Utah auditors see no evidence that critical race theory is widely taught — but found a few bad examples Audit - Curriculum HEAD TOPICS

Utah auditors see no evidence that critical race theory is widely taught — but found a few bad examples

10/22/2022 12:07:00 AM

State auditors say there is no evidence that any widespread teaching of critical race theory is happening in Utah classrooms Here' s what they did find

Audit Curriculum

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The Salt Lake Tribune

Because there’s no set process for how schools and districts should create curriculum, the audit noted, there’s significant variability in how subjects are taught and what materials are used. And some “bad examples” of lessons or trainings creep in. State auditors say there is no evidence that any widespread teaching of critical race theory is happening in Utah classrooms. Here's what they did find. and in other states.“Most courses we reviewed for this audit,” the report said, “did not appear to reflect parent and community concerns gathered from hotlines and interviews.”The audit also noted that many of the concerns expressed by those outside the classroom “frequently lacked corresponding documentation.” The most complaints were raised about English, history and health classes, the audit said. There were a few cases, it said, where cartoons with racial themes or videos with profanity were presented. But those were in the minority.“During this audit, educators repeatedly reported that they are professionals who can be trusted to do what is best for students,” the auditors wrote. “We concur with teachers’ stated opinion that they are professionals who are dedicated to their students.” Read more:
The Salt Lake Tribune » Utah Utes mailbag: Should Utah fans worry whether or not Tavion Thomas plays? Utah Legislature could hold special session to approve new state flag Utah state Sen. Gene Davis resigns following sexual harassment investigation University of Utah breaks ground on $185M medical school building

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We're getting to know our very own Cindy Hsu a little better with a series of rapid-fire questions. Read more >> Utah Utes mailbag: Should Utah fans worry whether or not Tavion Thomas plays?Utah Utes mailbag: 'What adjustments can Utah’s defense make between now and Washington State to help put them in Pac-12 title contention?” - RichieOstler Utah Legislature could hold special session to approve new state flagThe Utah Legislature could meet for a special session next month to approve a new state flag design, after vetting thousands of submitted contenders. Utah state Sen. Gene Davis resigns following sexual harassment investigationAn independent report outlined credible claims that the senator served alcohol to an underage female intern. Who is banging this old fart? Great, now what about handsy hair sniffing inappropriate comments involving minors Biden... 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After navigating the challenges of the pandemic, it's now open every day but Sunday. a few videos of teachers discussing topics went viral, both in Utah and in other states.Plus: Rising’s potential return in 2023, defensive adjustments, Pullman on a Thursday night, and more (Ashley Landis AP) Utah running back Tavion Thomas (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against UCLA in Pasadena, Calif.new state flag .Weglinski first made the allegations in a public Instagram post in August. “Most courses we reviewed for this audit,” the report said, “did not appear to reflect parent and community concerns gathered from hotlines and interviews.” The audit also noted that many of the concerns expressed by those outside the classroom “frequently lacked corresponding documentation. 8, 2022.” The most complaints were raised about English, history and health classes, the audit said. There were a few cases, it said, where cartoons with racial themes or videos with profanity were presented. 19, 2022, 12:33 p. But those were in the minority. Weglinski, who was 19 at the time, told investigators she felt "very uncomfortable" and took a sip, but did not finish the liquor. “During this audit, educators repeatedly reported that they are professionals who can be trusted to do what is best for students,” the auditors wrote. Updated: 11:40 p. “We concur with teachers’ stated opinion that they are professionals who are dedicated to their students.” The goal is not to “teacher proof” the classroom and limit freedom or autonomy of educators, the audit said. Utah running back Tavion Thomas’ season has been a wild ride so far. The idea is to create a formal process for developing curriculum that could help teachers feel confident in what they’re teaching and parents more comfortable with what their children are learning. The audit presented examples from nearby states that have done that. After last weekend, when ESPN 700 radio reported that Thomas removed his pads and left the USC game early, Utes coach Kyle Whittingham has said he’s keeping quiet on Thomas. The report noted Weglinski initially dismissed his actions as "paternal" because she viewed him as a "grandpa figure. In Arizona, the state code requires local school boards to approve courses of study and textbooks. In Idaho, there is an appointed committee that selects curriculum for use in classrooms across the state. I don’t remember any topic getting more traction for a Utes mailbag than the status of Tavion Thomas. And in Wyoming, district superintendents are tasked with setting curriculum and approving materials. The audit recommends that the Legislature consider establishing a formal process for making curriculum, across districts. Do you have a question for Utes beat reporter Josh Newman? Send it to him via a tweet, direct message him on Twitter, email him at jnewman@sltrib. That could still maintain local control, such as requiring all school boards to have a policy for approving curriculum and materials, for example. State of play: In a statement Wednesday, Adams and Senate Minority Leader Karen Mayne said they had stripped Davis of all president- and caucus-appointed committee assignments. The audit also recommends having each district set up a hotline where parents could call with concerns and having a process to respond to those, too. Q: “Tell me why we don’t need to worry about Tavion Thomas and why Utah pizza is the worst. Currently, the Utah State Board of Education has a statewide hotline, and complaints are forwarded to each district. But there’s no mechanism to check if those have been addressed or not. Let’s get into the real question first. The audit said only one district website appeared to have a hotline for curriculum complaints that was easy to find. Having both a set process for approving curriculum and a process for reviewing concerns will allow districts to be both proactive and reactive, according to the audit. Utah has perfectly fine pizza options. And auditors encouraged state lawmakers to formalize some kind of training for teachers on neutrality in the classroom, as well as training on how to handle emerging social issues. Reactions from state leaders State Superintendent Sydnee Dickson said Monday that she supports the recommendations and would like to see a more formal curriculum process in Utah — while still maintaining local control. I found them. Having local districts choose their materials helps them match content to the students based on their needs, she told lawmakers during the hearing. The state board of education, Dickson said, has a process for reviewing materials and could help school districts set up something similar. As for Thomas, Utah’s offense is better, more dynamic, more capable when Thomas has it going. (Trent Nelson The Salt Lake Tribune) Superintendent Sydnee Dickson at a news conference on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022. When Thomas is going well, it takes pressure off Cam Rising, it takes pressure off receivers; everything hums along nicely when Thomas is barreling forward for 5-6 yards per rush. Dickson also said she was glad to see the confirmation that critical race theory is not being widely taught in Utah. But she said the concerns have still weighed on teachers. He went 11 carries for 60 yards at Arizona State, all in the second half of a game that was over at halftime. “Teachers are in a place where they don’t know what they can or cannot say. And we have a responsibility to help them with that,” she added. Oregon State, where Utah scored 42 points and no running back had a productive day. .