Martha Harris
@marthajharris.bsky.social
📤 1329
📥 616
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Education Reporter @KUER
[email protected]
The Trump administration is withholding at least $35.8 million in school funding for Utah, as it freezes billions of dollars in similar education grants nationwide. The director of the non-profit Utah Afterschool Network said it's a scary situation for families.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
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The Trump admin is withholding $35.8M from Utah schools
Some of the grants being withheld are for English language learners and before- and after- school programs. The Trump administration said it needed to review them.
https://www.kuer.org/education/2025-07-07/the-trump-admin-is-withholding-35-8m-from-utah-schools
3 months ago
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Martha Harris
KUER
4 months ago
“Utah’s public workers are ready,” said the Utah Education Association after the Lt. Gov. certified the referendum. “We are organized, energized and confident that voters will stand with us when the time comes.”
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Referendum to repeal Utah’s collective bargaining ban heads to 2026 ballot
Gov. Spencer Cox let a June 21 deadline to call a special election pass and instead sent the referendum to the November 2026 general election.
https://buff.ly/aOtMIta
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Arturo Gamboa, the man arrested after Saturday's SLC protest shooting, will be released from jail. A judge signed the order this afternoon. "He should never have been in jail in the first place," Gamboa's attorney said.
www.kuer.org/news/2025-06...
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Judge orders release of Arturo Gamboa in No Kings protest shooting case
Gamboa’s attorney had sought his release because “he is being unlawfully detained in violation of his constitutional rights.”
https://www.kuer.org/news/2025-06-20/judge-orders-release-of-arturo-gamboa-in-no-kings-protest-shooting-case
4 months ago
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Arturo Gamboa will stay in jail until Monday. Salt Lake DA Sim Gill filed a 3-day extension to keep Gamboa there while his office determines what, if any charges, will be filed against him.
www.kuer.org/news/2025-06...
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Salt Lake DA files a hold on Arturo Gamboa as No Kings shooting investigation continues
“I ask for everyone’s patience,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. The district attorney’s office wants “sufficient time to review, analyze, and make an informed decision to any allega...
https://www.kuer.org/news/2025-06-19/salt-lake-city-no-kings-shooting-investigation-arturo-gamboa
4 months ago
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A transgender teen in Utah had the go-ahead from the state’s eligibility commission to participate in girls’ high school sports. Even so, UHSAA would not allow her to compete and cited President Donald Trump's February executive order.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
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Trump’s executive order on transgender sports kept a Utah teen from playing
Arguments continued in a second hearing this year in the lawsuit over Utah’s law banning transgender girls from competing in girls' sports. Now, the central issue is how President Donald Trump’s execu...
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-06-02/trumps-executive-order-on-transgender-sports-kept-a-utah-teen-from-playing
5 months ago
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Salt Lake Community College has unveiled its plan for state-mandated budget cuts and reinvestments. Here's an overview of what's in it.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
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SLCC aims for simplicity and workforce training to meet Utah’s higher ed mandate
While the restructuring prioritized Salt Lake Community College’s technical training and health sciences programs, leadership argues that the arts and humanities are still an important part of the sch...
https://www.kuer.org/education/2025-05-23/slcc-aims-for-simplicity-and-workforce-training-to-meet-utahs-higher-ed-mandate
5 months ago
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Utah Board of Ed member Molly Hart will be the state's new Superintendent of Public Instruction. The board voted 12-to-2 to appoint her on Wednesday night. Hart will succeed Sydnee Dickson, who has been in the state's top ed job for nearly a decade.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
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Utah Board of Ed member Molly Hart will be the state’s next superintendent
Hart succeeds Sydnee Dickson as Utah’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, the chief executive in charge of statewide education.
https://www.kuer.org/education/2025-05-21/utah-board-of-ed-member-molly-hart-will-be-the-states-next-superintendent
5 months ago
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"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen is now banned in all Utah public schools. It was reported by Cache, Davis and Tooele school districts. This is the 18th book to be banned statewide under the 2024 law, HB29.
add a skeleton here at some point
6 months ago
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A referendum to repeal Utah's ban on collective bargaining has enough verified signatures to land on the 2026 ballot. But it's not a done deal yet. Here's the latest from
@saigemiller.bsky.social
and I.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
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Referendum on Utah’s collective bargaining ban has the signatures it needs
As of the morning of April 28, the labor groups hit the 8% target in 15 Senate districts, and 146,480 signatures have been verified.
