T33CH16
Title 33 > T33CH16
Sections (34)
33-1601
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1601. Instruction in English language. Instruction in all subjects in the public schools, except that required for the teaching of foreign languages, shall be conducted in the English language. Provided, however, that for students where the language spoken in their home is not English, instruction may be given in a language other than English as necessary to allow for the transition of the students to the English language. History: [33-1601, added 1963, ch. 13, sec. 176, p. 27; am. 1980, ch. 140, sec. 1, p. 306.]
33-1602
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1602. United States constitution — National flag and colors — National anthem — America — Citizenship — civics test. (1) Instruction in the United States constitution shall be given in all elementary and secondary schools. The state board of education shall adopt any materials as may be deemed necessary for such purpose and shall also determine the grades in which such instruction shall be given. (2) Instruction in the proper use, display, and history of and respect for the American flag and the national colors shall be given in all elementary and secondary schools. Such instruction shall include the pledge of allegiance to the flag and the words and music of the national anthem and of America. (3) Every school board of trustees shall cause the United States flag to be displayed in every classroom during the school hours of each school day. (4) Every public school shall offer the pledge of allegiance or the national anthem in grades 1 through 12 at the beginning of each school day. (5) No pupil shall be compelled, against the pupil’s objections or those of the pupil’s parent or guardian, to recite the pledge of allegiance or to sing the national anthem. (6) Instruction in citizenship shall be given in all elementary and secondary schools. Citizenship instruction shall include lessons on the role of a citizen in a constitutional republic, how laws are made, how officials are elected, and the importance of voting and of participating in government. Such instruction shall also include the importance of respecting and obeying statutes that are validly and lawfully enacted by the Idaho legislature and the congress of the United States. (7) Starting with the 2016-2017 school year, all secondary pupils shall show that they have met the state civics and government standards for such instruction through the successful completion of the civics test, participation in a course in United States government and politics, and participation in an associated college credit-bearing examination or alternate path established by the local school district or charter school that shows the student has met the standards. Assessment of standards shall be included as part of the course at the secondary level. Students graduating prior to January 1, 2029, who have satisfied the requirement outlined in this subsection prior to the start of the 2026-2027 school year are exempt from completing the requirement provided for in subsection (8) of this section. (8) Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, all secondary pupils shall show that they have met the state civics and government standards for such instruction through the successful completion of the civics test and participation in a course in United States government and history, or participation in an associated college credit-bearing course or examination. Assessment of standards shall be included as part of the course at the secondary level. A school district or pu
33-1603
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1603. Sectarian instruction forbidden. No sectarian or denominational doctrine shall be taught in the public schools, nor shall any books, tracts, papers or documents of sectarian or denominational character be used therein. History: [33-1603, added 1963, ch. 13, sec. 178, p. 27.]
33-1604
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1604. Bible reading in public schools. Selections from the Bible, to be chosen from a list prepared from time to time by the state board of education, shall be read daily to each occupied classroom in each school district. Such reading shall be without comment or interpretation. Any question by any pupil shall be referred for answer to the pupil’s parent or guardian. History: [33-1604, added 1963, ch. 13, sec. 179, p. 27.]
33-1605
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1605. Health and physical fitness — Effects of alcohol, tobacco, stimulants and narcotics. In all school districts there shall be instruction in health and physical fitness, including effects of alcohol, stimulants, tobacco and narcotics on the human system. The state board of education shall cause to be prepared such study guides, materials and reference lists as it may deem necessary to make effective the provisions of this section. History: [33-1605, added 1963, ch. 13, sec. 180, p. 27.]
33-1606
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1606. Arbor day. A day during the month of April in each year, designated as Arbor Day, shall be observed by such exercises as will encourage the planting, preservation and protection of trees and shrubs. History: [33-1606, added 1963, ch. 13, sec. 181, p. 27.]
33-1607
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1607. Americanization education of adults. The board of trustees of any school district is authorized to provide instruction for Americanization of adult residents of the state, including classes in reading, writing and speaking the English language; the principles of the Constitution of the United States, American history, and such other subjects as deemed desirable for making, of such adults, better American citizens. The expense of such instruction shall be a lawful charge against the maintenance and operation funds of the district. History: [33-1607, added 1963, ch. 13, sec. 182, p. 27.]
33-1608
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1608. Family life and sex education — Legislative policy. The legislature of the state of Idaho believes that the primary responsibility for family life and sex education, including moral responsibility, rests upon the home and the church and the schools can only complement and supplement those standards which are established in the family. The decision as to whether or not any program in family life and sex education is to be introduced in the schools is a matter for determination at the local district level by the local school board of duly selected representatives of the people of the community. If such program is adopted, the legislature believes that: (1) Major emphasis in such a program should be to assist the home in giving them the knowledge and appreciation of the important place the family home holds in the social system of our culture, its place in the family and the responsibility which will be there much later when they establish their own families; (2) The program should supplement the work in the home and the church in giving youth the scientific, physiological information for understanding sex and its relation to the miracle of life, including knowledge of the power of the sex drive and the necessity of controlling that drive by self-discipline; (3) The program should focus upon helping youth acquire a background of ideals and standards and attitudes which will be of value to him now and later when he chooses a mate and establishes his own family; and (4) The program should include instruction relating to available adoption resources and current adoption practices in the United States, as a means of providing for the well-being of a child, and information pertaining to the Idaho safe haven act, chapter 82, title 39 , Idaho Code. History: [33-1608, added 1970, ch. 119, sec. 1, p. 282; am. 2024, ch. 131, sec. 2, p. 529.]
