Here you'll find TIME-SENSITIVE information related to important and often urgent K-12 matters like policy changes, deadlines for education options & programs, public input opportunities, decisions affecting your child's school, and so much more!

Knowledge is power.  With comprehensive information we can affect positive change as a community, state and most importantly for our children.  This empowering information has been assembled to alert you to opportunities to participate, engage and let your voice be heard on important education issues, now.  

To stay on top of the NEWS YOU NEED NOW visit this page regularly, add it as a bookmark, and share it with your online network of friends! (It's as simple as clicking on the "Share" button above.)

 SB55 Authorization of Charter Schools by Higher Education Institutions

Participating During the Session

SB 77 School District Leave Policies

Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship

HB268 Public School Innovations

PCE's Policy Principles

Charter School Funding

 Legislative Calendar

Additional News You Need Now

Watch Fox 13's report.

Planned Parenthood is the organization behind proposed changes to the sex education curriculum in Utah's public schools.  On June 17 the Health and Human Services Interim Committee heard testimony on this topic. Listen to Audio HERE.  Bill sponsor, Representative Lynn Hemingway, and Melissa Bird, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood spoke in favor of amending state statute to expand upon what the law currently allows to be taught. They are proposing the addition of "comprehensive" information to Utah's current sex education curriculum. 

A bill has not yet been drafted; however, proponents plan to pattern and model the Utah bill after a recently revised North Carolina statute.  To review this brief statute and learn more about what is being proposed for the public school children of our state go HERE.  

• Read the North Carolina Statute>>
• Read the Current Statute - Utah Code 53A-13-101>>

The bill failed in committee.  It has now been assigned to the Health and Human Services Interim Committee for further discussion and recommendation for possible policy changes in the 2010 General Session.  The changes proposed by Representative Hemingway will affect ALL secondary health education classes in Utah public schools. 

• Read the Proposed Legislation - 2009 HB 189>>
• Read the Current Statute - Utah Code 53A-13-101>>

 Take Action

• Attend a Town Hall Meeting sponsored by Planned Parenthood to voice your opinion on the proposed changes.
• Contact members of the committee and express your thoughts about this proposed change in curriculum.
  • List of Committee Members>>
• Contact your State Representative and Senator.  GO HERE>> to find out who your legislators are, their contact info, and tips on communicating with them.
• Visit the Committee's Webpage>>
  For a complete schedule, meetings agendas and minutes, live audio feeds, a list of committee members and more.

New Century Scholarship/Regent Scholarship and Concurrent Enrollment Updates
UPDATE: 8/18/09 Today at the Capitol House Speaker Clark announced "Earlier today, the majority legislative leadership and Governor Herbert instructed the Utah Board of Regents to fully fund the New Century Scholarship,”  Click on the News tab to see the media coverage.

Due to economic downturn and increased numbers of qualified applicants, the award amount for the New Century Scholarship and the Regents' Scholarship have changed.

New Century Scholarship: 75% of a Utah college tution for this year with next year's amount still be to determined.

Regents' Scholarship: 75% of a Utah college tutition for this year with next year's amount still be to determined.

See the legislative briefing written by Chris Bleak, the Utah House Speaker's Chief of Staff

Utah's Concurrent Enrollment program continues to be one of the best public education bargains!  It allows High School students to obtain an Associates Degree by taking courses that grant college credit.  The program has been recently updated to better represent college coursework and is available to Juniors and Seniors.

Hundreds of Concurrent Enrollment courses are offered each year across the state. The Utah State Office of Education posts all of the courses offered each school year. Your local High School should be able to provide you with comprehensive information as well.

• See a complete list of Concurrent Enrollment courses>> In the new window that opens, click "2009-2010 School Year".  An Excel spreadsheet will be downloaded.  The canceled courses are highlighted in orange

In 2009, the State Legislature passed Senate Bill 81, which discontinues Concurrent Enrollment classes offered in 9th and 10th grade and strengthens the courses offered to better reflect the rigor of college coursework.