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-04-28/referendum-on-utahs-collective-bargaining-ban-has-the-signatures-it-needs
6 months ago
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@utahtechu.bsky.social
is the latest college to publicly share how it plans to comply with budget cuts and restructuring mandated by the Legislature.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
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Utah Tech eyes business investments rather than programs like language or theater
State lawmakers are requiring Utah Tech University reallocate over $2.55 million in its budget, which means cutting certain programs. Every public college and university in the state has been tasked w...
https://www.kuer.org/education/2025-04-25/utah-tech-eyes-business-investments-rather-than-programs-like-language-or-theater
6 months ago
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reposted by
Martha Harris
Macy Lipkin
6 months ago
Weber State is cutting 32 majors, minors and certificates. 89 courses will be eliminated. In which I speak with students about the news, and
@marthajharris.bsky.social
tells us what's happening with other Utah state schools:
www.kuer.org/education/20...
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Weber State is latest school cutting majors in response to Utah’s higher ed mandate
The Ogden-based university will cut 17 majors, 8 minors and 7 certificates. It joins Utah State University as the first pair of schools to announce major changes following the Legislature’s academic o...
https://www.kuer.org/education/2025-04-22/weber-state-is-latest-school-cutting-majors-in-response-to-utahs-higher-ed-mandate
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ACLU of Utah is suing the federal government on behalf of nine international students who had their legal status terminated. The lawsuit argues the Trump administration violated the students' Fifth Amendment due process rights.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
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ACLU Utah sues Trump admin to protect international students in Utah
The ACLU of Utah wants a temporary restraining order to allow students to resume their studies and work. Without that, the students could face deportation after the government terminated their registr...
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-04-18/aclu-utah-sues-trump-admin-to-protect-international-students-in-utah
6 months ago
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Utah labor unions say they've submitted 320,000 signatures in effort to repeal collective bargaining ban — more than double what they needed. Here's what happens next.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
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Unions turn in 320,000 signatures in bid to repeal Utah’s collective bargaining ban
The signatures turned in are more than double the 140,748 needed. The next step is signature verification, followed by 45 days when opponents can convince people to remove their names.
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-04-16/unions-turn-in-320-000-signatures-in-bid-to-repeal-utahs-collective-bargaining-ban
6 months ago
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International students at several Utah colleges have had their visas revoked and records terminated by the Trump administration. More than 49 students have been affected so far.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
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Utah colleges confirm dozens of international student visas terminated
Colleges across the U.S. are reporting that some of their international students are unexpectedly having their visas revoked by the Trump Administration.
https://www.kuer.org/education/2025-04-09/utah-colleges-confirm-dozens-of-international-student-visas-terminated
6 months ago
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Some Utah State Board of Ed members wanted to send a strong message against DEI. But the proposed resolution failed to get enough support from the full school board.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
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Utah Board of Ed votes down resolution tying DEI to ‘Soviet policy goals’
The resolution, which drew attention online and hundreds of messages to board members, called on schools to get rid of any remaining DEI practices. Utah’s anti-DEI law was passed in 2024.
https://www.kuer.org/education/2025-04-03/utah-board-of-ed-votes-down-resolution-tying-dei-to-soviet-policy-goals
7 months ago
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reposted by
Martha Harris
KUER
7 months ago
All of Utah's business programs struggle w/ gender parity, but at BYU there's a clear gap in faculty representation which impacts mentorship.
buff.ly/sOwzQVq
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reposted by
Martha Harris
NPR
7 months ago
UPDATE: According to the department, more than 1,300 positions will be cut as a result of this reduction in force. Roughly another 600 employees have accepted voluntary resignations or retired.
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U.S. Education Department says it is cutting nearly half of all staff
According to the department, more than 1,300 positions will be cut as a result of this reduction in force. Roughly another 600 employees have accepted voluntary resignations or retired.
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/11/nx-s1-5324746/trump-education-department-layoffs-closure-reorganization
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The University of Utah is looking to move the Huntsman Center. Since 1969, it's been home to basketball, volleyball and gymnastics. Here's why the school wants to move the arena.
www.kuer.org/sports-recre...
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A new Huntsman Center is part of University of Utah’s campus reimagining
There are no firm designs nor a location, but Ute Athletics Director Mark Harlan called the idea “a fantastic opportunity for this athletic department to modernize.”
https://www.kuer.org/sports-recreation/2025-03-11/a-new-huntsman-center-is-part-of-university-of-utahs-campus-reimagining
7 months ago
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reposted by
Martha Harris
KUER
8 months ago
Did you decide 2024 was a good year to finally check out Capitol Reef? Looks like a lot of people did.
