Ybarra: Teacher pay, mastery, school counselors, technology…

Items state schools Superintendent Sherri Ybarra has highlighted so far in her budget presentation:

Teacher career ladder . Ybarra said she’s requesting a net increase of $56.5 million for the continued implementation of the teacher career ladder that lawmakers authorized next year.

Mastery-based education . This, like the career ladder, was a recommendation of the governor’s task force on improving education. Ybarra said she’s requesting $1.2 million, an $800,000 increase, for implementing the approach, which focuses on advancing students based on mastery of competencies and content, rather than “seat time,” age or grade level.

College and career advising. Ybarra asked, “Did you know that Idaho has an average ratio of one counselor to every 434 students? The American School Counselor’s Association recommends no more than 250 students per counselor.” She’s requesting $1.75 million for counseling, coaching  and mentoring students on academics and college or career. Gov. Butch Otter recommended even more for that: $5 million.

Technology . Ybarra is requesting a $2 million increase in school technology funding. Otter recommended even more: A $10 million increase.