• Senate Bill 81 webpage>>
• Read Senate Bill 81>>

• Funding for New Century and Regents scholarships to be restored>> KSL - August 18, 2009
• Utah Legislature Restores Full Funding for New Century Scholarship>>KCPW - August 18, 2009
• Lawmakers work to save New Century Scholarship>> Provo Daily Herald - August 18, 2009
• Scholarship Recipients Given Much Less Than Expected, Funds Dry Up>>Fox 13 News - August 13, 2009
• Lawmakers: Restore scholarship funding>>Salt Lake Tribune - August 13, 2009
• State reduces amounts on scholarships>> Salt Lake Tribune - August 5, 2009
• Bill thins concurrent enrollment choices>> Salt Lake Tribune - March 7, 2009
• Concurrent Enrollment expands at Lehi High>> Daily Herald (Provo) - February 14, 2009
• Fine-tuning in works for early college courses>> Deseret News - November 16, 2008 
• Concurrent enrollment fading away?>> Deseret News - May 12, 2008

 Graduation Rates-Utah Students Falling Behind
In 2004, we were number one.  A year later we were number 8.  Now, in Education Week’s most recent report on U.S. high school graduation rates, Utah ranked 26th at 72.2%, just three percentage points above the national average.  In fact, Utah’s graduation rate has fallen more than any other state, save one, since 1996.

In 2006, the Utah State Office of Education reported a graduation rate of 83%, eleven points higher than Education Week’s figure, still meaning that nearly 1 out of 5 students didn’t finish high school.
 
In 2007 the USOE began calculating graduation rates by tracking individual student through high school.  Since implementing the new system, they have reported a graduation rate of 88% in both 2007 and 2008. 
 
The USOE’s new graduation formula only tracks students from 10th through 12th grade.  Those who drop out before 10th grade are excluded completely from the calculation.  The definition of “graduation” is broad and students who are expelled, suspended, or simply on the 12th grade rolls on the last day of class are counted as graduates (see here).
 
Education Week is the only source using a national standard allowing us to compare Utah to the rest of the U.S.   And in this regard, we’re not doing well. 

• Education Week Report>>
• USOE Report>>

Minority students in Utah fare worse than the national average.  According to last year’s Education Week report, Utah Hispanics had a graduation rate of 53.6% while the national average for Hispanics was 57.8%.  Utah’s 30-point difference in graduation rates between whites and Hispanics was 50% larger than the national average.  In fact, Black and Hispanic males in Utah were more likely to drop out than graduate.
 
The current report did not include a breakdown of graduation rate by race and ethnicityUtah Education Facts>>The Achievement Gap

In Recent News:

Quoting a Deseret News editorial, “The Utah State Office of Education can quibble all it wants with the numbers in the latest Education Week Diplomas Count report. The truth is, whether the number for the state's graduation rates in 2006 was [83] percent, as state officials say, or 72.2 percent, as the report says, it's far too low.”
 
In an article covering the graduation report, Brenda Hales of the USOE stated that "We will not be totally satisfied until we have 100 percent of our students graduate." 

• Graduation findings disputed>> Desert News - June 9, 2009
• Report: Graduation rate in Utah is falling>> Salt Lake Tribune - June 9, 2009
• Raise graduation rate>> Deseret News - June 10, 2009

Follow New Canyons District
 The new Canyons School District provides a unique opportunity for parents and taxpayers to observe the creation and development of a school district from the ground up. In the 2009-10 school year the District will begin serving 33,000 students in 44 schools. The split of one district into two provides a lesson in per pupil funding as comparisons are being highlighted between Jordan and the Canyons District.  We learn that the local revenue portion of  per pupil funding varies greatly, meaning total per pupil spending is not equal district by district.   A recent Salt Lake Tribune article (June 28, 2009) reported, "The district [Canyons] generates about $3,545 in property taxes per student (compared with Jordan's $2,164)."  Property taxes account for only 29% of total per pupil funding.

Click here on http://www.utahsright.com/ to review the Canyons' recently posted information about who’s been hired, their position, department, as well as their hourly and annual salary (not including benefits).

