space—separate from the automotive program—and expand to meet the needs of students in Cassia County School District. Growing demand in the diesel industry will bring new opportunities to the Magic Valley.

“The whole world runs on diesel. That's just the way it is,” said instructor Evans.

📰 For more coverage of the event, visit the Idaho News 6 website.
➡️ For more info about the Idaho Department of Education’s ICRS grant program, visit our website!

Another year, another successful Idaho STEM Conference!! Here’s the recap:

👏 This year’s event was held at Coeur d’Alene High School
👏 The theme was “Full STEAM Ahead”
👏 Dr. Jo Boaler and Dr. Stephen Pruitt, two nationally renowned speakers, were the keynotes
👏 More than 250 Idaho educators and STEM facilitators attended
👏 Imagine Learning and Emily Bybee sponsored a coffee trailer – the perfect way to jumpstart learning!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this happen. We love working with the Idaho Science Teaching Association, Idaho Environmental Education Association, Idaho Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Idaho STEM Action Center, the various STEM Ecosystems and all of our state’s brilliant teachers. 🥳

In a slight twist on her regular Idaho school t-shirt campaign highlighting our state’s excellent K-12 education, Superintendent Critchfield teamed up with a few colleagues (and some familiar faces) to shine a light on Idaho PTV Education.

Idaho PTV Education has something for EVERYONE and ANYONE focused on education. 🙌

Including...

⭐ PBS LearningMedia
Idaho Standards-aligned K-12 lesson plans & videos!
🔗 idahoptv.pbslearningmedia.org

⭐ STEM and Literacy
Book an education specialist!
🔗 idahoptv.org/stem

⭐ Storytime in a Box
Books and materials for underserved public libraries!
🔗 idahoptv.org/storytime

⭐ Student Reporting and NOVA Studio
Public broadcasting mentorships and journalism curricula!
🔗 idahoptv.org/SRL

⭐ Kindergarten Readiness
Resources, games and kits!
🔗 idahoptv.org/readiness

⭐ IdahoPTV Parents
Customize your child’s learning!
🔗 idahoptv.org/parents

👉 Education Newsletter 👈
Monthly updates on these (and MORE) programs!
🔗 idahoptv.org/ednewsletter

Idaho Public Television

The Idaho Department of Education special education team, Idaho SESTA, University of Idaho and Idaho Parents Unlimited represented Idaho at the 2024 Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Conference "Early Beginnings to Bright Futures" in Washington DC.

SEAs from around the nation as well as representatives from the U.S. Department of Education came together to showcase ideas, problem solve solutions and strengthen partnerships all to improve outcomes for special education students.

📷 The following individuals presented and represented Idaho: Chynna Hirasaki, Director of Special Education; Kimberli Shaner, Dispute Resolution Coordinator; Lisa Pofelski- Rosa, Financial Principal; Dr. Janice Carson, Associate Director of Idaho SESTA and Professor at the University of Idaho; and Melissa Vian, Idaho Parents Unlimited staff.

The 2024 American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA) conference helps hone Idaho driver education services!

What our staff learned at the training:
✅ how other states are delivering this essential education
✅ new resources to share with Idaho instructors
✅ new ideas to improve our state’s programs

Review Idaho driver education options at 👇
👉 https://ow.ly/RAQh50SV5vt

*MEET THE TEAM SUPPORTING IDAHO EDUCATION*

Rachel Burk is the Parent Engagement and School Choice Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Education. She has a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and Museum Management with a minor in Business Administration from Oklahoma Baptist University, as well as a master’s degree in teaching English from Western Governors University. Rachel wore many hats early in her career, including title abstractor for a title company in East Texas and art business entrepreneur. Later, Rachel worked at a handful of rural schools and one private school. She and her family moved to Idaho about a decade ago. Here, she taught English Language Arts (ELA) for eight years—four years in a rural/remote district and four years at an urban charter school. Her focus was junior high ELA, but she also taught journalism, creative writing, public speaking and all ELA courses from grades 6–12.

In her current role for the Idaho Department of Education, Rachel has two objectives:

1️⃣ Engage parents in their child’s education choices.
2️⃣ Support charter schools to strengthen Idaho’s K-12 education ecosystem.

