Now read this: K-3 funding is important for Idaho

“When educating all of Idaho’s children becomes a statewide priority for all parties, the state will benefit greatly.”

The intent and purpose of this article is to point out to all parties that we all need to unite for a single common cause that is bigger than any one of us, or any group, and that is ... educating all of Idaho’s children! This common cause needs attention and communication from the Idaho Governor, the Idaho State Legislature, the Idaho State Superintendent of Education, the Idaho Education Association, parents, teachers, and all the residents of the Great State of Idaho. The common cause is to address and promote that all students are READING at grade level (proficiently) by the end of third grade and prioritizing the allocating of existing funding plans (not raising taxes).

The single most influential factor in high school graduation rates is ... students that do not read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave high school without a diploma than proficient readers. The dropout rates are highest for the low, below-basic readers: 23 percent of these children drop out or fail to finish high school on time, compared to 9 percent of children with basic reading skills and 4 percent of proficient readers.

While the statistics that follow dropouts are extremely severe and depressing, these statistics will continue until all students READING at grade level (proficiently) by the end of third grade. We need to provide adequate funding (not wasteful) to ensure all of our K-3 teachers have the tools, time, and training to meet the needs of our K-3 students. This includes the materials, specialists, teacher aides, classroom size mandates, and all other necessary elements to ensure the success of all students READING proficiently by the end of their third grade year.

Students READING at grade level will be more likely to succeed academically and graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and in careers.

Students READING at grade level will be more likely to be successful, productive adults and less likely to fall into poverty.

Students READING at grade level positively impacts an individual’s future earning potential.

The State of Idaho (Governor and Legislature) must re-allocate existing funding plans (not raising taxes) in order to provide what is necessary to increase third grade READING scores. The governor and legislature already have funding and plans in place for the school year 2019-20 through 2022 and beyond to fund a Master Teacher Premium plan that is as vague as it is controversial. These Master Teacher Premium funds provide $4,000 for three years (or more) to teachers who qualify (provide a portfolio of artifacts). At this point it is vague as to the number of teachers that will qualify, or submit a portfolio, or how they will be graded/rated/qualified. Controversial from the standpoint of the quality, the quantity, the grading of, horizontal and vertical distribution by teacher, school, district, region, or preference, along with many more concerns (a few teachers readying their portfolios might be taken back by this reallocating). Take these funds and allocate them toward a common cause that all students will benefit equally from READING at grade level and increase the number of high school graduates (and more students READING at grade level) that are college and career ready (State Goal).

If all Idahoans truly believe that all Idaho students have the right to an education that ensures they are college and career ready when they step out into today’s world, then we must utilize this opportunity to address and promote our common cause ... that all students are READING at grade level (proficiently) by end of third grade.

I implore all residents of the Great State of Idaho to commit to send a letter, text, email, call, or find a way to communicate their thoughts to the Governor and State legislature to act now to prioritize the funding and planning that is necessary to ensure that all students are READING at grade level (proficiently) by end of third grade.

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William Miles is a Hayden resident, native Idahoan, Idaho H.S. graduate, NIC graduate, University of Idaho graduate, Idaho National Guard/Army Reserve Retiree, and a sixth-grade Idaho educator.