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Mighty indeed: Capitol Reef has a record 2024, Zion is now America’s No. 2 park
All but one of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks had an increase in visitors from the previous year. At the same time, concerns linger about how federal job cuts might impact park crowds.
https://buff.ly/UHpxOrJ
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Utah State Univeristy will have a "voluntary separation incentive program" in response to a
#utleg
bill and budget cuts. A letter sent to faculty and staff today said the buyouts will happen "prior to considering other actions, including potential layoffs."
8 months ago
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A 17th book has been banned in all Utah public schools. "Tricks" by Ellen Hopkins was added to the list today. It was reported by Davis, Tooele and Washington school districts.
add a skeleton here at some point
8 months ago
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The saga over Utah’s law banning public labor union collective bargaining will continue past the legislative session. A coalition of unions will try to repeal HB267 with a ballot referendum.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
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Public unions say they’ll pursue a repeal of Utah’s new collective bargaining ban
Representatives from eight unions announced Wednesday they intend to file and collect signatures for a ballot statewide referendum to overturn HB267.
https://www.kuer.org/education/2025-03-05/public-unions-say-theyll-pursue-a-repeal-of-utahs-new-collective-bargaining-ban
8 months ago
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Utah public school teachers are getting a $1,446 pay raise from the state. But the Utah Education Association is still frustrated with state leaders and called today's announcement "political posturing."
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
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Utah leaders announce a $1,400 pay raise for public school teachers
As the end of the session draws near, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, House Speaker Mike Schultz and Senate President Stuart Adams announced a wage increase of $278 million for teachers, support staff and dist...
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-02-28/utah-leaders-announce-a-1-400-pay-raise-for-public-school-teachers
8 months ago
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A new Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute report highlights the value of higher education in Utah. This comes as Utah lawmakers look to cut “low-performing” college programs and reallocate those funds to "high-performing" ones.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
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Utah is shaking up higher ed, even as a report says there’s a solid return on it
“The perceptions around the value of higher education are misaligned with the realities of the value,” said Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Geoffrey Landward.
https://www.kuer.org/education/2025-02-28/utah-is-shaking-up-higher-ed-even-as-a-report-says-theres-a-solid-return-on-it
8 months ago
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reposted by
Martha Harris
Katie McKellar
8 months ago
NEW: Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Durrant met with Speaker Schultz and President Adams today, and delivered this letter laying out why the Judicial Council opposes Lisonbee's HB512, which would allow legislators a say in judge retention elections.
#utpol
#utleg
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reposted by
Martha Harris
KUER
8 months ago
One district administrator feels like the change, which was sent to the governor, is "an end run around Constitutional Amendment A" — the proposal in last election that courts voided from the ballot.
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Utah lawmakers vote to reroute education property tax dollars to the General Fund
Dollars from the State Basic School Levy on Utahns’ property tax bills used to go directly to local districts. Lawmakers say the change is in the interest of state budget flexibility and giving…
https://buff.ly/4kf7WuH
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Martha Harris
Phyllis Jordan
8 months ago
After Declaring NAEP Off-Limits, Education Department Cancels Upcoming Test
www.the74million.org/article/afte...
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After Declaring NAEP Off-Limits, Education Department Cancels Upcoming Test
One prominent researcher said the flip-flop offers ‘the first direct evidence that executive actions have weakened NAEP.’
https://www.the74million.org/article/after-declaring-naep-off-limits-education-department-cancels-upcoming-test/
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Despite public employees begging for a veto, Gov. Spencer Cox has signed a ban that prohibits Utah's public labor unions from collective bargaining.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
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Gov. Cox signs bill that bans public sector unions from collective bargaining
Utah’s governor said he was disappointed “the process did not ultimately deliver the compromise” that was on the table. The state’s largest teachers union said lawmakers have “ignored thousands of voi...
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-02-14/gov-cox-signs-bill-that-bans-public-sector-unions-from-collective-bargaining
8 months ago
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BREAKING: Gov. Cox signed HB267, which makes it impossible for Utah’s public labor unions to collectively bargain. Here’s the short statement he released.
8 months ago
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SLC plans to tear down murals honoring people killed by police in order to redevelop the Fleet Block. Families with a loved one painted on the walls say the loss is devastating: “It's almost like the time when they died, them taking them down."
www.kuer.org/race-religio...
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Families say painful goodbyes to SLC’s Fleet Block murals of people killed by police
Salt Lake City is planning to tear down the Fleet Block so it can redevelop the site. For families who have a loved one painted on the east building walls, it's a sacred memorial.
https://www.kuer.org/race-religion-social-justice/2025-02-11/families-say-painful-goodbyes-to-slcs-fleet-block-murals-of-people-killed-by-police
8 months ago
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Frustrated Utahns filled the state capitol today to call on Gov. Cox to veto HB267. That bill ends collective bargaining for the state’s public labor unions. Their chants of “Veto! Veto!” could be heard throughout the building.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
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PHOTOS: Led by Utah teachers, unions rally for a veto to save collective bargaining
The sound of hundreds of voices yelling “veto” could be heard on every floor of the Utah State Capitol Friday. Just a day before, lawmakers passed a bill to ban public labor union collective bargainin...
