Utah student test scores declined during pandemic, but less than national peers
According to the most recent information from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NEAP) show years of disrupted learning due to the effects of the pandemic. While test scores have dipped across the nation, the results show the decline was less severe in Utah. The State Superintendent Sydnee Dickson said that Utah students demonstrated “remarkable resiliency during the pandemic relative to other students in the nation.”
The state received $900 million in federal funds which was prioritized to individual students’ learning needs, after school and summer programs, technology and social supports.
However, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said he found the results of the NAEP study “appalling and unacceptable.”
Back in June, Sen. Lindsey Graham proposed federal legislation that would prohibit on-demand abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy except in instances of rape, incest or major health complications for the mother and would leave more restrictive laws up to the states.
This proposed legislation put his fellow Republicans in a tough spot and has drawn criticism from Sen. Mike Lee. When asked about the bill, Lee stated his belief that this is not a federal issue and will not sign onto the legislation saying, “Moreover, the best way to save the most babies is to allow states, each state to protect babies in the way they deem most appropriate for their state.”
Lee’s challenger in the upcoming midterm, Evan McMullin, who describes himself as pro-life, said, “We can reduce the number of abortions in America while ensuring sensible exceptions exist.” In his debate with Sen. Lee, he stressed his position that contraception should be made more available, and policies should be enacted supporting women and children.
Why are polls sometimes different than election day results? (Deseret News)
Student loan debt plan temporarily blocked; administration confident it will move forward (Deseret News)
Did pioneer-era Latter-day Saints really split their congregations by party lines? (Deseret News)
FROM OUR SPONSOR UTAH EDUCATION ELECTION
Ensuring You Are Ready to Vote in the Upcoming Election
Be ready for the voting process so you can show off your sticker without the stress this November. Check out the Utah Election website. Learn how to vote, track your ballot, find candidate information, find voter registration info and how to update your registration preferences or address.
Ski Season:
Utah resorts gear up to welcome skiers, snowboarders in a few weeks (KSL)
Does the weekend snowstorm kick Utah off to a good water year? (Deseret News)
Education:
This school has fought a proposed LGBTQ student club for months. So why did it just launch a new one? (Deseret News)
Economy:
The West’s sharp housing market correction: Here’s how fast home prices have fallen in 4 months (Deseret News)
High-speed rail in Utah? UTA says sure, if the money’s there (KUER)
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