Committee orders two‑phase evaluation of Wasatch math 1010 waiver pilot

The finance committee voted unanimously to ask USBE staff and higher‑education partners to evaluate the Wasatch High School math 1010 waiver pilot. Director of Data and Statistics Aaron Brough said preliminary UVU comparisons show the pilot may be effective but data limitations and cohort timing require a staged approach. "It's kind of a two part request: 1) can we start tracking this and give them the information in that direction; 2) then request that the UDRC tag the Wasatch pilot cohorts alongside an appropriate match control group to evaluate long‑term outcomes," Brough said.

The two‑phase plan approved by the committee directs an immediate near‑term report that compares college matriculation, college math placement and first‑year postsecondary retention for the 2024 and 2025 Wasatch graduating cohorts. Phase two formally requests the Utah Data Research Center (UDRC) to run longitudinal analyses as cohort data mature, tracking math completion, degree attainment and workforce outcomes. Proponents said UDRC is uniquely able to link state entities' data; opponents or cautious members noted the pilot is self‑selected and stressed the need for matched controls. The committee's recommendation will be forwarded to the full board.