BOISE, ID — A new state initiative will invest $5 million in professional development for kindergarten through third grade educators, with a focus on phonics-based literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading.

The funding, outlined in Senate Bill 1069, was spearheaded by Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield and supported by Governor Brad Little. The initiative aims to improve early literacy outcomes by enhancing teacher training and classroom support.

The legislation will strengthen the Idaho Department of Education’s existing SMART Project by expanding the use of embedded literacy coaches. These coaches, trained in the Science of Reading, will work directly with teachers in schools across the state. Rather than relying on remote or self-guided training, the coaching model provides hands-on, classroom-based professional development.

The Science of Reading is an evidence-based approach that emphasizes phonics and has been shown to improve literacy outcomes. The department states that this approach ensures instructional strategies are rooted in research rather than theory.

According to the department, the program seeks to ensure that all students reach literacy benchmarks by third grade, a critical transition point when children are expected to shift from learning to read to reading to learn.

Educators interested in participating will receive in-person coaching visits on a monthly basis as part of the initiative.

For more information, visit www.sde.idaho.gov.