The bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code to enhance educational definitions, staff classifications, and funding mechanisms. Key changes include the expansion of the definition of "administrative staff" to encompass deputy superintendents and public charter school administrators, as well as the introduction of new terms such as "classified staff" and "self-directed learner." The bill also revises the "career ladder" definition to include an advanced professional compensation rung and clarifies eligibility criteria for student classifications like "at-risk student" and "economically disadvantaged student." Additionally, it establishes a framework for self-directed learning, allowing students to pursue personalized learning paths while ensuring they are counted as full-time equivalents for funding purposes.

Furthermore, the bill modifies certification requirements for educational staff, replacing the term "education specialist, school nurse or school librarian" with "pupil service staff" and introducing a lifetime certification option for experienced educators. It also creates a framework for "innovation classrooms," allowing certified teachers or parents to propose alternative curricula, with specific guidelines for agreements and funding. The bill mandates that school districts report on the use of funds received for maintenance and modernization projects, and it treats the Idaho school for the deaf and the blind as a school district for funding purposes. Overall, the bill aims to streamline educational processes and enhance funding support for school districts.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 33-1001, 33-512D, 33-515, 33-911, 33-915, 33-1201, 33-1201A, 33-1204, 33-1636