33-1609
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1609. Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter: (1) Abstinence means the absence of any sexual activity prior to marriage, which activity includes physical contact between individuals involving intimate or private areas of the body that can potentially: (a) Result in pregnancy; (b) Transmit sexually transmitted diseases and infections; or (c) Present emotional risks. (2) Human sexuality means sexual conduct, sexual pleasure, sexual intimacy, sexual abuse, sexual violence, eroticism, pornography, deviant sexual behavior, sexual attraction, sexual orientation, or any form of sexual identity, gender identity, gender ideology, or gender conversion. (3) Sex education means the study of the anatomy and the physiology of human reproduction. History: [33-1609, added 1970, ch. 119, sec. 2, p. 282; am. 2023, ch. 190, sec. 1, p. 521; am. 2025, ch. 234, sec. 1, p. 1068.]
33-1610
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1610. Involvement of parents and community groups. School districts shall involve parents and school district community groups in the planning, development, evaluation and revision of any instruction in sex education offered as a part of this new program. History: [33-1610, added 1970, ch. 119, sec. 3, p. 282.]
33-1611
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1611. Excusing children from instruction in sex education. Any parent or legal guardian who wishes to have his child excused from any planned instruction in sex education may do so upon filing a written request to the school district board of trustees and the board of trustees shall make available the appropriate forms for such request. Alternative educational endeavors shall be provided for those excused. History: [33-1611, added 1970, ch. 119, sec. 4, p. 282.]
33-1611A
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1611A. requiring permission for instruction addressing human sexuality. (1) It is not the intent of the legislature that instruction regarding human sexuality as defined in section 33-1609 , Idaho Code, shall be included or required in Idaho public schools. Prior to any child attending instruction that addresses human sexuality as it is specifically and narrowly defined in section 33-1609 , Idaho Code, regardless of whether such instruction is offered by regular or guest instructors, the school district offering such instruction shall notify parents and legal guardians of children who are eligible to attend such instruction no less than two (2) weeks before the date that such instruction will begin. The school district shall provide the parent or legal guardian with a brief description of the content of the instruction in human sexuality and such parent or legal guardian shall have the opportunity to review any materials that will be used in the instruction. The school district shall not permit any child to attend such instruction unless the parent or legal guardian of such child submits a signed and written permission form to the board of trustees within one (1) week of the commencement of the instruction granting the school district permission to allow the child to attend the instruction. For any child whose parents do not provide the written permission form provided for in this section, alternative educational instruction that furthers the completion of any grade level or graduation requirements and does not address human sexuality as specifically and narrowly defined in section 33-1609 , Idaho Code, shall be provided to such child. (2) A parent or legal guardian of a child who was provided any instruction addressing human sexuality as specifically and narrowly defined in section 33-1609 , Idaho Code, without the required signed and written permission form shall provide written notice to the board of trustees or its designee that the instruction occurred. In such notice, a parent or legal guardian may: (a) Provide retroactive permission for the child to receive such instruction; or (b) Ask the board of trustees for rectification. (3) Upon receipt of the notice pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, a board of trustees shall file any retroactive permission granted or provide rectification to a parent or legal guardian within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice. Each board of trustees shall adopt policies and procedures to investigate alleged violations of the provisions of subsection (1) of this section that are reported by a parent or legal guardian to the board of trustees pursuant to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section. Any public school employee that is determined to have violated the provisions of subsection (1) of this section after such investigation may be subject to disciplinary action. If the board fails to provide adequate rectification, the parent or le
33-1612
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1612. Thorough system of public schools. (1) As used in this section: (a) Blended or hybrid instruction means instruction through both in-person and virtual instruction. (b) In-person instruction means instruction in the physical presence of an individual employed by an Idaho local education agency. (c) Virtual instruction means synchronous or asynchronous instruction primarily through the use of technology via the internet in a distributed environment. (2) The constitution of the state of Idaho, section 1, article IX, charges the legislature with the duty to establish and maintain a general, uniform, and thorough system of public, free common schools. In fulfillment of this duty, the people of the state of Idaho have long enjoyed the benefits of a public school system, supported by the legislature, which has recognized the value of education to the children of this state. In continuing recognition of the fundamental duty established by the constitution, the legislature finds it in the public interest to define thoroughness and thereby establish the basic assumptions that govern provision of a thorough system of public schools. A thorough system of public schools in Idaho is one in which: (a) A safe environment conducive