The bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code to enhance educational funding and support mechanisms for public schools and charter schools. A significant change is the introduction of a "weighted per-student funding formula," which allocates funds based on average daily attendance and additional factors such as economic disadvantage and special education needs. The bill also revises the criteria for at-risk students, establishes a framework for measuring student achievement, and clarifies the distribution of state educational support funds. Notably, it removes the provision for master teacher premiums and introduces a new allocation of $300 per support unit for maintaining safe learning environments, while also specifying funding for counseling support and literacy intervention based on student metrics.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes career exploration courses for students in grades 7 and 8, mandating alignment with state standards and requiring professional development for instructors. It promotes mastery-based education, allowing students to progress based on demonstrated mastery rather than time spent in class. The financial support structure for public charter schools is also modified, introducing a new funding model and guidelines for advance payments and authorizer fees. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, following an emergency declaration to implement these changes promptly.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-1001, 33-1002, 33-1004, 33-1009, 33-1018, 33-1614, 33-1632, 33-5207