UTAH
The third edition of Primary Sources is in final preparations and features 20,000 of our nation’s public school teachers sharing their thoughts on teaching in an era of change. In advance of the full report, a preview of Utah teachers’ views on the Common Core State Standards — a set of clear, consistent guidelines for what students should know and be able to do for success after graduation — is now available.
The survey reveals enthusiasm for the standards among Utah’s teachers, who believe the standards will have a positive impact on students’ ability to think critically and use reasoning skills. While they are realistic about implementing Common Core, recognizing this work will be challenging, they offer their views on what they need most to help students meet the standards. Listening to our teachers and bringing their voices to the forefront of the dialogue on education is critical to ensuring our students are prepared for college, career and life.
- Four in five (81%) math, English language arts, science, and/or social studies teachers in Utah are enthusiastic about the implementation of the Common Core State Standards in their classroom.
- Nine in 10 (91%) math and/or English language arts teachers in Utah believe the standards will have a positive impact on students’ ability to think critically and use reasoning skills. Eight percent (8%) do not expect an impact either way or are not sure; zero percent of respondents expect a negative impact.
- At the same time, 77% of math, English language arts, science, and/or social studies teachers in Utah believe implementing the standards is or will be challenging.
- When asked about the student populations in their classrooms meeting the Common Core State Standards, teachers in Utah are most concerned about students who are currently working two or more grades below grade-level (with 40% expressing concern) followed by special education students (23%).
- For these and other students, teachers in Utah say age-appropriate, leveled instructional materials (38%), trained paraprofessionals in the classroom (34%), in-school specialists for selected student populations (33%) and high-interest instructional materials (31%) are the top needs to help students meet the standards.