• Learn about Per Student Spending and Funding>>
• Utah School District Comparison 2007-08>> Link opens a PDF
• UtahsRight.com>>
• Link to Canyons School District>>

You can also use UtahsRight.com to check out the same information on your own school district.www.UtahsRight.com provides “data that Utahns have a ‘right to know,’ and brings to one central location a host of public information that had previously been scattered on various government and private Web sites or unavailable online-- all of it easily searchable.

In Recent News:

• Jordan School Board OKs 20% tax increase>> Deseret News - August 11, 2009
• Jordan school board caves in, halves tax hike>> Deseret News - August 11, 2009
• Group vows referendum on Jordan tax increase>> Salt Lake Tribune - August 11, 2009
• Jordan School Board tax hearing draws angry public comments>> Deseret News - August 5, 2009
• School board tables double-digit tax hike>> Salt Lake Tribune - August 5, 2009
• New school district proposes property tax hike>> Salt Lake Tribune - July 23, 2009 
• Canyons School District proposes tax increase>> Deseret News - July 23, 2009
• New school district a boon for Midvale>> Salt Tribune - June 28, 2009

Performance-Pay Pilot Program
 An innovative Performance Pay pilot program for elementary teachers was approved in the 2009 legislative session!
Great public school teachers will now be recognized and rewarded based on student gains and other criteria. Those criteria are:
 - 40% Student Learning Gains
 - 40% Instructional Quality
 - 20% Must Include Parent, Student, or
   Community Satisfaction

Public schools had to submit their proposals by May 22. Out of the 19 schools that applied, 5 have been selected to participate in the two-year pilot.
Ashman Elementary
Canyon Rim Academy (charter)
Manila Elementary
Midway Elementary
Wasatch Peak Academy (charter)

To learn more about how the pilot program will work use these links:

• USOE Performance Pay Presentation
• New Law - House Bill 328
  

Follow the progress of this innovative new performance pay pilot program.

• Utah State Office of Education
• Ashman Elementary
• Canyon Rim Academy (charter)
• Manila Elementary
• Midway Elementary
• Wasatch Peak Academy (charter)

• Performance pay: Best teachers should be rewarded>> Salt Lake Tribune - June 6, 2009
• 5 Schools Chosen for Teacher Pay Pilot Program>> Salt Lake Tribune - June 4, 2009
• House passes education budget with amendments>> Deseret News - March 13, 2009
• Lawmakers pass performance pay bill>> Salt Lake Tribune - March 13, 2009
  
• Teacher bonus bill passes House>> Deseret News - February 26, 2009
• Teacher performance pay bill passes House, moves to Senate>> Salt Lake Tribune - February 26, 2009
• Lawmakers resurrect merit pay for teachers>> Salt Lake Tribune - February 18, 2009
  
• Education a hot topic for '09 Legislature>> Deseret News - January 24, 2009
• Poll: Mixed Opinions on Calculating Teachers' Salaries>> Deseret News - January 24, 2009
• Utahns support teacher merit pay>> Salt Lake Tribune - January 25, 2009

New Law brings Greater Transparency to tax-payers on education spending
Collective Bargaining Agreements will now be available online! A new law passed by the 2009 legislature provides accountability to taxpayers by requiring school districts and public schools who have collective bargaining agreements with the teacher's union to post these agreements on their websites effective May 12th.  In the past this type of disclosure was at the sole discretion of the public school governing boards.

Collective bargaining agreements are the contracts between public schools and the teacher's union. They dictate how a large portion of K-12 funding is spent at the local level and regulate such things as salary schedules, instruction time and school calendars. As parents and taxpayers, you have both the right and responsibility to monitor these agreements to ensure not only that your tax dollars are being spent properly and prudently but also that the best decisions are being made concerning instruction time for students.

