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.
CommentaryHow curriculum transparency can boost the parent-teacher partnership
Utah should continue its “weird” approach by creating curriculum transparency reform that empowers parents, supports teachers, and strengthens the parent-teacher partnership.
TakeawaysWhat you need to know about the ‘success sequence’
The Utah State Legislature is considering a resolution expressing support for the success sequence. Here are answers to common questions about the sequence.
CommentaryThe ‘success sequence’ is a bipartisan vision for upward mobility. Policymakers should embrace it
In our polarized political environment, it’s not often that an idea garners majority support across party affiliation, ideology, and demographic differences. New Sutherland Institute polling shows that the success sequence is just such a concept with broad resonance among likely voters in Utah.
InsightsThe state of home-based education
Home schooling is growing in Utah and is the fastest-growing form of education in the country.
InsightsQ&A: Microschool public partnerships
Former Idaho state Sen. Steven Thayn believes in education choice policies that also alleviate concerns about public school funding. He thinks there is a future for microschool partnerships with public school districts.
TakeawaysWhy might religious universities be safe haven from antisemitism?
As antisemitic incidents increase on secular university campuses, religious universities can offer a place of reprieve for Jewish students.
InsightsAre religious universities safer for Jewish students than secular schools?
A religious identity may be an important resource for fostering tolerance and a sense of belonging on college campuses.
TakeawaysHow Utah is ahead of the curve in education
The COVID pandemic has led to a resurgence in parent-driven education. As the Utah legislative session begins, accessibility and choice remain front and center.
InsightsSupreme Court case could have impact on housing affordability
Case challenges a hefty impact fee charged by a California county to a property owner seeking to build a home.
History of parent-driven education: Part 7 – Today’s post-pandemic era to the future of parent-driven options
While all states have accepted the responsibility of creating a universal, “free” (tax-supported) education system, some states see that the objective can now be met while including a range of options.
States should welcome religiously motivated foster parents
Massachusetts’s recent decision to deny a Catholic couple the ability to foster children due to their religious beliefs stands at odds with Supreme Court precedent, lower federal court decisions, and the needs of children.
Does the Utah Constitution recognize a broad right to abortion?
The Utah Supreme Court has just concluded oral arguments in a challenge to the state’s abortion regulations.
History of parent-driven education: Part 6 – Vouchers, ESAs and pre-pandemic private-school choice
Even before the pandemic, education savings accounts and other types of education choice policies were gaining ground.
Wisconsin says Catholic charity group isn’t religious enough
If the government gets to decide what religious organizations are “religious enough,” it could use that authority to privilege some religious beliefs over others.
Localized education is best for students
In education policy, Congress should let the states and local districts lead.
Religious people shouldn’t avoid the public square
Some of the most prominent conflicts created by the COVID pandemic response involved worship.
Why Congress can’t deliver on education policy
Congress was never intended to implement sweeping policies on education minutiae involving person-centric, one-on-one interaction between students, teachers, parents and school boards.
Why Utah students would benefit from the ‘success sequence’
As Utah leaders seek ways to improve upward mobility for our state’s youth, recent data sheds light on the importance of the family.
