Idaho Board proposes digital literacy requirement for high school graduation by 2028

The Idaho House Education Committee convened on January 21, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the state's educational requirements, particularly focusing on digital literacy. The meeting highlighted the necessity of integrating digital literacy into the curriculum to better prepare students for a technology-driven workforce.

One of the key proposals discussed was the introduction of a digital literacy requirement for high school graduation, which would mandate one credit in digital literacy. This requirement aims to equip students with essential skills such as coding, internet safety, and responsible online behavior. The rationale behind this update is the evolving needs of Idaho's economy, which increasingly relies on digitally literate employees across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.

The committee emphasized that while many students are familiar with technology, this does not necessarily translate to the skills needed for workforce readiness. The proposed curriculum changes aim to bridge this gap by fostering critical thinking and adaptability in students, ensuring they can navigate the complexities of the digital world responsibly.

Additionally, the committee discussed adjustments to existing course requirements, including allowing engineering and computer science courses to count as mathematics credits, and refining science course specifications to reflect current educational practices. The changes also included updates to health and wellness education and a shift in terminology from "humanities" to "fine arts or world languages."

The digital literacy requirement is set to apply to students graduating after January 1, 2028, allowing for a three-year implementation period. The committee is actively communicating with school districts and charter schools to prepare for these changes, ensuring that educators are equipped to deliver the new curriculum effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of adapting educational standards to meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological landscape, with a focus on fostering a digitally literate and responsible citizenry.