USBE staff preview K–8 literacy and math legislative proposal, urge local feedback

Utah State Board of Education staff told attendees they are preparing recommendations for K–8 reading and math legislation and are seeking input from districts about attainable stretch goals.

Staff noted the previously discussed goal of having 70% of third‑grade students reading at grade level by 2027 was viewed as possibly too ambitious and said they were seeking a goal that remains a reasonable stretch. "The previous goal...of having 70% of third graders reading at grade level by 2027 was, maybe not the right goal," a presenter said.

On measurement, staff said the recommendation is to "utilize RISE instead of Acadience" for a K–8 metric while emphasizing that statutory and board requirements for early K–3 numeracy and literacy measures would remain in place. Staff cautioned implementation specifics — including whether a new middle‑grade assessment would be required — are still to be determined and encouraged LEAs to contact Representative Lisonbee and their state board member with feedback once staff posts the legislation link in the chat.

Staff also said the board listed the K–8 proposal among funding priorities discussed in October and that professional learning supports similar to prior K–3 efforts are under consideration.