The Kevin Richert Podcast

We recap one of the busiest and most important weeks at the Idaho Legislature, which was dominated by education budget hearings each day. We explain what's at stake, how much money is in play and what the top priorities are.

This week on Extra Credit we take a closer look at how the Legislature's career ladder salary law has affected pay after three years of implementation. Plus, what in the world is going on in New Plymouth?

The 2018 legislative session kicked off this week, and we're here summarize the first week highlights and discuss where things go from here.

If Gov. Butch Otter's preview of the upcoming legislative session was any indication, we're in for a bizarre year in politics. This week, we'll explain some of the key issues and preview the Jan. 8 State of the State address.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at journalist Kevin Richert's new four-part series on higher education. This week, Richert explains the reporting that went into the series and highlights the reasons why Idaho has not met its signature education goal, despite investing $100 million in programs designed to reach the goal.

The state has suspended a charter school founder's administrative license for falsifying teacher data and falling short of instructional requirements. We'll explain the latest violations uncovered in the state's crackdown on inaccurate data and reports.

More than two years after Idaho Education News raised red flags about the validity of teacher evaluation data, a state agency filed complaints against two Idaho school superintendents and ordered reprimands be placed in their certification files. We explain why, in this week's episode of Extra Credit.

Our top story this week is Boise State University President Bob Kustra's retirement announcement. Co-host Kevin Richert explores Kustra's legacy, and explains why his upcoming retirement creates more uncertainty in Idaho's higher education system.

The 2018 governor's race heated up this week with Republicans landing a series of high-profile endorsements that include Mitt Romney, Ted Cruz and Gem County's Bill Butticci. Plus voter-approved supplemental tax levels reach record levels in Idaho.

Co-host Kevin Richert explains why school districts across the state are reporting a shortage of qualified applicants for teaching positions, how the shortage is affecting classroom and why the problem isn't likely to be solve soon. Plus, an investigation into the Oneida School District's sudden enrollment and budget increases.

This spring, Idaho students will have a chance to critique their schools and their teachers as a part of the state's new accountably plan. We will explain how the student engagement surveys will work, and why state officials say student input is important for schools.

State Superintendent Sherri Ybarra launched her re-election campaign this week, setting up a showdown with Wilder Superintendent Jeff Dillon in the 2018 GOP primary. Co-hosts Clark Corbin and Kevin Richert break down the race so far, and take a look at other campaigns affecting education.

This week on Extra Credit, co-host Kevin Richert takes a closer look at remediation numbers in Idaho's colleges and universities and dissects a plan designed to help students progress toward graduation. Plus, find out why school districts leaders are divided over how to pay their teachers.

This week on Extra Credit, co-host Kevin Richert breaks down a new proposal to change how Idaho public schools are funded — and explains how it might affect schools, parents and taxpayers.

This week Rep. Wendy Horman joins the podcast to talk about school funding, the budget-setting process and her political future.

Episode 85: Behind The DACA Debate by Idaho EdNews

Episode 84: an interview with Beth Oppenheimer by Idaho EdNews

Compared to other races, the superintendent of public instruction's race hasn't really started. But that didn't keep things from getting weird this week. Find out why, on Extra Credit.

Episode 82 Remembering Former Gov. Cecil Andrus by Idaho EdNews

This week on Extra Credit our co-hosts detail how Idaho schools are preparing for the learning opportunities — and traffic jams — expected to come with Monday's total eclipse. Plus, Kevin Richert launches a new series previewing the 2018 state election.

On today's episode of Extra Credit we explain why this week's Board of Education Meeting is likely to shape school policy for years to come. Plus, co-host Kevin Richert digs deep into the state's latest reading scores.

This week on Extra Credit special guest Karlynn Laraway from the State Department of Education joins the podcast to break down the Every Student Succeeds Act and explain why parents and taxpayers should be paying attention.

Education officials have spent their summer racing against a deadline to submit Idaho's ESSA plan to the feds. Find out about a big change brewing this week, and about an unresolved debate.

Although more students are taking advanced AP courses in Idaho, participation still lags well below the national average. Find out why and catch up on news from across the state on this week's edition of Extra Credit.

Episode 76: Kicking Around Politics (Kind of Like Summer Soccer) by Idaho EdNews