Idaho’s state Board of Education unanimously approved new teacher licensing rules Thursday that drew overwhelming opposition at public hearings around the state, but made several major changes suggested by opponents. “We were listening, and we heard the concerns expressed by educators and the public,” board President Emma Atchley said. The state has been working toward a new tiered teacher licensing system that will be tied to a “career ladder” designed to give big pay boosts to Idaho teachers if they satisfy specified performance requirements to move up the ladder. But the idea of making local evaluations by principals, student test scores and the like the basis for revoking teachers’ licenses sparked significant opposition; the board received 549 public comments on the rule, all but 10 against it/Betsy Russell, Eye on Boise. More here.