These principles are designed to guide the development of good education policy and to effect the meaningful changes that will benefit Utah children. We offer them to policymakers and to parents, teachers, and other community members who want to prepare Utah students for a bright future.
Student achievement is a collaborative effort, with teachers, parents, and students working towards the same goals: maximum achievement, an effective learning environment, and mutual respect. Challenges are addressed through enhanced dialogue between home and school and through cooperative innovation among teachers.
Students are taught in small classes, allowing teachers to focus on the needs of individuals and to utilize a wide range of teaching methods. The focus is on each child reaching his or her own potential, regardless of background, abilities, or challenges.
Teachers set rigorous standards of student performance based upon a curriculum that prepares students for higher education, rewarding careers, and life. A strong foundation in core academic subjects is enhanced by character and civic education, healthy lifestyles, financial literacy, and career and technology courses. Special emphasis on the arts provides aesthetic, creative, and intuitive learning opportunities that also reinforce basic literacy and math skills.
Success is measured by a variety of effective methods. Assessments are used primarily as diagnostic tools to guide instruction and to improve student achievement and teacher quality.
Public schools are anchored in local communities, where school personnel, community councils, and locally elected school boards are empowered to assess school needs and allocate resources for improvement.
Changing circumstances are met with research-tested improvements. Policy proposals are based on accurate, relevant data, legitimate analysis of what has been effective elsewhere, and an honest evaluation of Utah's unique strengths and challenges.
Public educational options—such as open enrollment, magnet schools, charter schools, early college enrollment, and other special programs—meet the needs of students with various learning styles, ability levels, and interests. Funds for these programs are managed in open public meetings in which staff and elected officials are held accountable to taxpayers.
Teachers in all subject areas and grade levels are well-compensated in comparison to surrounding states. New teachers are mentored through the early years by experienced leaders in the profession and are provided with the resources, support and respect they need to succeed.
Policy-makers implement systemic changes to provide equitable opportunities for all student populations. Policy decisions are driven by accurate, accessible, and transparent data, uniformly collected and maintained throughout the state and carefully analyzed by educators and state leaders.
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