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House narrowly approves third‑substitute to change school grading formula after intense debate
Summary
The House passed the third substitute to SB 271 on March 14, 2013, 38‑36, modifying the school grading law to emphasize growth and to lower some proficiency thresholds; the measure prompted extended floor debate from teachers, parents and education advocates who said the bill was rushed and punitive for Title I schools.
The Utah House adopted the third substitute to Senate Bill 271 on March 14 after a lengthy floor debate that split members and educators. The substitute passed 38‑36 and will be returned to the Senate for further consideration.
Representative Hughes, the sponsor on the floor, read letters of support from the state superintendent and the Utah School Superintendents Association and said the substitute finalizes a school grading approach that balances proficiency and growth. "This puts the finishing touches on school grading… and places the state board of education in a position to assure that the grading system is fair," Hughes said.
Opponents — including several current and former teachers — warned the bill will punish schools serving high‑need and linguistically diverse students, reduce incentives for educators to remain in Title I schools, and elevate high‑stakes ranking over local context. Representative Moss read a handwritten teacher note describing frustration with being "reduced to a number and a rank": "We are tired of the threats...educating children is an art…we ought to be passing bills that promote this," she read.
Supporters argued that measurement improves outcomes and that the substitute adds flexibility and growth measures to avoid purely punitive outcomes. Representative McHale and others emphasized that the substitute moves grade thresholds to be more realistic (for example, redefining an A threshold to 80%) and rewards student growth, which can raise a school's grade even where baseline proficiency is low.
Floor managers explained the substitute was negotiated with stakeholders, coordinated with Senatepassed measures (notably SB 175 on college‑readiness), and intended to provide more accurate grades when the statewide accountability system goes live. Multiple members said implementation details and additional guidance will be needed.
After proponents moved the previous question to close debate, the House voted and adopted the substitute, 38‑36. The bill returns to the Senate for further action.