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-02-07/photos-led-by-utah-teachers-unions-rally-for-a-veto-to-save-collective-bargaining
8 months ago
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The Utah Senate PASSED HB267, a bill that strips teachers, firefighters, and other public employees of their ability to collectively bargain through unions. GOP leadership abandoned a proposal that would have allowed some collective bargaining.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
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In final Senate vote, Utah lawmakers ban public union collective bargaining
GOP leadership ditched a deal that would’ve allowed some collective bargaining because they didn’t get the positive response they wanted from unions and their members. Democrats and the state’s larges...
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-02-06/in-final-senate-vote-utah-lawmakers-ban-public-union-collective-bargaining
9 months ago
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Utah lawmakers might go back to their original plan to ban collective bargaining for public labor unions. Here’s the latest on HB267
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
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Utah Senate signals a shift back to a ban on public union collective bargaining
Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore said he’s gotten mixed messages from public unions and their members on his proposal to allow some collective bargaining. Without a consensus, he said they’ll lik...
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-02-05/utah-senate-signals-a-shift-back-to-a-ban-on-public-union-collective-bargaining
9 months ago
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A new version of HB267 would allow Utah's public labor unions to collectively bargain IF a majority of employees vote for a union to represent them. Recertification would be required every five years.
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
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Utah Senate proposal lets public unions keep collective bargaining, with caveats
“Lawmakers heard us, they heard you. And while this fight is not over, it's a testament to what's possible when public workers stand in solidarity,” Utah Education Association President Renée Pinkney ...
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-01-31/utah-senate-proposal-lets-public-unions-keep-collective-bargaining-with-caveats
9 months ago
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Here’s what’s up with Utah’s public labor union bill. The current version of HB267 that passed in the Senate today, 18-10, would ban those unions from collective bargaining. But it has to be voted on by the Senate one more time and there could be changes .
www.kuer.org/politics-gov...
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Utah Senate debate on public union bargaining ban ends in vote, promised changes
Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore promised a substitute bill to allow for collective bargaining under certain circumstances. Senators took an initial vote without seeing the alternative.
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-01-30/utah-senate-public-union-collective-bargaining-ban-bill
9 months ago
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The Nation's Report Card is out today. Here's how Utah students did. While Utah largely outperformed national averages, 4th and 8th grade math and reading scores are still below pre-pandemic levels.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
9 months ago
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Today, "Like a Love Story" by Abdi Nazemian was added to the list of books banned in all Utah public schools. This book was reported by the Davis, Jordan and Washington Co. school districts.
add a skeleton here at some point
9 months ago
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Utah has banned its 15th book from all public schools in the state. "Damsel" by Elana K. Arnold was added to the list after being reported by Davis, Park City and Washington Co. school districts. Here is the full list of banned titles:
usbe-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/person...
9 months ago
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reposted by
Martha Harris
Elaine Clark
10 months ago
Well hey, it's our first
@kuer.org
fund drive on bsky! Can you help keep the newsroom thriving in 2025 with a year-end donation?
#publicradio
www.kuer.org
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NPR Utah
KUER 90.1 Utah News and NPR
https://www.kuer.org/
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Utah wants 70% of third grade students reading at grade level by 2027. Only 48% of third graders met that mark in the 2023-2024 school year. That's about as the same as the year before.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
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Utah wants third-graders ‘reading at grade level.’ There’s still a long way to go
“Our second and our third graders stayed very stagnant; it was about exactly the same as where we were the year before. We've kind of hit a plateau,” Julie Clark with the Utah State Board of Education...
https://www.kuer.org/education/2024-12-09/utah-wants-third-graders-reading-at-grade-level-theres-still-a-long-way-to-go
10 months ago
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14 books have already been pulled from all of Utah's K-12 public schools under a new law. But those aren't the only titles that were reported to the State Board of Education. I requested the full list of reported books and here's what I found.
www.kuer.org/education/20...
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With Utah’s statewide book bans, 2 school districts have steered the conversation
According to a KUER analysis of public records, 25 books are teetering on the edge of being banned statewide.
https://www.kuer.org/education/2024-12-06/with-utahs-statewide-book-bans-2-school-districts-have-steered-the-conversation
11 months ago
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