to learning is provided; (b) Educators are empowered to maintain classroom discipline; (c) The basic values of honesty, self-discipline, unselfishness, respect for authority, and the central importance of work are emphasized; (d) The skills necessary to communicate effectively are taught; (e) A basic curriculum necessary to enable students to enter academic or career technical postsecondary educational programs is provided; (f) Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for meeting challenging academic achievement standards and succeeding in the workforce and in life; (g) The students are introduced to current technology; (h) The importance of students acquiring the skills to enable them to be responsible citizens of their homes, schools, and communities is emphasized; (i) Students have the right to an uninterrupted education that covers all disciplines, including music, the arts, and physical education if such courses are offered by the local education agency; (j) During a period of state or local emergency, if a school district or public charter school has to change from in-person instruction at a school facility to virtual instruction or blended or hybrid instruction, then, to the greatest extent possible and where safety requirements can be developed by the school district or public charter school, an in-person instruction option will be made available to students; and (k) Student progress is monitored and measured in all required courses of instruction. (3) The state board shall adopt rules, pursuant to the provisions of chapter 52, title 67 , Idaho Code, and section 33-105 (3), Idaho Code, to establish a thorough system of public schools with uniformity as req
33-1613
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1613. Safe public school facilities required. (1) Definition. As used in this section, public school facilities means the physical plant of improved or unimproved real property owned or operated by a school district, a charter school, or a school for children in any grades kindergarten through twelve (12) that is operated by the state of Idaho, including school buildings, administration buildings, playgrounds, athletic fields, etc., used by schoolchildren or school personnel in the normal course of providing a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools, but does not include areas, buildings or parts of buildings closed from or not used in the normal course of providing a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools. The aspects of a safe environment conducive to learning as provided by section 33-1612 , Idaho Code, that pertain to the physical plant used to provide a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools are hereby defined as those necessary to comply with the safety and health requirements set forth in this section. (2) Inspection. It is the duty of the board of trustees of every school district and the governing body for other schools described in subsection (1) of this section at least once in every school year to require an independent inspection of the school district’s or other entity’s school facilities to determine whether those school facilities comply with codes addressing safety and health standards for facilities, including electrical, plumbing, mechanical, elevator, fire safety, boiler safety, life safety, structural, snow loading, and sanitary codes, adopted by or pursuant to the Idaho uniform school building safety act, chapter 80, title 39 , Idaho Code, adopted by the state fire marshal, adopted by generally applicable local ordinances, or adopted by rule of the state board of education and applicable to school facilities. The inspection shall be done pursuant to chapter 80, title 39 , Idaho Code, or by an independent inspector professionally qualified to conduct inspections under the applicable code. The results of the inspection shall be presented to the administrator of the division of occupational and professional licenses and the board of trustees or other governing body for its review and consideration. (3) Abatement required — Reporting. The board of trustees or other governing body shall require that the unsafe or unhealthy conditions be abated and shall instruct the school district’s or other entity’s personnel to take necessary steps to abate unsafe or unhealthy conditions. The board of trustees or other governing body must issue a report in the same school year in which the inspections are made declaring whether any unsafe or unhealthy conditions identified have not been abated. The state board of education shall, by rule, provide for uniform reporting of unsafe and unhealthy conditions a
33-1613A
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1613A. Expenditures to abate unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Expenditures to abate unsafe or unhealthy conditions in public school facilities are ordinary and necessary expenses authorized by the general laws of this section within the meaning of section 3, article VIII, of the constitution of the state of Idaho. The general laws of this state authorizing such expenditures include, but are not limited to: the laws relating to expenditures of proceeds of a school district’s sale of real or personal property pursuant to chapter 6, title 33 , Idaho Code; a school district’s collection and expenditure of levies provided by chapter 9, title 33 , Idaho Code; a school district’s expenditures of state funds provided under the foundation program of chapter 10, title 33 , Idaho Code; a school district’s expenditures of bond proceeds under chapter 11, title 33 , Idaho Code; a school district’s expenditures for providing safe transportation pursuant to chapter 15, title 33 , Idaho Code; a school district’s expenditures of proceeds of loans or grants procured pursuant to section 33-1613 , Idaho Code, including previous amendments of section 33-1613 , Idaho Code; and a school district’s expenditures of forest reserve and mining impact funds pursuant to chapter 13, title 57 , Idaho Code. The definitions contained in section 33-1613 , Idaho Code, apply to this section. History: [33-1613A, added 2003, ch. 270, sec. 2, p. 721.]
