Insights & Takeaways is Sutherland Institute’s official blog that informs the public and policymakers alike. The blog addresses important issues through the two distinct yet complementary lenses of the seasoned policy professional and the engaged citizen.
Insights: analysis, research, and informed commentary from Sutherland experts. For elected officials and public policy professionals.
Takeaways: the most important things voters need to know. For civically engaged citizens.
InsightsA framework for the congressional efforts in education policy
Congress can reduce its interference in K-12 education by changing the way it approaches education issues already on its desk.
TakeawaysHow Utah school boards, districts, lawmakers can close parent-access gap
Parent access to curriculum requires a strong parent-teacher partnership, but better implementation by the individual school districts and state is also necessary.
CommentaryCall for Utah constitutional amendment is about safeguarding checks and balances in lawmaking
In a nation founded on an expressed desire to accommodate both the will of the majority and the rights of the minority, we should always seek the highest possible level of consensus when it comes to the rules under which we make rules.
Insights‘So unimaginable and so abhorrent’: UCLA case is a reminder of how bigotry resurfaces
Court rebukes university over how it allowed protesters to exclude Jews from areas of campus.
CommentaryPassing Educational-Freedom Legislation Is Only the First Step
School-choice advocates face challenges beyond just implementation, even in friendly states.
InsightsUtah is a leader in open enrollment – but it could do more
Open enrollment, which Utah has had since 1990, is not nearly as controversial as other types of education choice policies, but it is a key education choice tool nonetheless.
InsightsDoes the ‘success sequence’ impact health?
The sequence does not only predict financial success. Following its steps enables young adults to establish patterns for successful life paths.
InsightsNew Utah poll shows broad support for ‘core freedoms’ of religion
Survey of likely Utah voters finds very strong support for the idea that religious freedom is a net benefit for society, even among those who are not religious.
TakeawaysAnxious about election season? Look to federalism
Solutions to many of America’s problems can be solved at the community level, rather than through the power of a select few.
Can new sexual development standards help teach ‘success sequence’?
A nonprofit that works to get information on sexual risk avoidance to youth across the nation has launched K-12 academic standards on optimal sexual development. Here’s how the standards can help teach the success sequence.
Utah’s primary election results raise questions about caucus-convention system
The purpose of a primary election is for a political party to decide who will represent it as a candidate for office in the November general election. But this immediately raises a question: What — and who — is the party?
Civics Refresher: The roles of the Utah State Legislature and Congress
While casting your vote, it’s important to keep geography and term lengths in mind when considering what could reasonably be accomplished by elected officials.
A look at the Love Notes curriculum
Evidence-based curriculum is aimed at helping kids create healthy relationships.
Promises to defend the Constitution come with strings
How can a voter know if an elected official is actually keeping their promise? Here are some points from the oath of office.
Why the stalled contraceptive bill does not mean access is threatened
Recent Utah primary election debates included a surprising topic – contraception. The debate for Senate candidates included a question on access to contraception and IVF, and one of the candidates for attorney general discussed it.
Questions to candidates in debates reflect high interest in education choice
In both the gubernatorial and attorney general debates, candidates were asked about the lawsuit challenging Utah’s universal education choice program.
Q&A: Mail-in voting and Utah’s election process
How is Utah ensuring transparency and security in its elections? Sutherland’s Derek Monson has the answers.
Where could the success sequence fit in Utah academic standards?
Sutherland is reviewing the Utah Academic Standards and curriculum to find ways to bring this information to students in their prime decision-making years.
