Utah State Board of Education Meeting Summary
October 5, 2012 Meeting
Briefly
The Utah State Board of Education:
- Moved forward on updates and revisions to core standards in the areas of Earth Science, honors math, social students and essential elements of language arts and math.
- Opted to wait for legislative clarification before creating a rule on distribution of classroom-level student performance data.
- Reviewed the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind’s annual report.
http://www.schools.utah.gov/board/Meetings/Summary.aspx.
Board Moves Forward on Several Standards Fronts
The Utah State Board of Education gave its final approval to changes in the Earth Science standards. The Board also gave preliminary approval to secondary mathematics honors standards which will go out for further discussion before final approval. The Board authorized beginning work on updating the social studies core. The Board gave preliminary approval to essential elements of the language arts and math standards, which are designed to ensure that students with significant cognitive disabilities are given appropriate instruction.
Board Seeks Legislative Clarification before Moving on Classroom-Level Data
The Utah State Board of Education will seek clarification from the Legislature on two statutes that appear to be in conflict on release of classroom-level data about student performance. Section 3 of Curriculum in the Public Schools requires the Board to set standards for confidentiality of student information. Section 2 of Administration of Public Education at the State Level requires reporting of classroom-level data, however, Section 4 of Public Education Human Resource Management Act requires the Board to protect the privacy of individual evaluation data. Rather than write a rule that would likely conflict with one or more of the statutes, the Board will seek clarification from the Legislature on classroom-level data.
Board Adopts Resolution Supporting Utah’s PACE Metrics for Students
The Utah State Board of Education adopted a resolution supporting the Preparation, Access, Completion, and Economic Success (PACE) metrics for Utah students that lead toward a goal of having 66 percent of Utah’s adult population hold a post-secondary degree or certificate by the year 2020.
Board Takes Action on Four Rule Amendments and Continuations
The Utah State Board of Education gave preliminary approval to the following changes or continuations. Final approval will likely come in the Board’s November 2 meeting.
- R277-509 Licensure of Student Teachers and Interns. This rule is being amended to clarify who must have criminal background checks before working with students in public schools.
- R277-515 Utah Educator Standards.This rule is being continued following a routine five-year review.
- R277-517 Board and UPPAC Disciplinary Definitions and Actions. This new rule provides definitions for terms used by the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission and the Board.
- R277-532 Local Board Policies for Evaluation of Non-licensed Public Education Employees (Classified Employees). This new rule requires school districts to adopt policy for public employee evaluation and dismissal consistent with new state law.
For Additional Information:
Judy Park, Associate Superintendent for Student Services and Federal Programs, at (801) 538-7550.
Brenda Hales, Associate Superintendent for Instructional Services, at (801) 538-7515.
Martell Menlove, Deputy Superintendent, at (801) 538-7762.
Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Annual Report Reviewed
The Utah State Board of Education reviewed the annual report of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB). USDB served nearly 2,000 students in 2011. As students become proficient, they are mainstreamed into neighborhood schools. Nearly all USDB students are mainstreamed by third grade.
For Additional Information
Steve Noyce, USDB Superintendent, at (801) 629-4712.
Martell Menlove, Deputy Superintendent, at (801) 538-7762.
Board Honors Reading Specialist Nancy Livingston
The Utah State Board of Education is pleased to honor Dr. Nancy Livingston for her years of dedicated service in building literacy skills of Utah’s students. Nancy has served as a classroom teacher, a district reading specialist, state reading specialist, and university professor. The Utah State Office of Education was fortunate to have Nancy come back to serve as an early childhood and parent involvement specialist over the last few years when she retired from Brigham Young University. Nancy has been a key leader in improving educational services to Utah’s disadvantaged students. She has impacted many teachers through her expertise, training, and sharp sense of humor. She is recognized across the nation and internationally as reading expert. Her colleagues recognize her as a great friend and for her untiring commitment to service. Please join us is saying “thank you” to one of Utah’s most valuable gems, Dr. Nancy Livingston.
Board Approves Consent Calendar
The Board approved its consent calendar.
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