33-1614
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1614. Career exploration. (1) Starting in fiscal year 2024, every student in grade 7 or grade 8 enrolled in an Idaho public school district, a specially chartered district, or a public charter school shall complete one (1) or more career exploration courses. A student may opt out by submitting a form to the school showing the student’s parent or legal guardian has consented to the student not participating in the career exploration courses pursuant to this section. Such courses should align to the first step standards set by the state board of education for career technical education. Such courses may be offered face-to-face, through virtual education programs, as online courses, or as hybrid courses consisting of a combination of online and in-person instruction. (2) All staff teaching a career exploration course must have participated in a career exploration professional development course approved by the state board of education. (3) The state board of education will maintain resources that can be utilized or modified for the implementation of this section. (4) A career pathway plan shall be developed by students with the approval of parents or guardians, with advice and recommendation from school personnel, which shall include career exploration courses or workforce discovery activities. The purpose of a parent-approved student career pathway plan is to outline a course of study and learning activities to help students become successful in life. Every student’s career pathway plan shall be reviewed annually and can be revised at any time. The student’s school shall provide a personalized career pathway plan progress report to the student’s parent or guardian. The progress report may be sent via electronic communication. (5) Funding provided in section 33-1002 (2)(r), Idaho Code, in accordance with section 33-1212A , Idaho Code, may be used to support career exploration courses. (6) Professional development funding provided pursuant to section 33-1002 , Idaho Code, may be used to provide professional development to career exploration course instructors. History: [33-1614, added 2023, ch. 243, sec. 1, p. 743.]
33-1615
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1615. Financial literacy. (1) Each school district, specially charted district, and public charter school serving students in grades 9 through 12, or any combination thereof, shall provide to all students in grades 9 through 12 one (1) or more courses in personal financial literacy and money management. (2) This instruction must include the following core competency areas: (a) Recognize the influence of money on human behavior; (b) Learn about various types of bank accounts; (c) Evaluate various investment options and calculate net worth; (d) Learn about various types of credit and how credit rating is determined; (e) Understand the essentials of financing a college education; (f) Evaluate various types of insurance associated with independent living; (g) Recognize the purpose of the tax system and how it relates to each citizen and the citizen’s income; (h) Build a budget for independent living; and (i) Recognize and utilize modern consumer skills, tools, and practices. (3) Completing this course will fulfill the financial literacy component of the high school graduation requirement. (4) Subject to state-appropriated funds, the state department of education shall make available funding for high-quality professional development focused on financial literacy courses that align with the core competency areas described in subsection (2) of this section. Allowable expenses include summer institutes offered at different sites throughout the state and workshops to help high school teachers prepare to teach students financial literacy. History: [(33-1615) 33-1614, added 2023, ch. 50, sec. 1, p. 197; am. and redesig. 2024, ch. 16, sec. 11, p. 145.]
33-1617
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1617. English language learners — Program requirements. It is legislative intent that the state board of education and state department of education develop statewide, research-based goals for students in Idaho who are English language learners. Goals shall specifically address compliance with applicable state and federal law and court decisions. The board of trustees of each school district shall formulate a plan in sufficient detail that measurable objectives can be identified and addressed which will accomplish English language acquisition and improved academic performance. Moneys distributed to school districts based upon the population of limited-English proficiency students and distributed to school districts to support programs for students with non-English or limited-English proficiency shall be utilized in support of the district plan. The district plan and allocation of funds shall be part of a report made annually to the state board of education and state department of education. The state board of education shall provide a summary of these reports to the legislature. Recommendations for program enhancements needed to reach the statewide goals are to be brought to the legislature after review and approval by the state board of education. History: [33-1617, added 2004, ch. 349, sec. 1, p. 1042.]
33-1618
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1618. Assessment exemption. A student who has not been enrolled for two (2) full school years in an elementary or secondary school in the United States and who scores less than a level two (2) on the state English language proficiency assessment used to determine English language proficiency may be exempted from requirements to participate in the Idaho reading indicator assessment required under the provisions of this title. Each school shall determine whether a student will be exempted from the Idaho reading indicator assessment before the fall assessment date and shall not change such student’s exemption status for the remainder of that school year. A school may require any student who qualifies for the exemption provided in this section to take the Idaho reading indicator assessment if the school determines that such assessment is educationally appropriate or a necessary prerequisite for such student to qualify for additional education services. History: [33-1618, added 2006, ch. 357, sec. 1, p. 1090; am. 2024, ch. 29, sec. 1, p. 222.]
33-1619
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1619. virtual education programs. School districts may offer instruction via the internet in a distributed environment. For programs meeting such definition, the school district may count and report the average daily attendance of the program’s students in the manner prescribed in section 33-5207 , Idaho Code. School districts may also offer instruction that is a blend of virtual and traditional instruction. For such blended programs, the school district may count and report the average daily attendance of the program’s students in the manner prescribed in section 33-5207 , Idaho Code. Alternatively, the school district may count and report the average daily attendance of the blended program’s students in the same manner as provided for traditional programs of instruction, for the days or portions of days in which such students attend a physical public school. For the balance of days or portions of days, average daily attendance may be counted in the manner prescribed in section 33-5207 , Idaho Code. History: [33-1619, added 2009, ch. 340, sec. 2, p. 984; am. 2012, ch. 188, sec. 10, p. 508; am. 2013, ch. 342, sec. 4, p. 906; am. 2024, ch. 9, sec. 44, p. 88.]
33-1624
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1624. rules. The state department of education is hereby directed to promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this act. Such rules may include a requirement that students successfully complete one (1) or more standardized assessments approved by the state department of education. The department shall work with school districts and public charter schools in developing the rules authorized by this section. History: [33-1624, added 2010, ch. 275, sec. 6, p. 715.]
