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Idaho Schools Stay Near The Bottom In Education Report Card

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By ADAM COTTERELL

Idaho’s education system saw no significant improvement in the past year, at least according to Education Week’s 2014 Quality Counts state report card. The annual report from the education-focused news outlet is frequently cited by all sides during education debates in Idaho.

Preschoolers in Caldwell's P-16 program practice writing their names.

Credit Adam Cotterell / Boise State Public Radio

Education Week didn't hand out national state grades or rankings this year because it couldn’t get enough information in three of its six categories. But last year, Idaho’s education system received a C-and ranked ahead of only Nevada and South Dakota.   

Here are the six categories the report considers, and Idaho's score:

Chance For Success: Grade = C, State Rank = 37

This category looks at a lot of things that go into the likelihood of people having successful careers after graduation. Those include the availability of early childhood education, and the state’s job market. Idaho's grade in this category was unchanged from last year's report.

K-12 Achievement: Grade = C-, State Rank = 23

This category mostly looks at how 4th and 8th graders score in math and reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress or NAEP exam. It also considers graduation rates and Advanced Placement exam scores. Idaho also got a C- in 2013.

School Finance: Grade = D-, State Rank = 49

Idaho ranked dead last in this category because the District of Columbia and Hawaii did not get an overall grade. It’s based on total spending and how fairly states divide money between districts. D.C. and Hawaii don’t have districts, so they don’t get scored.

Idaho was in C territory for equity, but that wasn’t enough to bring its overall funding rank out from the bottom. However, three states, Nevada, California and Utah actually spent less per-student than Idaho when adjusted for regional economic differences.

Transitions and Alignment (not graded this year)

Last year Idaho got a C- minus and ranked 42nd in this category that grades how states get kids ready for school, college and the workforce.

Standards, Assessments and Accountability (not graded this year)

This was Idaho’s standout category the last time Ed Week graded it in 2012 with a B+ and a 27th-place ranking. The state did well on the quality of its standards and how well it held districts accountable for those standards. A Quality Counts researcher says Idaho’s strong accountability policies are unusual for a state that gives districts so much autonomy. Education Week is not grading this category now because most states, including Idaho, are transitioning to the Common Core State Standards.  

The Teaching Profession (not graded this year)

In 2012, Idaho got a D- and ranked 50th in this category. It’s not about the quality teachers, but the state policies in place to help them do their jobs and improve their skills. A Quality Counts researcher says part of the reason Idaho scores low here, is because districts are responsible for things most states take care of. Those are things like professional development and new-teacher mentoring programs. But the low score also comes from things like how Idaho pays teachers and high student-to-teacher ratio. 

Copyright 2014 Boise State Public Radio

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Boise Farmers Market

The Boise Farmers Market

Growing Food   -   Growing Farmers   -   Growing Ideas   –   Growing Community

The Boise Farmers Market will establish a new standard for farmers markets in the Treasure Valley.  Its focus:

• Locally grown foods sold by the farmer.  A wide assortment of foods and agricultural products will be offered.
• Value added products with a local emphasis.  Customers can expect on-site food, specialty foods, and other value added items to contain as much locally grown products as possible.
• Accountability to the customer.  All goods sold at the Boise Farmers Market will be grown or made by the producer.
• Information about local food and farming issues.  The Boise Farmers Market will be a place where the public can learn about relationship of local food and farms to our health, our economy, and our culture.
• Growing new farmers.   Through an innovative partnership between established farmers and those exploring the occupation, The Boise Farmers Market will help ensure our local food supply.
• Sustainability and community resilience.   The Boise Farmers Market will focus on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same through its operation and community partnerships.

An Incubator of New Ideas!
Farmers markets have a long history of being more than merely a place to exchange goods.  The Boise Farmers Market is committed to playing an important role in fostering new ideas in Boise and the regional food system.


Vision:    The Boise Farmers Market is a community marketplace where local food and agricultural products are available year round and where the community can learn about and become engaged in food system issues.  The Market is a catalyst and incubator for local food-related activities in the region, and helps to build personal and community self-reliance.
 

Mission: The Boise Farmers Market supports a regenerative, healthy food and agricultural system by operating a vibrant marketplace featuring locally grown and crafted products

Why Buy Local? 

