ELM

Proposed Changes in Education

Utah State School Superintendent, Dr. Scott Bean, proposes some changes in education for Utah's schools, including increased instructional time.

In the proposal, he notes, "The literacy base that students should know and be able to do has increased tremendously over the past fifty years. Basic literacy now includes technology and information that didn't exist twenty years ago. Increased instructional time is a necessity for students to acquire the basic literacy skills and understanding they should possess upon exiting high school."

His recommendations for minimum instruction time in the classroom, and what should be accomplished during the additional time are as follows:

  • Kindergarten- 3 hour minimum. Increased time used for language arts, reading, and numerical skills improvement.

  • First Grade- 5 hour minimum. Increased time used for language arts, reading, and mathematics skill improvement.

  • 2nd-6th Grades- 6 hour minimum. Increased time used for acquiring proficiency in an international language and for increased fine arts instruction.

  • 7th-12th Grades- 6 1/2 hour minimum. Grades 7 and 8, increased time used for international language, career exploration, and life skills, and guided, supervised practice and study sessions. Grades 9 through 12, increased time used for an increased number of competencies to meet additional graduation requirements.

    Proposed Graduation Requirements

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