33-1625
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1625. youth athletes — concussion and head injury guidelines and requirements. (1) The state board of education and the Idaho high school activities association shall provide access to appropriate guidelines and information that identify the signs and symptoms of a concussion and head injury and describe the nature and risk of concussion and head injury in accordance with standards of the centers for disease control and prevention through a link on the internet website of the board and the Idaho high school activities association. (2) This section shall apply to any middle school, junior high school and high school in the state participating in or administering an organized athletic league or sport. For the purposes of this section, youth athlete or athlete means an individual who is eighteen (18) years of age or younger and who is a participant in any middle school, junior high school or high school athletic league or sport. (3) At the beginning of each sports season before a youth athlete participates in any organized practice or game, the youth athlete and the youth athlete’s parent or guardian shall receive the guidelines and information described in subsection (1) of this section from the school for which the athlete plays, and shall review the guidelines and information. Coaches, referees, game officials, game judges and athletic trainers shall review such guidelines and information upon employment and biennially thereafter. (4) Schools shall obtain written consent from the youth athlete’s parent or guardian on an annual basis attesting to the fact that the youth athlete’s parent or guardian has received a copy of the concussion information and guidelines as outlined in subsection (3) of this section, acknowledges the inherent risk and authorizes the youth athlete to participate in athletic activity. (5) If during a practice or game or competition, it is reasonably suspected that a youth athlete has sustained a concussion or head injury and exhibits outward signs or symptoms of such, as defined by the centers for disease control and prevention, then the youth athlete shall be removed from play. Every Idaho middle school, junior high school and high school that participates in or offers an organized athletic league shall develop protocol to be followed for removing such athletes from play. Such protocol shall be consistent with concussion and head injury guidelines of the centers for disease control and prevention. (6) An athlete may be returned to play once the athlete is evaluated and authorized to return by a qualified health care professional who is trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. For the purposes of this section, qualified health care professional means and includes any one (1) of the following who is trained in the evaluation and management of concussions: (a) A physician or physician assistant licensed under chapter 18, title 54 , Idaho Code; (b) An advan
33-1627
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1627. math initiative. (1) The legislature finds that mathematical skills are increasingly important to the future academic and career success of students. The legislature further finds that student mathematical skills are not currently meeting the needs of Idaho’s economy and must be improved. To this end, the state department of education shall promote the improvement of mathematical instruction and student achievement through one (1) or more of the following activities: (a) Provide high quality professional development for teachers that is intensive, ongoing and connected to classroom practice, that focuses on student learning, aligns with school improvement priorities and goals, and builds strong working relationships among teachers; (b) Provide statewide online mathematical instruction programs that furnish mathematical tutoring, remedial instruction and advanced instruction; (c) Provide formative assessments to assist teachers in identifying student mathematical skill levels, areas of deficiency and areas of advancement. (2) The cost of math initiative activities provided for in this section shall be paid by the state department of education from moneys appropriated for this program in the educational support program budget. History: [33-1627, added 2014, ch. 255, sec. 1, p. 645.]
33-1628
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1628. firearms safety education in primary and secondary schools. (1) The board of trustees of a school district is encouraged to establish and maintain an in-person firearms safety education course for primary and secondary school students. The trustees shall adopt an elective course of instruction developed by the department of fish and game, a law enforcement agency, or a national firearms association as its firearms safety education course. Instructors from the department of fish and game, a law enforcement agency or a national firearms association may provide the course instruction. (2) There is hereby created in the state treasury the firearms safety grant fund, to which shall be credited all moneys both public and private that may be appropriated, allocated, donated, distributed to, or otherwise provided for by law, including moneys distributed pursuant to section 49-420S , Idaho Code. Moneys in the fund shall be used exclusively for educational program grants as provided for in this section. Moneys in the fund shall be continuously appropriated for the purposes of this program. All idle moneys in the fund shall be invested by the state treasurer in a like manner as provided for in section 67-1210 , Idaho Code, with respect to other surplus or idle moneys in the state treasury. Interest earned on the investments shall be returned to the fund. (3) There is hereby created the Idaho firearms safety education committee. The purpose of the committee shall be to administer the firearms safety grant fund. The committee shall consist of seven (7) members who shall be appointed by the attorney general. The composition of the committee shall include one (1) of each of the following: a member of the Idaho house of representatives, a member of the Idaho senate, a county sheriff, a hunters education instructor, a certified firearms instructor, a certified member of a national firearms association, and a citizen who possesses an enhanced concealed carry permit and who is a parent of an enrolled Idaho public school student. Initial appointments to the committee shall occur on or before October 1, 2025, and the initial terms of the first committee members shall commence on January 1, 2026. Terms of committee members shall be four (4) years. A member may be re-appointed upon the expiration of the member’s term. In the event of a vacancy, the attorney general is authorized to appoint a new committee member to fill such vacancy pursuant to the membership requirements provided for in this subsection. A committee member who is appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the duration of the vacant term. Committee members shall serve on a voluntary basis. There shall be no legislative appropriation of funds for the committee. (4) The Idaho firearms safety education committee shall meet no less than two (2) times per year. At its first meeting, the committee shall appoint a chair. Thereafter the committee sh
