The so-called omnibus education bill awaiting the governor's signature is trumpeted as the biggest school reform Utah's seen in 20 years.
But education officials don't know what the bottom line will be for kids.
"Until we know how it's going to end up and review it with people and get some insight, it's almost impossible to say definitively, in four years, your child will be doing thus and so," said Steve Laing, state superintendent of public instruction.
SB154's centerpiece is "competency-based education," where students move through high school based on what they know instead of having to take a bunch of classes.
The bill used to contain tuition tax credits and $97 million in funding, from an income tax hike and a head tax. Those elements were removed because the House didn't support them.
The final bill's pricetag: $1.8 million.
The bill reflects recommendations of the governor's Employers Education Coalition, which contends businesses end up with workers who can't write effectively or do simple math, even though they have high school diplomas.
Supporters say the bill will change that.
"This is an exciting way to measure the progress of each student and (implement) remedial programs so no child is left behind," Rep. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George and sponsor of the bill in the House, said in the bill's final debate.
Before the session, the State Board of Education in January proposed a competency-based system and is expected to act on it in August. Students would have to take a personal finance class, and show knowledge of intermediate algebra, 11th-grade language arts, U.S. government and either biology, chemistry or physics, to graduate.
Kids could test out of classes and graduate early. Or, they could take classes, earn a C or better and pass a year-end test to receive credit.
But now, Laing isn't sure if the proposal jibes with SB154.
And others fear more ominous fallout, particularly among the nonacademics.
"I know there's a lot of people with concerns about children . . . dropping out," Utah PTA education commissioner Cheryl Phipps said.
Students with disabilities also go unaddressed in the measure, said Linda Smith of the Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities.
There's a chance new language can keep schools in line with federal special education laws, which give students individual education plans based on their abilities. If not, those kids could have to achieve the same levels as regular kids.
The bill also requires the state to study and develop a new way to fund schools, based on achievement, Laing said.
How that might affect students is uncertain. But the state will have to find a way to ensure it doesn't punish school districts that need help.
All that work, and more, will have to be done with "an inadequate" $1.8 million, Laing said.
The bill also affects teachers and school boards.
Basically, to teach high school math, for instance, a person would have to have only a bachelor's degree in math and pass a test to become a licensed teacher. Regular teachers go through a lengthy teacher certification process.
Professionals wanting to teach other electives wouldn't have to have a degree — just show local school boards they know their stuff.
The rules come as the federal No Child Left Behind Act requires more training for teachers and even some aides, who must have at least two years of college under their belts before working in schools, Utah Education Association President Pat Rusk said.
State School Board nominees also will be selected by a single state committee instead of locals. The committee will include members of teacher, parent and business associations, causing some to worry only those in cahoots with those groups will be nominated.
These issues undoubtedly will be worked out once the legislative dust settles. Only then, and perhaps not until years thereafter, will anyone discover the true bottom line.
E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com