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Policy Principles

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Increasing Choice

We support policies that increase education options. We oppose those that don't. Providing families with multiple options allows them to choose the programs that best serve their child's individual needs. Choice in education increases accountability and improves the overall quality of our education system.

Policies Supported: Charter Schools, Multiple Charter Authorizers, Open Enrollment, Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship, Virtual Schools and Online Learning, Home Schooling, Empowerment and Innovations Schools (providing autonomy and site-based management), Concurrent Enrollment, Dual Enrollment, Additional School Choice Options

Empowering Parents

Parents have the right to demand for their children the best our schools can provide. It is both their right and responsibility to steer the direction of their child's education; therefore, parents must have a seat at the table alongside educators and administrators in making meaningful education decisions. We support policies that empower parents with a voice in the decisions that impact their child's education.

Policies Supported: School Community Councils, Empowerment and Innovations Schools, Charter Schools, School Parent Organization Options

 

Transparency

Transparency is necessary for democratic accountability and enables policymakers, voters, and parents to make informed decisions regarding K-12 education. Policymakers need transparency to understand the impact of public policy. Citizens need transparency to hold officials accountable for how their tax dollars are spent.

Policies Supported: Financial Transparency/Open-checkbook, Simplified Funding Mechanisms, Backpack/Weighted-Student Funding, Sunshine Laws
 

Efficiency in Funding

As Utah faces declining tax revenues accompanied by a projected long-term increase in student population, it is imperative that policies be put in place to use tax dollars more efficiently and effectively. This requires streamlining Utah's complicated funding system. Budgets should be created from the bottom-up (rather than the top-down), providing schools the flexibility to innovate and adjust to local needs. Education dollars belong in the classroom and should follow the student.

Policies Supported: Backpack/Weighted-Student Funding, Simplified Funding Mechanisms, Empowerment and Innovations Schools, Concurrent Enrollment and Early College Credit, Accountability for budgets and percentage of funding going directly into the classroom

Quality Instruction

Teacher quality is one of the most important factors influencing student achievement. As such, teachers should be compensated as professionals with salaries based on their effectiveness and the demand for their individual expertise. We support policies that reward and recognize teachers for excellence and individual student gains. Such polices put teachers in control of their own compensation. Alternative routes to licensure should be used to attract other highly qualified professionals into the classroom. To prepare students for future employment, Utah's K-12 programs and curriculum must keep pace with a 21st century global economy.

Policies Supported: Performance/Merit Pay, Differential Pay, Alternative Teacher Certification, Alternative Routes to Licensure, Equal Access by Professional Teacher Associations, Math Initiative, Rigorous Course Options