33-1629
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1629. agricultural and natural resource education programs. (1) Idaho Quality Program Standards Incentive Grants. (a) The board for career technical education shall adopt and implement Idaho quality program standards for agricultural and natural resource education programs offered in any grade 9 through 12. Such standards shall apply to the areas of instruction, curriculum development, advisory committees, student development and community development. Such standards shall be used to assess the quality of local programs and to set goals for continued program improvement. (b) The board for career technical education shall establish and administer an incentive grant program for instructors of agricultural and natural resource education programs offered in any grade 9 through 12 where such programs meet or exceed the applicable Idaho quality program standards as determined by the board. A district may apply to the board, on behalf of an instructor, for a grant provided for in this subsection. The board shall develop an application form and criteria to judge each application for the grant program. Grant awards shall be made by the board to instructors of programs that meet or exceed the criteria established by the board. The maximum amount of an incentive grant as provided for in this section shall be ten thousand dollars ($10,000). (c) There is hereby created in the state treasury the quality program standards incentive grant fund, to which shall be credited all moneys both public and private that may be appropriated, allocated, donated, distributed to or otherwise provided for by law. Moneys in the fund shall be used exclusively for incentive grants as provided for in this subsection. Moneys in the fund shall be continuously appropriated for the purposes of this incentive grant program. All idle moneys in the fund shall be invested by the state treasurer in a like manner as provided for in section 67-1210 , Idaho Code, with respect to other surplus or idle moneys in the state treasury. Interest earned on the investments shall be returned to the fund. (d) The board for career technical education shall in its annual budget request to the legislature request funding for the grant program provided for in this section. (e) The board for career technical education shall adopt rules to implement the grant program established by this subsection. (2) Agricultural Education Program Start-Up Grants. (a) The board for career technical education shall establish and administer a start-up grant program for school districts and public charter schools to begin or to re-establish an agricultural and natural resource education program in any grade 9 through 12. (b) The board shall develop an application form and criteria to judge each application for a start-up grant. Any school district or public charter school may apply for a start-up grant. (c) There shall be no more than four (4) start-up grants awarded per
33-1630
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1630. elementary and secondary education act flexibility document — state board of and state department of education duties. (1) The state board of education shall promulgate rules setting forth the provisions of the flexibility document associated with the federal elementary and secondary education act (ESEA). The purpose of the document is to achieve flexibility for state and local education agencies (LEA). Such document shall include testing for grades 3 through 8 and once in high school at the minimum. Such document shall include the following: (a) A testing schedule for pupils in grade 11 who shall take a college or career ready assessment; (b) A provision stating that LEAs may conduct additional formative or pre- and post-testing as needed; (c) A provision stating that federal testing requirements may be used as graduation criteria; (d) A provision stating that the state education agency will select an appropriate statewide test based on, at a minimum, such elements as adherence to Idaho’s content standards for learning, cost and duration or type, i.e., written or computer adaptive; and (e) A provision for maintenance of a statewide learning management system of reporting for the support of LEAs that maximizes communication, collaboration and mastery of academic content. Reporting in this section is intended to satisfy the minimum federal requirements of the consolidated state performance report (CSPR) and serve as a tool for LEAs to measure individual growth or achievement and system accountability. (2) The state department of education shall begin to review the Idaho’s standards for learning of math and English language arts (ELA) in 2015. Idaho’s content standards of learning are intended to reinforce our commitment to maintaining a college and career ready standard. History: [33-1630, added 2015, ch. 315, sec. 1, p. 1231.]
33-1631
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1631. REQUIREMENTS FOR HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING INFORMATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. (1) School districts and charter schools shall undertake reasonable efforts to ensure that information on harassment, intimidation and bullying of students is disseminated annually to all school personnel, parents and students, including an affirmation that school personnel are authorized and expected to intervene or facilitate intervention on behalf of students facing harassment, intimidation or bullying. (2) School districts and charter schools shall provide ongoing professional development to build skills of all school staff members to prevent, identify and respond to harassment, intimidation and bullying. The state board shall promulgate rules regarding the content of the professional development required by this subsection. (3) District policies shall include a series of graduated consequences that may include, but are not limited to, referral to counseling, diversion, use of juvenile specialty courts, restorative practices, on-site suspension and expulsion for any student who commits an act of bullying, intimidation, harassment, violence or threats of violence. Guidelines for such policies will be set forth in the rules of the state board. (4) Annually school districts shall report bullying incidents to the state department of education in a format set forth in rule by the state board. District policy shall designate persons to whom bullying reports are to be made and a procedure for a teacher or other school employee, student, parent, guardian or other person to report or otherwise provide information on bullying activity. History: [(33-1631) 33-1630, added 2015, ch. 289, sec. 2, p. 1161; am. and redesig. 2016, ch. 47, sec. 16, p. 110.]
