Idaho Seeks Federal Education Flexibility

State superintendent outlines plan to reduce administrative burdens through federal waivers

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:55am

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Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield has briefed state lawmakers on a proposal to seek federal waivers that would give the state and local school districts greater flexibility in meeting certain education requirements. The plan, developed by an Idaho workgroup, aims to reduce administrative burdens related to funding and student assessments.

Why it matters

The proposed waivers reflect a broader push by states to gain more autonomy over education policy and shift decision-making authority away from the federal government. If approved, the waivers could allow Idaho to streamline testing requirements and offer more alternatives to standardized assessments.

The details

The waiver requests would allow Idaho to use the Idaho Reading Indicator in place of the English language arts portion of the state's standardized test for third-grade students, as well as offer alternatives to the current eleventh-grade assessment, such as the SAT or approved career-technical exams. The state is also considering applying for Ed-Flex status, which would further delegate waiver authority to Idaho.

  • The public comment period on the waiver proposals is scheduled to close soon.
  • The Idaho Federal Flexibility Workgroup met from August through November 2025 to develop the waiver requests.

The players

Debbie Critchfield

Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction who briefed state lawmakers on the waiver proposal.

Idaho Federal Flexibility Workgroup

A group that met from August through November 2025 to identify ways to reduce administrative burdens in education and develop the waiver requests.

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What’s next

The Idaho Department of Education is currently seeking public comment on the waiver proposals, with the comment period scheduled to close soon. If approved, the waivers could allow Idaho to implement the proposed changes to testing requirements and assessment options.

The takeaway

Idaho's pursuit of federal education flexibility highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal control over K-12 policy. The proposed waivers aim to reduce administrative burdens and give local leaders more decision-making authority, reflecting a broader trend of states seeking greater autonomy in education.