BOISE, ID — The Idaho Department of Education is inviting the public to comment on a series of proposed changes aimed at reducing federal reporting obligations and updating the state’s federally required testing system. The draft recommendations, released Friday, outline adjustments intended to give local districts greater administrative flexibility while aligning assessments with Idaho’s student achievement priorities.
According to the department, public feedback will help shape the final proposal before it is presented to the State Board of Education.
Under the draft plan, the state is considering revisions to federal Title and IDEA program administration to ease local burdens and highlight available spending options. The recommendations also include seeking a federal waiver to remove the 3rd grade ISAT English Language Arts exam and the 11th grade ISAT tests in ELA and math.
Education officials said the change would help Idaho focus on early literacy, support middle-grade math improvement, and strengthen graduation and post-secondary pathways.
The department also plans to seek “Ed-Flex” status, a designation that would allow Idaho to waive certain federal program rules and give districts more authority to design programs that reflect local needs.
The draft recommendations and comment form are available on the Idaho Department of Education’s website. The public comment period is open through the end of the year.
