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.
InsightsSpending and performance: How do charter schools stack up?
In reviewing Utah’s charter schools, we see that there is not a clear trend between higher per student spending and better performance on metrics on school report cards.
TakeawaysA renewed call to reform the U.S. Supreme Court
Biden’s efforts to reform the Supreme Court are not new to the executive branch, as FDR sought a similar goal.
CommentaryWhy the reasoning behind Utah Supreme Court’s ruling on abortion is so alarming
The role of the court is to apply existing law enacted by the people and their representatives, not to discern new policies in nebulous meta principles behind the law in a way that usurps the Legislature’s role.
InsightsUEA lawsuit filings offer 3 civics lessons
Voters should know that direct lawmaking in education rests with the Utah Legislature and not the Utah State Board of Education, the governor, or any other entity.
InsightsUtah Supreme Court’s ruling on voter initiative case seems to stray into policymaking
Judges have a critical role in protecting the integrity of the laws enacted by the people through their constitutions.
InsightsDoes Canvas give parents robust access to curriculum?
Widespread availability of Canvas isn’t the end of the quest for more parent access to learning tools – it should spark discussion about how to achieve a higher parent access standard.
TakeawaysBiden bows out: What it means for the presidential election
The president’s decision to drop out of the race for a second term will impact more than just the 2024 election.
InsightsNew Sutherland survey reflects optimism about religious freedom in Utah
Large majority of likely voters in Utah – even among those who are not religious – agree that religious freedom is a net benefit for society.
InsightsWho governs education in Utah?
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has announced his new senior advisor of education, prompting interest in Cox’s education priorities. But in Utah, the governor has less direct policymaking influence in education than other entities. Here’s an explanation.
Ruling on teacher’s firing shows how clear laws could help keep religious entities out of court
Appeals court cites “ministerial exception” in a dispute between a former teacher and a Catholic high school in North Carolina.
Policy objections to scholarship program don’t affect its constitutionality
The state courts are a forum for legal and constitutional reasoning, not a second chance for failed lobbying.
Public schools may fall off a spending cliff as pandemic school funds end
The federal government gave $190 billion to public school across the nation to mitigate the challenges of the pandemic and its aftermath. But the relief funds are soon ending.
This primary election season, recognize that secure elections require public trust
Promoting public trust in secure elections is both a civic duty and a matter of enlightened self-interest in maintaining the power of the people manifested through voting.
Do religious individuals benefit the greater community?
People of faith believe they are accountable to God and have a religious duty to care for others. Studies show our communities are best served when we let them.
Too little transparency or parent engagement?
One way to help parents get involved in their child’s education is to incentivize more teachers to create user-friendly curriculum transparency.
Religious freedom requires access to abortion? Maybe not
An Indiana appeals court gave initial acceptance to the argument in a case where plaintiffs argue that their religious beliefs require abortion in unusual circumstances.
Building trust in the election process
How are policymakers working to ensure elections remain trusted – and trustworthy – in 2024 and beyond?
How much does district spending impact student outcomes?
Looking at school districts with high graduation rates and low per pupil spending may reveal innovative ways to support graduation and help students complete the success sequence steps.