For the first, Rachel works with Superintendent Critchfield and our other departments to imagine, improve and deliver on various family-focused initiatives. She curates resources, manages the Parent Corner website and fields hundreds of questions and concerns from Idaho families as they navigate the state’s K-12 landscape. To support charter schools, Rachel organizes the annual Charter Start Workshop and the Charter Bootcamp Workshop. She visits charter schools, evaluates needs, builds tools, collaborates on networking opportunities and more.

Rachel’s husband was an educator long before she was. His joy in and passion for the work inspired her, but it wasn’t until their children started school that Rachel stepped into substitute teaching and realized she loved interacting with the students. She felt a special affinity for middle schoolers and set out to “be the type of teacher I needed at that age.” After moving to Idaho, Rachel found mentors who helped guide her to this next rewarding chapter of her career.

Rachel (and this entire department!) wish all Idaho families knew the extensive school choice options that Idaho makes available. If you want to learn more, visit our website or reach out to Rachel!

Over 400 school and district transportation staff from around the state attended the first-ever Idaho Transportation Conference organized by the Idaho Department of Education.

Thank you to everyone who attended!

The event, taking place the last week of July, combined the state’s traditional Train the Trainer and Technician Workshop. It also offered completely new sessions meant to empower transportation professionals and equip them with the knowledge to provide outstanding training to their staff.

Please tag any familiar faces missing names in the captions!

The Idaho Department of Education’s first ever Nurse Bootcamp was a HUGE success! Participants were reminded of the role of school nurses, and walked through protocols around diabetes, IEP/504, seizures, mental health and more. Our department hopes to make this an annual event to help foster a professional network of Idaho school nurses—and to keep support resources top of mind.

Thank you Marsing Joint School District #363 for hosting!

Our department’s GEAR UP Idaho team hosted a unique experience, inviting 20 secondary teachers from all over the state to come together August 1 and 2 for a Career-Connected Learning Workshop. The culminating project, was a favorite GEAR UP activity: the “Human PowerPoint.”

Thank you to CapEd Credit Union, Bureau of Land Management - Idaho, and Ada County Sheriff's Office for participating! Thank you, also, to our staff (Jacque Deahl and Julia Hopper) who facilitated the event. 👏

More photos/details on the Idaho Department of Education LinkedIn 👇
👉 https://ow.ly/lsYK50SQoiY

Scroll down for an OPEN grant opportunity. ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Greg Hudson (center) is a Rathdrum Police Department Officer and the Student Resource Officer (SRO) in the Lakeland Joint School District No. 272. He and his wife recently met with Superintendent Critchfield (right) at the Idaho Department of Education to discuss student safety, behavioral trends and classroom management, among other things. Thank you for all you do for Idaho students, Officer Hudson!

➡️ https://ow.ly/UgnW50SQnQR
^ ATTN: Idaho school districts! Get the funding you need to establish an SRO in your school(s)!

⏰ Applications are due Wednesday, August 14, 4:00 PM (MT).

Richard McKenna Charter Schools maintains two physical school campuses and one virtual campus, serving 500+ students in grades K-12 from all over the state. The Richard McKenna mission is to provide a non-traditional, yet comprehensive education built upon a Montessori educational philosophy that utilizes project-based learning and independent study. The onsite high school has a four-year graduation rate of 90%. Learn more about each school using the Idaho Department of Education school report card website: idahoschools.org

Idaho students and families appreciate you, Richard McKenna Charter Schools!!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The first cohort of the Idaho Social Studies Educator Fellowship (ISSEF) met on Tuesday and Wednesday last week.

