Christine Cooke Fairbanks
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Legislators: Utah needs a state-level school open enrollment report
A state-level school open enrollment report would give Utah parents clearer, easier access to transfer data and education choice trends.
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Determining the mission of the state education agency
Utah’s education priorities show how state education agencies can reassess their duties, refine their mission, and better support parents in a new policy era.
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The role of the “state education agency” in today’s education reform
A look at how state education agencies are rising in importance as the Trump administration shifts power from the U.S. Department of Education to the states, and what states must prepare for in a rapidly changing policy landscape.
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Your student’s application to another public school was denied. Here are parent-friendly reforms to help with the next steps
How does Utah’s open enrollment appeals process work, why does transparency and neutral review matter, and what reforms could help parents navigate school transfer decisions?
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How to think about the new federal tax credit scholarship
The new federal tax credit scholarship could expand education choice for millions of students, but it also raises key questions about federalism and the proper role of the federal government in education.
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Examining school “capacity” in Utah’s open enrollment law
An examination of Utah’s open enrollment system reveals inconsistent district reporting, confusing definitions of school capacity, and barriers for parents seeking school choice. Policy reforms could bring transparency, accountability, and simplicity to the process.
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The rise in AI in education should mean stronger protections for parental rights
As AI transforms education, protecting parents’ rights, choice, and transparency in how schools use AI is essential to building trust and safeguarding students.
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Kentucky lawsuit shows need for parents’ rights constitutional amendment
As courts consider curriculum transparency cases, policymakers have an opportunity to strengthen parental rights and clarify state education laws.
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Q&A with Matt Winters, Utah State Board of Education’s AI specialist
Generative AI is reshaping how Utah teachers teach and students learn. Matt Winters of the Utah State Board of Education shares insights on emerging classroom practices, responsible AI policy, and keeping humans at the center of decision-making.
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Government shutdown and the demise of the U.S. Department of Education
The ongoing government shutdown is accelerating changes to the U.S. Department of Education and highlighting the need for stronger state leadership.