Christine Cooke Fairbanks
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New federal education changes are coming. Here’s how Utah should prepare
With federal education funds frozen and the U.S. Department of Education downsized, states like Utah must urgently prepare for disruptions, and seize the chance to lead on education policy.
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Why state constitutional amendments and statutes both matter
States like Utah can strengthen parents’ rights in education through constitutional amendments and legislation. We explore both paths and their lasting impact.
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SCOTUS says public schools must accommodate religious families. Here’s what education leaders should do next
In a landmark case, the Supreme Court upheld parents’ rights to direct their child’s education – prompting calls for stronger laws and curriculum transparency.
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Utah school districts need better guidance on parent access to curriculum. Here’s what the state can do
Legislative clarity and stronger support from the State Board of Education could improve transparency and help parents stay engaged.
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How state leaders prioritize vulnerable students
A review of policies across the country reveals that states have prioritized vulnerable students with state legislation and programs in recent years and continue to do so.
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We reviewed all Utah school districts’ curriculum transparency efforts. Here’s what we found
Publishing curriculum information is not simply another checklist item or burden on administrators; it is a significant force multiplier that can improve parent-teacher relations and foster trust.
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How 16 Utah school districts are strengthening parental partnership through online access
Parents and schools are better education partners when schools provide parents with access to curriculum information and parents effectively utilize it to support their students.
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What’s happening with education choice policy?
There’s movement on a federal scholarship tax credit while more states adopt private school choice policies.
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Utah Fits All Scholarship lawsuit and the use of public funds
As the legal battle for the Utah Fits All Scholarship program continues, it’s worth considering where our policy choices about public funding for education have led us and why our state chose them.
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How flexible are federal education funds?
With rapid changes from Washington, leaders should be aware of what flexibility already exists and what flexibility may be possible in the future.

