Pub. 6 2016-2017 Issue 1

26 W e have all heard the adage—“The only thing constant is change.” I am not sure who gets credit for this tidbit of wisdom, but it has certainly proven true in my life. Those of us involved in Public Education have witnessed the dramatic changes in education over the past several years. Some of these changes are good and helpful and others, well, not so much. During a recent conversation with my wife, who is a relatively new kindergarten teacher, she commented on the constant changes that are imposed on educators. This started quite a discussion that has been going on for a few days now. I really appreciate the perspective from someone who is on the front line of education, and who could argue that Optional Enhanced Kindergarten in a Title 1 school is not the “front line.” Even after 8 years as a school board member and 14 years as a legislator, I have a lot to learn about education and my wife is taking her responsibility to teach me quite seriously. It is probably safe to say that we all wonder what is on the horizon for Utah’s education system. What changes are coming next? How will educators, policy makers, parents, and students respond to changing demographics, budget challenges, new technology, and the latest data about successes in other states and other countries? I don’t have a crystal ball, but I will offer a few thoughts. One Legislator’s Perspective BY Representative Brad Last