Because! 10 Reasons to Buy  & Eat Local!
* Buying & eating local means more for the local economy - According to a study by the New Economics Foundation in London, a dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy.  When businesses are not owned locally, money leaves the community at every transaction.
* Locally grown produce is fresher.  While produce that is purchased in the supermarket or at a big-box store has been in transit or cold-stored for days or weeks, produce purchased at your local farmers market has often been picked within 24 hours  of your purchase.  This freshness not only affects the taste of your food, it also affects the nutritional value which declines with time.
* Locally grown food just plain tastes better.  Ever tried a tomato that was picked with 24 hours?  Need we say more?
* Locally grown fruits and vegetables have longer to ripen.  Because the produce will be handled less, locally grown fruit doesn’t  have to be “rugged” or  stand up to the rigors of shipping. This means that you are going to be getting peaches so ripe that they fall apart as you eat them.  Melons allowed to ripen until the last possible minute on the vine  tastes much better than those filled with gas for transporting.
* Buying local food is better for air quality an pollution than eating organic.  In a March 2005 study by the journal Food Policy, it was found that the   miles that organic food often travels to our plate create environmental damage that outweighs the benefit of buying organic.
* Buying and eating locally grown food keeps us in touch with the seasons.  By purchasing and eating with the seasons, we are eating foods when they are at their peak taste, are the most abundant, and the least expensive.
* Buying locally grown food makes for a great story.  Whether it’s the farmer who brings apples to the market or the baker who makes bread, knowing part of the story about your food is a powerful part of enjoying a meal.
* Buying & eating local helps protect us from bioterrorism.  Food with less distance to travel from farm to plate is less susceptible to harmful contamination.
* Local food translates to more variety.  When a farmer is producing food that will not travel a long distance, will have a shorter shelf life, and does not have a high- yield demand, the farmer is free to try small crops of various fruits and vegetables that would probably never make it to a large supermarket.
* Supporting local providers supports responsible land development.  When you buy local, you give those with local open space – farms and pastures – an economic reason to stay open and undeveloped.

Pros and Cons of Having a Timeshare

PROS:

Exchange Programs
Many people buy timeshares for the opportunity to exchange or trade units with other owners, allowing each one to experience a different place in the world every couple of years. Some companies have locations all over the world including South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Australia, as well as dozens of locations around the United States.
Only Pay for What You Use
Unlike a vacation home, which you pay for throughout the year but only use for a few weeks, you only pay for a timeshare during the time that you are using it. Because you are sharing the cost with others, there is much less financial strain throughout the year.
You can also rent out your timeshare if you do not plan on using it that year and save the money for other things. Having control of your timeshare allows you to decide who rents from you and it also allows family members or friends to take advantage of your timeshare.
Maintenance Free
A timeshare takes care of itself. Annual maintenance fees insure your timeshare and resort upkeep and any repairs that it may need. Your fees also pay for on-sight management and insurance so there is always someone looking after the property, which cannot be said for vacation homes or condos that may sit vacant for months at a time.
Guaranteed Vacations
A timeshare is a guaranteed vacation. If you are bad at organizing your vacation days, then a timeshare is a vacation destination that is guaranteed to be there one week a year. This can make it easier for you to save for and make plans for your annual vacation. Your contract usually requires that the property be occupied by you once a year. If you enjoy visiting the same place every year, this is a good way of securing your vacation.
Cheaper, Roomier Alternative to Hotels
Hotels are great for some, but anyone who has traveled with a large group of people or children can tell you that the accommodations are not ideal. Staying in a nice hotel is expensive and adding extra rooms compounds the cost so that a week in a hotel for a family of four can quickly climb into the thousands of dollars. Timeshares are most often modeled after two bedroom, two bathroom condos and include a living room, laundry and fully stocked kitchen which can cut out costly restaurant dinners every night.

CONS:

