Utah's Bold Move: Should Third Graders Be Held Back for Reading?

Governor Spencer Cox proposes a significant shift in how Utah handles reading skills for third graders. The goal is to ensure students can read proficiently before advancing to the next grade.

Key Proposals

• Increased Funding for Schools: Cox suggests allocating more resources to hire additional helpers to support young students with their reading.
• Mandatory Reading Test: A rule requiring students to repeat third grade if they fail a reading test.

Controversy and Public Opinion

The idea has sparked debate:

• Current Practice: Holding back students is rare in Utah, usually reserved for extreme cases.
• Public Polling:
• 38% believe rules should be stricter.
• 34% think current standards are adequate.
• Parental and Political Divide: Both parents and politicians from major parties are split on the issue.

Support for Retention

Despite the controversy, a recent poll shows:

• Two-thirds of Utahns support repeating third grade for students struggling with reading.
• Parents are slightly less enthusiastic but still majority in favor.

Technology in Classrooms

The poll also explored views on educational technology:

• Most people see tech as both helpful and harmful.
• A smaller group believes it's mostly helpful.
• Lawmakers plan to introduce bills setting standards for educational software and limiting screen time in schools.