Idaho education gets poor grades
Idaho is tied for last place in the nation for its education quality, according to a study published Wednesday by Education Week.
The ranking showed Idaho, with a grade of D+, in a six-way tie for last place with Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon and the District of Columbia. Washington scored at the national average, earning a “C.”
The “Quality Counts 2008” survey, funded by the Pew Center on the States, looked at everything from preschool to college and career preparation.
Idaho State Superintendent of Schools Tom Luna said he thought his controversial teacher merit pay plan, which hasn’t gained much traction with lawmakers, would improve Idaho’s scores by expanding teacher mentoring and other programs.
Idaho got its worst grade, an F, in the “transitions and alignment” category, which included early childhood education, college readiness and economy and work force.
– Betsy Z. Russell
Olympia
Serben dropping out of legislative race
Former state Rep. John Serben is pulling out of the race to regain his former 6th Legislative District seat in the state House of Representatives.
After talking it over with his family, Serben said, he concluded that it’s not the right time to return to Olympia.
“I’m lucky – I’ve been married for about 20 years, and me and my wife still actually like each other,” he said.
Also a factor in the decision: Serben’s new job doing public and government relations for American Medical Response.
Serben was ousted by Democrat Don Barlow in November 2006 and soon filed campaign paperwork to try to reclaim that seat in the 2008 election. But he would have faced a strong primary challenge from a third candidate, Spokane businessman and fellow Republican Kevin Parker.
Serben said that he’s endorsing Parker and that the two agree on many issues.
– Richard Roesler
Pullman
WSU’s Murrow School could become college
Washington State University plans to elevate the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication to a standalone college, and a dean’s panel is recommending adding faculty and other resources to cement the school’s position as a signature program.
The change in status, if finalized, would centralize communication programs at WSU and help the Murrow School realize its potential as a “center of excellence” at the university, Provost Bob Bates said in a news release.
Bates, President Elson Floyd and other top administrators made the decision after a year-and-a-half-long examination by an internal panel and a group of visiting deans produced the recommendations. The proposal must be evaluated by the Faculty Senate and approved by the regents.
The four visiting deans also recommended adding faculty and other resources, saying the Murrow School is strapped.
Bates said decisions about spending in the proposed new college haven’t been made and expansion would be incremental. He said he expects the proposal to be final before the end of the school year.
The Murrow School offers undergraduate and graduate programs in journalism, advertising and other communications disciplines, and it is a center of research on media issues.
– Staff report