In addition to my experience in running economic development for the state, I have been involved in and committed to education throughout my life. There have been numerous disparate education studies and plans, including many that measure Utah’s current education status and achievement in a variety of ways. A couple of conclusions jump out at me:
First, numerous people and organizations have done incredible work researching and analyzing education as well as developing and executing educational plans. The data prove that Utah generally punches above its weight in education, especially considering the amount spent per pupil and teacher pay.
We have many strong and dedicated leaders in education working hard to prepare our children and students both for life and for good jobs. Parents and families, Gov. Herbert’s Education Excellence Commission, the State Board of Education, the Utah Foundation, Envision Utah, the Gardner Policy Institute, the leaders of the Our Schools Now, teachers’ organizations, the Salt Lake Chamber and others have all done excellent work.
Clearly, we all agree — excellence in education is of the utmost importance. Few things, if any, are more important to our families, our communities, our economy and to our future, especially in the high-tech, fast-moving society in which we live. This is even more important to our at-risk students and families.
View Article