by Christine Cooke Fairbanks | Mar 9, 2023
Legislative wrap-up: Education policy’s new pluralism paradigm Written by Christine Cooke Fairbanks The 2023 legislative session ended last week, and the Legislature got a lot done – especially in education. The final hours of the session saw a lot of movement in...
by Christine Cooke Fairbanks | Mar 1, 2023
If Utah dumps letter grades for schools, what comes next? Written by Christine Cooke Fairbanks Utah looks like it’s ready to dump school letter grading before the 2023 legislative session ends. Passing easily through committees and floor times, HB 308 – School...
by Christine Cooke Fairbanks | Feb 28, 2023
We can, and should, support both education choice and traditional schools Written by Christine Cooke Fairbanks Originally published in the Washington Examiner. Education choice is sweeping the nation. State legislatures in West Virginia, Arizona, Iowa, and Utah have...
by Christine Cooke Fairbanks | Feb 23, 2023
This year’s education legislation reflects state constitution’s common-good approach Written by Christine Cooke Fairbanks Utah’s recent choice to both increase educator compensation and create a universal education choice program demonstrates a common-good approach...
by Christine Cooke Fairbanks | Feb 15, 2023
Microgrants in Utah: another path to individualized education Written by Christine Cooke Fairbanks With the passage of the Utah Fits All scholarship program, Utah has signaled its commitment to offering options to families, with ripple effects likely to follow in...
by Christine Cooke Fairbanks | Feb 8, 2023
Extracurricular activities, sports, and education choice Written by Christine Cooke Fairbanks Utah made major moves in offering families education choice this year with the Utah Fits All scholarship program. As creating education options becomes the norm in states,...
by Christine Cooke Fairbanks | Feb 8, 2023
Education pluralism: public district schools Written by Christine Cooke Fairbanks The 2023 legislative session has featured a lot of discussion about education choice and intense debate around private school choice, particularly with the passage of HB 215. Though...
by Christine Cooke Fairbanks | Feb 1, 2023
3 ways HB 215 is good for teachers Written by Christine Cooke Fairbanks The passage of HB 215 – Funding for Teacher Salaries and Optional Education Opportunities showcased a lot of debate over education choice in the state – where we’ve been, how Utahns feel today,...
by Christine Cooke Fairbanks | Jan 26, 2023
Accountability in HB 215 education bill Written by Christine Cooke Fairbanks It’s school choice week nationally, and it has certainly been an education choice week at the Utah Legislature. In the first few days of the legislative session, lawmakers made serious...
by Christine Cooke Fairbanks | Jan 26, 2023
FAQ on the proposed Utah Fits All Scholarship Program Written by Christine Cooke Fairbanks 1. Why do we need another education choice program? “Education choice” is a policy objective that is on a spectrum. The effectiveness of education choice for families depends...