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Utah House narrowly passes A–F school‑grading bill after heated debate
Summary
After extensive floor debate and objections from rural and Title I representatives, the Utah House passed First Substitute Senate Bill 59 on March 9, 2011, by a 39–32 vote. Supporters said an A–F system improves transparency and drives resources; opponents warned it could stigmatize struggling schools without guaranteed new funding.
The Utah House on March 9 passed First Substitute Senate Bill 59, creating a statewide A–F school‑grading system intended to measure both student proficiency and year‑to‑year progress. The bill passed on a close vote, 39–32, after an extended and sometimes contentious floor debate.
Sponsor Representative Hughes told members the measure “provides transparency and accountability for all of our schools” and that parents and communities can more easily understand a single letter grade than complex score reports. “Parents and community members easily relate to a single letter grade,” Hughes said while outlining the bill’s focus on measuring…
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