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Senate committee unanimously backs resolution encouraging child independence in schools
Summary
The Senate Education Standing Committee passed SCR 2, a nonbinding concurrent resolution that encourages schools and local governments to adopt practices that promote childhood independence, including recess and independent tasks; the measure cites the Let Grow initiative as an example.
The Senate Education Standing Committee unanimously passed SCR 2, a concurrent resolution encouraging practices that promote child independence in schools and local programs.
Sponsor Sen. Fillmore framed the resolution as an effort to "shine a light on and find solutions to the problem of making childhood great again," describing concerns that modern childhood is "programmed and supervised" and that schools and parents can help rebuild independent play and life skills. He cited the Let Grow initiative and offered simple examples such as assigning age-appropriate chores ("do your laundry") and giving more unsupervised play time at recess and in physical education.
Committee members and multiple public commenters expressed support. Sen. Riebe said she "loves this resolution" and called for less frequent testing and fewer pilot demands on teachers to free up time. Public commenters including Diane Livingston, Tanner Hone (school social worker), Julie Jackson (Granite School Board member speaking for herself), and others told the committee they supported the resolution as a way to build resilience and practical skills.
Sen. Hinkins moved that SCR 2 be passed out with a favorable recommendation; the motion carried unanimously.