Limited in Vacation Schedule Possibility
Rescheduling your vacations may be hard to do; usually, owners keep their weeks, and it may be hard to swap. If you want a holiday week, you may not be able to trade your timeshare for it because there are many timeshare owners hoping for the same week. You also may not be able to decide last minute that you want to use your timeshare in a certain location because spots may already be filled. This requires you to plan ahead, months in advance, and often takes the spontaneity out of planning a trip.
Your Money is Tied Up
The whole concept of timesharing is based on prepayment of your vacation. For some, this is convenient.  For others, it is hard to give up money for something immediate, for a vacation you won't experience 'till months later. Timesharing is a big commitment financially; you are contractually obligated to pay maintenance fees for as long as you own it, and there is no easy way to extricate yourself from your timeshare.
Maintenance Fees
Maintenance fees cover the grounds and housekeeping services, utilities, insurance, on-site management, keeping facilities and appliances up and running etc. They are assessed and paid annually, but it is often difficult to factor them in since they are not a constant. Because the cost of goods and services goes up every year, maintenance fees have been known to increase up to 4 percent in a single year. Keep in mind that a nice, upscale resort needs to spend someone's money to keep it looking that way.
Associated With Scams and Unethical Dealers
Always check if the condominium belongs to an Owner's Club or Association - if not, you may be dealing in risky business. Research the resort and management company to be aware of any outstanding complaints. Make sure you pay attention; any special contract clauses or other suspicious circumstances should send up red flags. You can make sure your timeshare company is reputable by checking them out with the Better Business Bureau and through online reviews.
You can search the various locations and deals from a developer, management company or travel agent, as well as from the owners themselves. It is a good sign if the provider offers a grace period in which you can cancel without charge and he guarantees the financial stability of the unit.
Hard to Resell
Some developers include clauses into timeshare purchase contracts that may restrict your ability to sell on your own. They may require rights of first refusal, commissions on your sales price and so on. Before purchasing a timeshare, be sure to ask about their resale policies. Keep in mind that, because timeshares often depreciate in value after you buy them, you may end up losing money in the resale.

Top 10 Things to Know About Buying a Second or Vacation Home

                  

One out of three homes sold in 2007 was a vacation home or investment property, showing that demand for second homes remains healthy despite a slow housing market. With homebuyers enjoying an advantage in many markets, now may be the time to buy that second home. Whether you're dreaming of paradise or profit, master these 10 tips for a smart investment.

1. Resist the urge to impulse buy.
   Don’t come back from vacation with the keys to a new house without having thoroughly researched your purchase first. If you buy on a whim, you may end up with a second home you can’t afford or that doesn’t fit your needs.
   
   
2. Evaluate your needs and long-term goals.
   Be realistic about what type of second home suits your lifestyle. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, staying within a day’s drive of your primary home could be a good move. If you’d like your second home to someday serve as a retirement spot, assess the home’s accessibility and check out health care services in the area.
   
   
3. Get to know the area before buying.
   Even if you’ve been visiting the same vacation spot for years, you need to get to know the area from a nontourist perspective if you plan to buy there. Visit the place off-season, and talk to locals to get their take on the area.
   
   
4. Hire a local real estate agent.
   Buying a vacation home outside your area can be tricky, as residential real estate is extremely localized. A local agent can help you get to know the market.
   
   
5. Decide what type of home is right for you.
   Think about how much time you’re willing to devote to maintenance when deciding between a condo and a single-family home. Condos are a good choice for buyers who only plan to use their homes occasionally and don’t want to deal with year-round maintenance. But if you don’t want to sacrifice privacy, stick with a single-family home.
   
   
6. Shop around for a mortgage.
   The market changes constantly, so resist the temptation to take whatever terms your lender on your first home offers you. See what else is out there to get the best deal possible.
   
   
7. Calculate additional expenses.
   Don’t forget about insurance and maintenance when adding up the costs of your second home. Some of the most desirable areas are at a higher risk for hurricanes, floods or forest fires, so insurance for these areas can be pricey. Get several insurance quotes before making an offer. For maintenance, a good rule of thumb is to set aside 2 percent of the home’s value per year for upkeep and repairs.
   
   
8. Consider fractional ownership to cut down on costs.
   If you buy a second home on your own, you may find yourself shelling out a lot of money for the amount of time you actually spend there. By pooling your resources with friends or relatives, many people can enjoy a vacation getaway for a fraction of the cost.
   
   
9. Look into tax benefits.
   You don’t have to pay taxes on rental income if you rent out your home for fewer than 15 days a year, but you can’t deduct any rental expenses. If you rent out your home for more than 15 days a year, you have to report the income, but you can deduct expenses like maintenance and cleaning.
   
   
10. Rent your home out for extra income.
    If you need extra cash to supplement your monthly mortgage payment, renting out your second home could be a good option. Being a landlord comes with more responsibilities than many people realize, so familiarize yourself with landlord/tenant laws and the Fair Housing Act before renting out your home.

July 2014 Market Update