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On The Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Edition Of Idaho Matters

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Boise State Public Radio
  • Ballet Idaho's "The Nutcracker" gets an upgrade.
  • Literacy proficiency sees minimal improvements.
  • Rural dental health.

- "The Nutcracker" has become a staple of holiday traditions for many across the country, with large and small scale productions alike. Ballet Idaho has been telling the story for years, and this year has re-done all of their costumes and set dressings. Idaho Matters talks with show producers about this year's new look.

- Reading proficiency has been a major focus for the Idaho State Board of Education, but the increased focus has not yet yielded major results. In a new report from Idaho EdNews, the literacy proficiency for kindergarteners and first graders is under 50%, and the literacy proficiency for second and third graders was under 64%. Kevin Richert joins Idaho Matters to discuss the new findings.

- Medical care in rural communities has been a major issue facing the United States for years, and one particularly neglected portion of care is dental care. Many oral health problems are easily treatable but will get overlooked due to inaccessibility until they become major issues that require emergency care. We talk to practitioners looking to help solve this issue in the Jerome and McCall areas. 

Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet @KBSX915 using #IdahoMatters

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