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The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and its standing committees meet regularly to discuss changes to administrative rules. UEA staff monitor and participate in these meetings on behalf of UEA members.
Utah State Board of Education Meeting (reported by Jay Blain): During public comment, UEA Government Relations and Professional Programs Director Sara Jones expressed appreciation for the Board’s support of last year’s House Bill 396: Paid Professional Hours. With backing from the education community, the bill passed unanimously. She noted that educators are happy with the additional funding.
In other business, Superintendent Syd Dickson provided results from the School Engagement Survey, especially focusing on leadership. USBE also:
- Voted to postpone SHARP survey discussion. The discussion continued Oct. 7 during the Standards and Assessments Committee meeting (see below).
- Voted to seek permission from the legislature to establish a Utah School Safety Collaborative.
- Edited its definitions for the Education Equity Rule.
View the full USBE meeting summary.
Standards and Assessment Committee (reported by Sara Jones): The Law and Licensing Committee heard a presentation on a proposal for a new educator evaluation framework. The evaluation framework is designed to create a system of ongoing support for professional growth and development based on educator-directed goals, reflection and coaching. UEA has worked closely with State Board staff to ensure educator voice is represented in the development process.
The Standards and Assessment Committee also adopted an “expedited process” for reviewing and adopting additional US and Utah History strands as part of the current revision process to the elementary social studies standards.
USBE Study Session (reported by Jay Blain): The State School Board met in a study session to prioritize budget items for the 2023 legislative session. Their number one priority is a 6% increase to the Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU), over and above any inflation increase. They also prioritized funding for all-day kindergarten, paid professional time for educators and increased funding for the student at-risk add on.