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TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1632. MASTERY-BASED EDUCATION. (1) The legislature finds that moving toward mastery-based education where students progress as they demonstrate mastery of a subject or grade level is in the best interest of Idaho students. The legislature further finds that moving from the current time-based system to a mastery-based approach will allow for more personalized and differentiated learning; create a focus on explicit, measurable, transferable learning objectives that empower students; and emphasize competencies that include application and knowledge along with skill development. (2) The state department of education shall perform the following activities to move Idaho toward mastery-based education: (a) Provide ongoing statewide outreach and communications to increase awareness and understanding of and promote interest in mastery-based education for teachers, administrators, parents, students, business leaders, and policymakers; (b) Facilitate and maintain the Idaho mastery education network composed of Idaho public school districts and charter schools that collaborate to transition Idaho to mastery-based education. The network shall: (i) Advise the superintendent of public instruction and the state board of education on the progress of the transition to mastery-based education; (ii) Develop evidence-based recommendations for continued implementation; (iii) Implement the policies of the legislature and the state board of education for the transition to mastery-based education; and (iv) Provide network resources, including professional development, coaching, and best practices, to Idaho public school districts and charter schools; and (c) Create a sustainability plan for statewide scaling of mastery-based education and ensure that all public school districts and charter schools participating in the Idaho mastery education network develop plans that describe how the public school district or charter school will maintain a mastery-based approach to education. Plans must include a process to develop the rubrics and assessments necessary to determine mastery and award credit. (3) The state department of education may expend or distribute moneys appropriated for purposes identified in subsection (2) of this section directly to public school districts and charter schools that are participating in the mastery education network and have applied and been selected to receive mastery-based education grants. The cost of activities provided for in this section shall be paid by the state department of education from moneys appropriated for this program in the educational support program budget as provided for in section 33-1002 , Idaho Code. (4) Any public school district or charter school may participate in the mastery education network by applying to the state department of education, even if such district or school is not selected to receive mastery-based education grants. (5) No later than January 31 of ea
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TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1633. computer science initiative for public schools. (1) As used in this section: (a) Blended professional development means to deliver content and training to teachers and administrators in a combination of online and face-to-face. (b) Computer science means the study of principles, applications and technologies of computing and computers. (2) The STEM action center, the state board of education and the state department of education shall collaborate to develop and implement a computer science initiative for public schools by: (a) Adopting computer science content standards in 2016 aligned with nationally recognized computer science education standards with input from Idaho educators and industries for implementation in the 2017-2018 school year; (b) Providing for professional development in teaching computer science by: (i) Developing resources for teachers and administrators relating to teaching computational thinking; (ii) Providing statewide, regional, online and blended professional development opportunities for school district staff; (iii) Partnering with entities such as the Idaho digital learning academy, public higher education institutions and industry to develop, deliver and provide professional development in computer science for teachers; and (iv) Distributing grants to school districts and charter schools that may be used to provide incentives for teachers to pursue training in computer science or earn a computer science endorsement; (c) Maintaining, using and enhancing access to an online portal or repository of instructional resources that: (i) Is available for public school districts and public charter schools to use as a resource; (ii) Includes high-quality computer science instructional resources that are designed to teach K-12 students computational thinking skills and are in alignment with the state computer science content standards; (iii) Leverages existing online resources and portals developed by state and governmental entities; and (iv) Allows for collaborative contribution and sharing of resources by teachers, administrators, parents and students; (d) Ensuring that the state department of education and the Idaho digital learning academy evaluate providers of comprehensive computer science instructional solutions and provide research, support and guidance on implementing solutions for computer science courses or programs aligned with the state computer science content standards; (e) Creating opportunities for schools to partner with local companies to provide for student and teacher mentoring and internships in the computer science field; (f) Communicating and supporting computer science initiatives, programs, events, training and other promotions throughout the state for the benefit of school districts, students, parents and local communities; and (g) Creating equitable access to computer science resources and programs aligned with the state computer science cont
33-1634
TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1634. computer science. Starting in fiscal year 2020, each school district, specially chartered district and public charter school serving students in grades 9 through 12 inclusive, or any combination thereof, shall make available to all students in grades 9 through 12 one (1) or more courses in computer science. Students must have the option of taking the course as part of their course schedule during normal instructional hours at the school in which the student is enrolled. Such courses may be offered through virtual education programs and online courses, traditional in-person courses or hybrid courses consisting of a combination of online and in-person instruction. Computer science courses must be aligned with the Idaho content standards for computer science. History: [33-1634, added 2018, ch. 239, sec. 1, p. 562.]