• Links to Collective Bargaining Agreements>>

• House Bill 210 webpage>>
• Read House Bill 210>>

• Teacher salaries, other info could be posted online>> Deseret News - Mar 3, 2009
• Bill would put teacher salaries online>> Deseret News - Feb 10, 2009

Free Online, At-Home Preschool Program 
UPSTART is a new Utah state–funded, computer–based preschool program that prepares 4 and 5 year-olds for school with a start in reading, math, and science. The Utah legislature provided the funds for this free, at-home pilot program as a way to help Utah’s children better prepare for kindergarten. Children are required to use it 15 minutes a day, five days a week. The program monitors each child's online time and progress. Tests are administered before, during and after using UPSTART to evaluate their progress. The program uses award-winning software developed by the Waterford Institute. The curriculum, which has been used across the nation in schools and preschools, has been offered in Utah only for home use. Due to immediate demand and interest in the program, the 1,300 available spots have already been filled. Pre-registration for next year is now taking place.  Waterford's contract with the state stipulates that 30 percent of the UPSTART student population must be from families with incomes up to 200 percent of the poverty level. Waterford provides computers and high-speed Internet connections at no charge for families that can't afford them.

 To learn more about the program, eligibility, and how to apply call 1-800-669-4533 or click the link below.

• www.UtahUPSTART.org

• Pilot Program for preschoolers taking off>> Standard Examiner - June 27, 2009

Education Interim Committee-Utah State Legislature
Although the majority of K-12 state education policy happens during the 45-day General Legislative Session, the Education Interim Committee studies key education issues facing the state and recommends legislation for the upcoming session.

Offering valuable information and opinions regarding issues being considered in the interim committees is an excellent way for citizens to participate in the lawmaking process.

Next Meeting:
Sept 16 - 9:00 AM -State Capitol, RM 445
Visit the Committee's Webpage>>
For a complete schedule, meeting agendas, minutes, and more.

These committees, comprised of State Senators and Representatives, meet jointly on the 3rd Wednesday of every month between sessions from April - November and serve as an opportunity for the public to speak and give their input to the legislature concerning matters being considered. 

• Visit the Committee's Webpage>>
  For a complete schedule, meeting agendas, minutes, and a list of committee members.

• Visit the Committee's Webpage>>
  For a complete schedule, meeting agendas, minutes, live audio feeds, and more.

Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship
The Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship is a school choice option for children with special needs.  This state funded program provides scholarships to K-12 students who qualify for an IEP to attend one of nearly 50 eligible private schools in Utah. In order to receive a full year's scholarship for the 2009-10 school year, applications must be received no later than July 1.

A 2009 amendment to state law requires public schools to notify parents of children with an IEP about the Carson Smith Scholarship annually. Students receiving an IEP for the first time are to be notified within 30 days. Parents are encouraged to learn more about the scholarship to determine if it is a good option for their child.  

• http://www.carsonsmithscholarship.org/
• Utah State Office of Education>>
• www.CarsonSmithParents.org>>
• Eligible Schools>>
• Carson Smith Law>>
• Legislative Audit of Carson Smith>>
• SCHOOL OPTIONS: Carson Smith Scholarship>>

New State Superintendent
The search for a new Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction has come to an end. Earlier this year, Superintendent Patti Harrington announced she would be retiring as of July 1st.  Over the last couple months the State Board of Education interviewed several qualified applicants, and on Friday, May 29th, the Utah State Office of Education announced Dr. Larry Shumway as the new State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

• Larry Shumway on New Position as Utah's Top Educator>> KCPW - June 2, 2009
• Larry Shumway named state superintendent of schools>> Deseret News - May 30, 2009
• Shumway named new state schools superintendent>> Salt Lake Tribune - May 29, 2009 

Charter School Enrollment
Some charter schools are still accepting enrollment for the 2009-10 school year. CLICK HERE for a complete list of charter schools in Utah.  Once there, click on the individual charter schools you are interested in to find out if they are accepting enrollment and how to apply.  Charter schools are public schools and enrollment is done by lottery.  LEARN MORE>>

Financial Transparency Website - May 15, 2009
This new website (www.transparent.utah.gov) shows all financial transactions made by Utah government.  Currently, it only includes data from state-level agencies, but by May 15, 2010, it will include school districts & charter schools.  LEARN MORE>>