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Board adopts educator‑preparation rule adding a 75% literacy threshold and removing a five‑year limit
Summary
The board approved R277‑303 (educator preparation programs) on second and final reading, adding a 75% passage metric for the Foundations of Reading Assessment and removing a prior five‑year limit on university recommendations; about half of university programs meet the new threshold.
The State Board approved R277‑303, the rule governing educator preparation programs, on second and final reading. The adopted draft removes an older five‑year limitation on a university recommendation and adds a 75% pass‑rate threshold for the Foundations of Reading Assessment as the board’s definition of a “low‑rate” program.
Why it matters: The 75% figure will be used to identify educator‑preparation programs that need additional system support. Staff said roughly half of Utah’s university educator‑preparation programs currently meet the 75% threshold; several programs were reported near 69% on last year’s assessment and would receive additional targeted support.
Discussion and clarifications: Malia Hyde, Executive Coordinator of Educator Licensing, explained the five‑year language was removed because since 2020 competency standards require graduates to meet current license standards regardless of when they completed a degree. Julie Clark, a P‑12 coordinator, said the 75% threshold is not in statute and thus is being placed in rule so universities and the public have a clear metric. Board members asked whether supports were individual‑level (helping candidates) or system‑level (supporting university programs); staff said the assistance is directed to educator‑preparation programs (professors and schools of education) to raise program‑level instruction and outcomes. Staff noted alternate pathways and flex options exist for individual candidates who do not pass the assessment on the first attempt, including micro‑credentials.
Vote and outcome: The board approved R277‑303 draft 1 on second and final reading; the recorded tally was 13 in favor, 1 opposed (Member Boggess), with Member Hall absent.
Next steps: Staff said they will provide targeted assistance to programs that fall below the 75% metric and noted micro‑credentials and assessment flex options are available to individual candidates who do not pass on the first attempt.