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TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1635. career technical education program quality and workforce readiness incentive program. (1) It is the ultimate goal of the legislature that every student have access to career technical education courses and programs that lead to workforce readiness certification. (2) The state board for career technical education shall establish and administer a quality program funding mechanism for high-quality career technical education secondary programs and program technical assistance offered in grades 9 through 12. (a) Quality program incentive funding will be available to high-performing approved career technical education programs in the areas of business management and marketing, engineering and technology, family and consumer sciences, health sciences, and skilled and technical sciences. (b) Technical assistance funding will be available to approved career technical education programs in the areas of agriculture and natural resources, business management and marketing, engineering and technology, family and consumer sciences, health sciences, and skilled and technical sciences. (c) The division of career technical education will develop criteria to evaluate each program and will award funding to those programs that meet or exceed the criteria established by the division for quality program funding and technical assistance funding. Specific criteria will be developed for each type of program. Types of programs will be defined by the state board for career technical education. All eligible career technical programs will be considered for funding. Eligible programs may not be career technical schools and must meet all eligibility criteria developed by the division of career technical education. The amount of each award will be determined each award cycle by the division of career technical education and will be contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds. (3) Workforce readiness incentive funding. (a) Eligible career technical education pathway programs in any career technical education program area may receive workforce readiness incentive funds. Workforce readiness incentive funds will be distributed based on the number of secondary career technical concentrators who have demonstrated workforce readiness at the completion of the career technical education program. (b) The division of career technical education will develop criteria to evaluate each program and will award funding to those programs that meet or exceed the criteria established by the division for quality program funding and technical assistance funding. Specific criteria will be developed for each type of program. Types of programs will be defined by the state board for career technical education. All eligible career technical programs will be considered for funding. Eligible programs may not be career technical schools and must meet all eligibility criteria developed by the division of career technical education. The a
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TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1636. innovation classrooms. (1) For purposes of this section: (a) Alternative curriculum means a curriculum in one (1) or more subject areas that is different than the curriculum in such area or areas offered by a school district. An alternative curriculum may encompass one (1) or more subject areas but must include, at a minimum, an alternative curriculum in mathematics, history, English language arts, or science. (b) Innovation classroom means a classroom in which an alternative curriculum is offered. (c) Requesting party means a person or group of persons that requests an innovation classroom agreement from a school district. Such person or group must include: (i) A certified teacher or teachers in a school district; or (ii) A parent or parents whose child or children attend school in a school district. (2) A school district may enter into an innovation classroom agreement with a requesting party if the requesting party represents a group of students that is equal to or greater than the average class size in the school. The school district must indicate willingness or nonwillingness to enter into negotiation within sixty (60) days of the receipt of the request. (3) An innovation classroom agreement must include: (a) The name of any teacher or other certificated staff member who will be working in the innovation classroom. Any such teacher must be agreed upon by the school district and the parents of the students who will be receiving instruction in the innovation classroom; (b) The names of the students participating in the innovation classroom; (c) A description of how and where the innovation classroom’s instruction will take place and whether instruction will include in-person, hybrid, or virtual components. If requested, the school district must provide a classroom for the innovation classroom; (d) Growth criteria or other measures of student learning, such as those found in section 33-1001 (18), Idaho Code; (e) The alternative curriculum and instructional materials to be used in the innovation classroom. The parents of the participating students must agree to the alternative curriculum, and the school district will determine whether the alternative curriculum meets state standards and recommend ways to supplement the alternative curriculum, if applicable; (f) A description of an innovation classroom student’s access to or use of the school district’s transportation, playground, cafeteria, after-school activities, special education, and other services or facilities; and (g) The date upon which the innovation classroom will start. (4) Students in an innovation classroom may use transportation services offered by the school district if the schedule of the innovation classroom is consistent with the school district’s schedule or if the parties provide for transportation services in the innovation classroom agreement. (5) For purposes of compensation, any teacher or other certificated st
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TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1637. human growth AND development instruction in public schools. (1) Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each school district, specially chartered district, and public charter school serving students in grades 5 through 12 inclusive, or any combination thereof, shall include instruction on human growth and development as provided in this subsection and subsection (2) of this section. Such instruction shall include but shall not be limited to an age appropriate presentation of: (a) A high-definition ultrasound video, at least three (3) minutes in duration, showing the development of the brain, heart, sex organs, and other vital organs in early fetal development; and (b) A high-quality, computer-generated rendering or animation showing the process of fertilization and every stage of human development inside the uterus, noting significant markers in cell growth and organ development for every week of pregnancy until birth. (2) The instruction required in subsection (1) of this section shall also be included in every class that discusses or provides instruction concerning human biology, discusses or provides instruction concerning contraception, or discusses or provides instruction concerning sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections. History: [33-1637, added 2025, ch. 179, sec. 1, p. 849.]
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TITLE 33 EDUCATION CHAPTER 16 COURSES OF INSTRUCTION 33-1638. cursive handwriting proficiency requirement in Idaho public schools. (1) Idaho public schools shall require proficiency in cursive handwriting for students by the end of grade 5. Cursive handwriting proficiency means that students can write legibly in cursive. (2) The state board of education shall require cursive handwriting instruction for students by grade 3. (3) The state department of education shall: (a) Set benchmarks for cursive handwriting proficiency; (b) Provide guidelines and examples for assessing student progress; and (c) Share resources to assist teachers in providing effective cursive handwriting instruction. (4) All Idaho public schools shall be in compliance with the provisions of this section by the start of the 2025-2026 school year. (5) Students who do not achieve cursive handwriting proficiency by the end of grade 5 shall receive additional instruction until such proficiency is demonstrated. History: [33-1638, added 2025, ch. 46, sec. 2, p. 221.]