Bonners Ferry Local Guide including all of Boundary County Idaho

Idaho's teacher plan approved by federal government

Tuesday, December 19, 2006; IDST

The Department of Education has approved the state's plan to hire highly qualified teachers. Today's announcement comes after federal education officials rejected the plan in July. The state Department of Education says 99-point-three percent of public school classes are taught by highly qualified teachers. A highly qualified teacher is defined by the federal government as holding a bachelor's degree and full state certification. Highly qualified teachers usually also have to score proficient on a thorough test in their subject-area. A federal review of Idaho's plans in July found that it was one of 37 states that met only some of the federal government's criteria. The federal auditors nixed Idaho's method of collecting data on qualified teachers and the state resubmitted a revised plan. Once filled with updated data, the old plan met approval. - Full Story