The purpose of this assembly is to enhance the impact and effectiveness of social studies education in Idaho and to boost civic engagement among Idaho students. Superintendent Debbie Critchfield made an appearance to show her support, answer questions and thank participants, directly. Shout out to the Idaho State Historical Society for graciously hosting us, to our brilliant civics coordinator Leslie Younger for facilitating and to all the fellows:

Brendon Wolfe, Cambridge Middle/High School
Bridget Cardwell, Rocky Mountain High School - Meridian, ID
Christina Bishop, Meridian High School
Crystal Gunderson, Owyhee High School
Jamie Lower, Preston High School
Jonelle Jacob, Mountain View High School
Karen Miller, Lake Hazel Middle School
Laron Johnson, Rigby High School
Matt Dyorich, Thunder Ridge High School Titans
Misty Johnson, Sawtooth Middle School
Patrick Moore, West Jr. High School
Whitney Duke, Sawtooth Middle School

Your hard work is so appreciated!!

West Ada School District Boise School District Bonneville School District 93 Jefferson School District 251 Preston School District Cambridge City School District

These boys were taking their summer day to walk around the Idaho Capitol building and learn more about it! The group asked Superintendent Debbie Critchfield what she does, to which she responded, “I'll show you!”

Then she pointed to her picture on the ‘Managing State Government‘ feature wall in the garden-level rotunda.

The boys then asked if she had any power over Oregon. She said she doesn’t, and they said that’s too bad because they have friends there whose schools need help! When asked what their favorite parts of the Capitol were they said the statues.

So cool to see young minds interested in civics, architecture, art and Idaho government! Thank you for the questions, KC Cook, Nate Cook, Christian Longoria and Trentin Longoria in grades 7–9!

*MEET THE TEAM SUPPORTING IDAHO EDUCATION*

Jax Dunham is the Idaho Department of Education’s national school lunch program coordinator, a position he has held for two years. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Registered Dietetics from the University of Idaho. Originally from Coeur d’Alene, Jax completed an internship in the Post Falls School District nutritional services team before moving to Boise with his then fiancé (now wife), Maddie, who is a teacher for the West Ada School District. He speaks highly of his internship and the time he spent working for the brilliant Becky Elmore, director of nutrition services for Post Falls.

In his current role, Jax delivers statewide training on how to operate school lunch services within the parameters of U.S. Department of Agriculture meal patterns and nutrition requirements. He handles direct certification for free and reduced meals, ensuring that kids are receiving all the food claimed by an LEA for that purpose. Professional standards, wellness policies, performance standards for administrators, general support, and a few other tasks also fall under his purview. Each year, he spends several weeks on the road visiting Idaho school nutrition teams. He says getting to meet and problem-solving with food service staff and directors is one of his favorite parts of the job.

When asked what school lunches he remembers best from his own time as a student, Jax said waffle sticks with syrup and “the Thanksgiving-themed lunch which had turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.” Yum!

Jax, thank you for all you do to keep students full and focused on learning!

The Idaho Association of School Administrators’ 2024 Summer Leadership Conference kicked off yesterday. Superintendent Critchfield was honored to share a few words of welcome to greet attendees. Later in the afternoon, she participated in a panel about Idaho education legislation alongside:

➡️ Dr. Heather Williams, professor and the Program Coordinator for Executive Educational Leadership, Boise State University
➡️ Mathew Reiber, Education Policy Advisor, Office of the Governor
➡️ Andy Grover, Executive Director, Idaho Association of School Administrators
➡️ Gideon Tolman, Chief Financial Officer, Idaho Department of Education

Superintendent Critchfield joined the Rotary Club of Boise Centennial this morning to talk about Idaho Department of Education initiatives and how policies passed during the 2024 legislative session will affect schools. Photo taken August 1, 2024.

Thank you to everyone who came out to talk about K-12 education and to the club for facilitating this event!

Welcome, new Idaho school superintendents and charter administrators!!

