Breaking News:

EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

Study looks into Utah voters’ opinions on curriculum transparency in schools

Mar 27, 2024, 1:55 PM | Updated: Apr 2, 2024, 2:02 pm

A green and brown sign hangs on a brick wall. It reads "The future of the world is in this classroo...

The entrance to a first grade classroom is pictured at Hawthorne Elementary School in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)

(Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — A Sutherland Institute study found that a majority of Utah voters support curriculum transparency. However, fewer of them support mandating it with legislation. 

Curriculum transparency aims to keep parents informed about the topics their children are learning in school. 

The study revealed that respondents favored the idea of rewarding teachers for curriculum transparency. 

Christine Fairbanks, an education policy fellow with the Sutherland Institute, said there have been several methods proposed for implementing curriculum transparency. 

“So that sort of suggests that Utah voters know it’s important. [But] they [also] believe teachers have a key role, but they’re also sensitive to how it might impact them in their profession,” said Fairbanks. 

How does curriculum transparency impact teachers? 

Teachers must manage a long to-do list each day, often working more than a 40-hour workweek. The National Education Association said teachers work an estimated 53 hours a week. 

A survey found that teachers feel unsatisfied with their base pay, the NEA said.

“In this discussion of curriculum transparency, there’s obviously been concern over the workload and the burden on teachers,” said Fairbanks. 

Some teachers may worry that they will be the subject of controversy or a social-media rant, but curriculum transparency may help protect them, Fairbanks said. 

Providing access to the curriculum upfront gives parents time to ask questions before it is presented, which Fairbanks said has shown a potential benefit.  Other data suggested that sharing their teaching methods could help teachers with professional development. 

“If the materials are universally accessible online, other teachers can learn from it. They can collaborate one with another,” said Fairbanks. Doing so has also motivated some teachers to evaluate their assignments to align with learning outcomes. 

Curriculum transparency is more than just “smoking out the bad guys.” It has the potential to challenge teachers to consider the best teaching methods for their subjects, she said. 

What about students? 

Fairbanks said that when university students had prior access to a course’s curriculum, they felt more confident. 

“Specifically [they saw] larger gains for first-generation, low-income or underrepresented students,” she said. 

A study found that students feel more included and better understood what was expected of them, she said. 

Related: 

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Education + Schools

New bill helps English-learning students...

Adam Small

Bill helps Utah schools facing influx of English-learning students moves to Senate

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would help Utah schools address a surge in English-learning students is just one vote away from heading to the governor’s desk. HB42, sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman, was unanimously passed by a Utah Senate committee Thursday morning. Now it only needs approval from Utah Senate to reach […]

3 days ago

school therapy bill...

Don Brinkerhoff

House passes bill requiring parental notification of school therapy discussions

The House approved legislation mandating that parents be notified of the topics discussed in school therapy sessions.

4 days ago

four-day school week...

Becky Bruce

Utah public school enrollment declines slightly statewide

Utah public school enrollment dropped about a half percent from 2021 to 2024 statewide, though some districts saw much larger gains and losses.

4 days ago

4-day school week...

Don Brinkerhoff

Could a 4-day school week be in the works for rural Utah?

A proposed bill would allow some schools to transition to a 4-day school week. The bill's sponsor said the bill would help rural areas.

5 days ago

With President Donald Trump moving to abolish the Department of Education, how will it affect Utah'...

Devin Oldroyd

How would education in Utah be affected if Department of Education is abolished?

With President Donald Trump moving to abolish the Department of Education, how will it affect Utah's public and higher education systems?

9 days ago

A Kansas City Chiefs helmet, the Vince Lombardi Trophy and a Philadelphia Eagles helmet are seen be...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

BYU study shows Eagles may be playing “riskier” than the Chiefs on Sunday

The study analyzed eight years of NFL data to determine which coaches were conservative or risky on fourth downs.

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Study looks into Utah voters’ opinions on curriculum transparency in schools