Jenifer Middle School in Lewiston has joined two other Idaho districts in adopting the BARR student support model, a program designed to improve academic performance and reduce chronic absenteeism through structured teacher collaboration.
The school began implementing the framework in spring 2026. It is one of three public schools currently using the system, alongside Meridian Middle School in the West Ada School District and Taylorview Middle School in the Idaho Falls School District. Chief Tahgee Elementary Academy is scheduled to launch the model this fall.
The BARR model organizes educators into multidisciplinary teams that focus on specific groups of students. Teachers utilize data tools to monitor attendance, behavior, and academic progress, allowing them to identify concerns earlier than traditional methods might permit. The approach emphasizes building relationships between staff and students while encouraging communication with families.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said she was eager to explore the model’s potential after reviewing its nationwide impact on student outcomes.
Schools across 27 states and Washington, D.C., have reported improvements in test scores, teacher retention, and student well-being since adopting the framework. Participating Idaho schools will receive three years of implementation support and coaching. After that period, districts can continue using the model without ongoing outside assistance.
The initiative is funded by private philanthropy rather than state appropriations. The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation contributed $700,000 to support the rollout. Additionally, the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health provided two separate donations of $100,000 each.
This adoption aligns with broader efforts in Idaho education to improve student outcomes through targeted interventions and expanded pathways for student advancement. By leveraging private foundation grants, the state is testing evidence-based strategies without increasing the tax burden on Idaho families.