Idaho ranks at the very bottom of funding for each student in levels K-12. In spite of our financial commitment, outcomes for our students well exceed the spending level. I account for that positive disparate result with a hats off to our teachers and for many students and the support they receive at home. So who falls behind, kids without access to the internet or a computer, kids who are food insecure, do not have a safe home, and those whose parents struggle to just keep them healthy, warm, and clothed. There is clear evidence that early childhood education is critical to later learning outcomes. In spite of the science, an amazing number of Idaho legislators, voted against authorizing acceptance of a $6 million Federal Preschool grant.
Why would a State that struggles to fully fund its education system and is only one of four States without a formal early learning structure turn down funding to advance early learning and literacy? “The children would be indoctrinated by books and curriculum intended to carry a social justice agenda” said one legislator. For all of this paranoia, Idaho has 115 school districts, because we want to control the learning focus in each community. There are no strings attached to the funding and it is nonsensical to deprive the youth in Idaho available early learning resources.
You can see why many of the elected State officials take issue with Boise State University offering education on diversity and inclusiveness. The Freedom Foundation pushes a conservative agenda. Let’s punish Idaho’s largest University by removing $409,000 from the upcoming budget. This sounds like a small amount compared to the overall budget, but it sends the message that the curriculum in too liberal. President Marlene Tromp is a fine leader and is working hard to advance the institution to serve our students and our community.
I am not an expert on indoctrination. It is apparently a scary thought that education exposes our children to new thoughts and ideas and encourages creativity. In my mind, Freedom is giving individuals equal access to quality education so they can form or enhance their personal beliefs.
Please don’t stop wearing your masks yet for the sake of all those unvaccinated lives that are still at risk.