State education leaders have asked the Utah State Board of Education to consider literacy, middle schools and early childhood education as the underpinnings of the board's budget request to the Utah Legislature in 1998 and beyond.
Although no figures were attached to proposals, the recommendations suggested further class size reduction in elementary schools as well as grades 6-9. One suggested making kindergarten a full-day experience. Elementary and middle school proposals suggest additional teacher training.Deputy Superintendent Laurie Chivers said budget preparations are preliminary but education officials need guidance in formulating financial plans that support any of the three priorities.
Gary Carlston, Gov. Mike Leavitt's deputy for education, said the governor is keenly interested in middle school issues. The Legislature also is considering a study of middle level education during its interim.
Board member Neola Brown said recent articles in the educational press and popular media have called for better teacher training and preparation. "How are we going to do that? Do you have money for in-service?"
State Superintendent Scott Bean said there is approximately $3 million available for teacher training this year. "It's enough to really get started on the things where we have a concern."
Associate Superintendent Jerry Peterson said class reduction in middle schools was a critical issue. Some high schools that want to offer special programs "borrow" teachers from middle schools. "That puts larger class sizes in the middle schools," he said. Middle level educators argue that large class sizes run contrary to education practices for young adolescents.