Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield returns to Ever Onward with Tommy Ahlquist and Roger Quarles for a candid conversation on what’s really happening inside Idaho schools.

From record K–3 reading gains to ongoing struggles in middle school math, this episode breaks down where Idaho education is improving—and where it’s still falling short.

They dive into:

• Why students often fall behind after 6th grade
• How career technical education (CTE) is making school more relevant
• The real debate around school choice and taxpayer accountability
• Why funding isn’t the main issue—how it’s used is
• The leadership gap in education and why it matters more than ever
• The urgency behind every graduating class

Debbie also shares what drives her resilience, how she approaches decision-making at the state level, and why developing strong leaders—not just administrators—is critical for the future of education.

With over 20,000 students graduating each year in Idaho, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

This is a grounded, honest look at the challenges, progress, and future of education in Idaho.

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