POCATELLO — Speaking at the Bannock County Democrats headquarters in Pocatello, Bert Marley said re-investment in education is needed.

    While Marley did not confirm that he was considering a bid for the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction currently held by Tom Luna, he would not rule out that possibility.

    “I’m not saying no right now,” Marley said.

    Marley, Idaho Education Association director of public policy said the Governor’s Task Force on Education returned 21 recommendations earlier this month. The task force was formed in December by Gov. Butch Otter to hold discussions and come up with recommendations in time for the 2014 Legislature. The interim sub-committee met to discuss those recommendations Wednesday.

    The aim of the 31-member task force was to improve educations standards at levels K–12 and to meet the goal of 60 percent of Idahoans obtaining a postsecondary degree by 2020. Currently 39 percent of Idahoans ages 25 through 34 have postsecondary credentials.

    Idaho was one of 43 states that adopted the Common Core standards aimed at better preparing high school graduates for college and the work force. The new standard puts more focus on math and English skills.

    “Right now, testing in Idaho asks students if they know information,” Marley said. “The Common Core will ask them to apply those skills.”

    Marley said pilot programs for the Common Core were implemented last year with each district will develop its own curriculum.

    “It provides more control locally” Marley said.

    Literary proficiency is part of improving education in the state. Marley said that the task force recommended students demonstrate a mastery of literary proficiency by the third grade in order to move on.

    According to research from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, reading proficiently by the end of third grade is vital to a child’s educational development. Failure to read proficiently is linked to higher dropout rates and lower earning potential as well as national competitiveness and productivity.  

    Marley said the education system in Finland is rated one of the best in the world.

    “In Finland, 90 percent of the students go through special education at one time,” Marley said. “They go in and they get the help they need and they go out. Here they tend to go in and stay there.”

    Marley said the task force looked at eliminating grade levels all together, which would allow students to advance at their own pace. Advanced students would also earn college credits.

     The task force also recommended a statewide electronic collaboration. The high speed bandwidth and wireless infrastructure would allow educators statewide to share ideas and resources.

    Marley said Luna has already signed a contract to implement the technology.

    Restoration of operational funding was also recommended.

    In 2008-2009, the Idaho Legislature funded school district operations at about $25,000 per unit - school districts saw a steady decline in the operational funding between that time and 2011-2012 year when the factor reached a low of $19,626 per unit.

    Education funding is $100 million behind 2009 levels while utilities, and benefits continued to rise increasing the need for supplemental levies at the local level.

    Marley, who retired just two weeks ago, worked on the Fiscal Stability and Effective Leaders and Teachers report and he said the Legislature does not support the current compensation schedule because it does not accurately reflect teacher performance.

    The compensation model divides teachers into novice, professional and master teacher status.

    Currently, new Teachers start at $33,000 annually, professional teachers at $39,000 and there is no master teacher scale for the first couple of years, Marley said.

    The career ladder is performance based.  And each teacher moves up the ladder based upon credentialing and performance.

    The committee recommended a phased implementation, moving all teachers to the new salary schedule initially, and increasing the compensation tied to each tier over time to reach the recommended pay levels of a $40,000, $50,000 and $60,000 salary schedule. The model would be designed to attract new teachers and provide incentives for them to improve their craft and to remain in Idaho.

    Public comment on the recommendations can be submitted through Sept. 27, to view the report go to www.boardofed.idaho.gov.