These new supers (and super admins!) finished up a TWO-DAY orientation in Boise, just across the street from the state Capitol. Thank you to all speakers and presenters who helped us roll out the welcome mat, including:

Joshua Whitworth Executive Director, Idaho State Board of Education
Matthew Reiber Education Policy Advisor, Office of the Governor
Chad Williams Executive Director, Idaho High School Activities Association
Senator Dave Lent, Senate Education Committee Chair
Misty Swanson Executive Director and Phil Gore Chief Learning Officer, Idaho School Boards Association
April Burton Executive Director, Idaho ASBO
Andy Grover Executive Director, Idaho Association of School Administrators
Paul Stark Executive Director, Idaho Education Association
Clay Long State Administrator, Idaho Division of Career Technical Education
Jeff Simmons Superintendent, Idaho Digital Learning Alliance
Chad Ranstrom, Idaho Counties Risk Management Program
_ _ _ _
From the Idaho Department of Education (in order of appearance):
Ryan Cantrell Chief Deputy Director
Dr. Wendy Moore Northern Regional Director
Dr. Spencer Barzee Eastern Regional Director
Lynda Westphal Director of Child Nutrition
Ali Stolzman Director of Transportation
Megan Wonderlich Director of Content and Curriculum
Josh Noteboom Director of Federal Programs
Ayaka Nukui Director of Assessment and Accountability
Michelle Clement-Taylor Director of School Choice and Student Engagement
Greg Wilson Chief of Staff
Chynna Hirasaki Director of Special Education
Gideon Tolman Chief Financial Officer
Scott Graf Director of Communications
Cina Lackey Director of Certification and Professional Standards
Debbie Critchfield Superintendent of Public Instruction

Superintendent Critchfield is honored to be showing off these colors today…

⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Sugar-Salem High School is the only traditional high school in the Sugar-Salem School District in Madison County and serves 550+ students. The school colors are royal blue and white and the mascot is a digger, a reference to local sugar beet cultivation. The school has one of the lowest rates of chronic absenteeism in the state (just 5.6%), and a four-year graduation rate of 93%. The majority of educators here have been teaching for more than six years.

Keep up the brilliant work, Sugar-Salem High School!!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Teachers never stop learning!!

The Words to Worlds: Cultivating World-Changers event, made possible with the support of the Boise State University Writing Project, wrapped up its spring conference season in North Idaho in late June. These photos show some of the session topics, classroom locations and participants.

Huge kudos to Jackie Miller, for organizing this professional development, and to all the amazing presenters that shared their knowledge and expertise with educators.

Thank you to our host:
Lake City High School in CDA
LCHS United

Idaho’s Early Literacy SMART Coaches from across the state recently gathered in Boise for an impactful two-day coaching alignment meeting. These dedicated and passionate educators are crucial in supporting our K-3 teachers by helping them implement evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions grounded in the Science of Reading. Their efforts are paving the way for improved K-3 literacy outcomes for Idaho students across Idaho! 🙌📚

Thank you SMART Coaches!

The public comment window for proposed SLD-related changes to Idaho’s Special Education Manual closed this week. The department received a total of nine comments over the last two months.

Next step: The proposed changes will go to the Idaho State Board of Education for consideration at its August 21 meeting.

Background ⬇️
➡️https://www.sde.idaho.gov/communications/archives/2023/12-5-23-Idaho-Special-Education-Eligibility-Criteria-to-be-Revised.pdf

**NEWS RELEASE**

The Idaho Department of Education is seeking a U.S. Department of Agriculture waiver to increase access to summer food operations amid poor air quality.

The waiver would affect sponsors in good standing who are operating meal services at sites with no enclosed building options. Specifically, the change would allow participants to consume the meal off-site. Currently, USDA rules require meals to be consumed on-site at urban feeding locations.

🔗 https://www.sde.idaho.gov/communications/

Thank you, Idaho Lottery! $52,500,000 million for Idaho public schools and building maintenance in 2024!! 🥳

Idaho Department of Education Chief Financial Officer Gideon Tolman accepted the check Friday on behalf of Idaho schools and shared a few words with KIVI TV on the impact these funds will have.
___
Since 1989, The Idaho Lottery has offered its tickets for residents to purchase in the state. It was created through a voter initiative in 1988 with the idea that it would benefit Idaho schools.

We’re creating valuable guides to aid families... Reinforcing to parents that they are the final say in their child’s education and that schools are there to provide the needed resources helps foster trust and confidence in what schools can do.

Read more from Superintendent Critchfield 👇
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lets-come-table-special-education-idaho-v4pac/?trackingId=9%2F18hKUjTG69%2F5QbsQhTKg%3D%3D