Policy
Education
Human beings are magnificent. We were born with a God-given ability to learn and the capacity to grow. As Aristotle put it, “All men by nature desire to know.” Education is broader than any one school system. It’s a series of opportunities to learn, which should be delivered in ways that allow us to meet the unique needs of children. The growing diversity of our student population requires an equitable education for every child, which contemplates both productive citizenship and employment and which is delivered by the best teachers – whoever they are.
This vision for education requires humility and the pursuit of good ideas – wherever they come from. We can achieve this by empowering parents to create learning paths as unique as the student, rejecting approaches that undermine decision-making authority of those closest to the student, respecting taxpayers as owners of the public education system, and protecting the marketplace of options and the innovators who contribute to it. Education is necessary because each individual has the potential to accomplish great things. Education should reflect these truths, and we believe it can.
Education
Human beings are magnificent. We were born with a God-given ability to learn and the capacity to grow. As Aristotle put it, “All men by nature desire to know.” Education is broader than any one school system. It’s a series of opportunities to learn, which should be delivered in ways that allow us to meet the unique needs of children. The growing diversity of our student population requires an equitable education for every child, which contemplates both productive citizenship and employment and which is delivered by the best teachers – whoever they are.
This vision for education requires humility and the pursuit of good ideas – wherever they come from. We can achieve this by empowering parents to create learning paths as unique as the student, rejecting approaches that undermine decision-making authority of those closest to the student, respecting taxpayers as owners of the public education system, and protecting the marketplace of options and the innovators who contribute to it. Education is necessary because each individual has the potential to accomplish great things. Education should reflect these truths, and we believe it can.
Published Research
Conversations
Can AI help kids with self-isolation? #utpol #ai
How AI is better personalizing teacher-to-student communication #utpol #ai #education
How Jordan School District is embracing AI #utpol #ai #education
Opt-ins and opt-outs in education #utpol #education
How the Mahmoud v. Taylor SCOTUS case will impact parents and schools #utpol #education #scotus
Utah Fits All – protecting religious options #utpol #religion #education
Can AI help kids with self-isolation? #utpol #ai
How AI is better personalizing teacher-to-student communication #utpol #ai #education
How Jordan School District is embracing AI #utpol #ai #education
Insights & Takeaways
InsightsWe need a “PostBS” civics – starting in elementary and middle school
To build lasting democratic habits, we must begin teaching civics in elementary school – through age-appropriate lessons, daily modeling, and real-life engagement.
InsightsSCOTUS says public schools must accommodate religious families. Here’s what education leaders should do next
In a landmark case, the Supreme Court upheld parents’ rights to direct their child’s education – prompting calls for stronger laws and curriculum transparency.
CommentarySCOTUS ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor strengthens parents’ educational rights, partnership with schools
This important case is a win for families and the Constitution, and it points the way forward for stronger collaboration between parents and schools.
CommentaryUtah school districts need better guidance on parent access to curriculum. Here’s what the state can do
Legislative clarity and stronger support from the State Board of Education could improve transparency and help parents stay engaged.
InsightsHow state leaders prioritize vulnerable students
A review of policies across the country reveals that states have prioritized vulnerable students with state legislation and programs in recent years and continue to do so.
InsightsCongratulations to the High School Class of 2025
Graduates should make this summer one filled with moments of freedom and experiences that may help them find moments of awe.
InsightsWe reviewed all Utah school districts’ curriculum transparency efforts. Here’s what we found
Publishing curriculum information is not simply another checklist item or burden on administrators; it is a significant force multiplier that can improve parent-teacher relations and foster trust.
Impact AnalysisHow 16 Utah school districts are strengthening parental partnership through online access
Parents and schools are better education partners when schools provide parents with access to curriculum information and parents effectively utilize it to support their students.
InsightsRuling against school choice: A legal misread in Utah
A Utah court recently blocked school choice aid by ignoring clear legal text in favor of vague intent claims.
InsightsWe need a “PostBS” civics – starting in elementary and middle school
To build lasting democratic habits, we must begin teaching civics in elementary school – through age-appropriate lessons, daily modeling, and real-life engagement.
InsightsSCOTUS says public schools must accommodate religious families. Here’s what education leaders should do next
In a landmark case, the Supreme Court upheld parents’ rights to direct their child’s education – prompting calls for stronger laws and curriculum transparency.
CommentarySCOTUS ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor strengthens parents’ educational rights, partnership with schools
This important case is a win for families and the Constitution, and it points the way forward for stronger collaboration between parents and schools.