Committee okays one‑year Canyons waiver to teach digital literacy in sixth grade, flags statutory timing concern

The Law & Licensing Committee voted on May 8 to approve Canyons School Districts request to teach the required digital literacy course in sixth grade and move Career & College Awareness (CCA) to eighth grade for the 2026‑27 school year, forwarding the waiver to the full board with a one‑year condition and a possible extension tied to pending legislative changes.

Rodrik Landward, a director representing Canyons, told the committee the district wants the change so students gain foundational digital literacy at the entry to middle school and can then access CTE electives (creative coding, STEM intro and other technology electives) in seventh grade. "By offering the course in sixth grade, we set those foundational skills up at the entry point in middle school," he said.

Committee members probed the district on legal and statutory constraints. Member Carol (Lear) and others noted HB28 from the recent legislative session references a digital skills course in grade seven or eight; staff confirmed the current board rule sets the grade timing but flagged that statutory language coming into effect for the 2027‑28 school year could change the boards flexibility. To manage that uncertainty, the committee approved the waiver for the 2026‑27 school year and included language allowing an extension through the 2028‑29 school year only if legislative changes permit it.

Canyons asked for flexibility beyond a single year to avoid disrupting planning; staff suggested the one‑year approval would protect the district if the statutory language narrows board discretion. The district said the requested sequencing supports the districts new innovation center and helps students see career pathways earlier.

The committees motion passed unanimously. Staff will follow up on statutory clarifications and will ensure the full board has documentation about graduation‑credit timing and whether sixth graders may meet required elements earlier under current rules.

Provenance: testimony and Q&A with Rodrik Landward and staff during item 3.5 on May 8.