Utah Bill Would Grade Schools on Student Performance

Utah lawmakers passed a bill Wednesday to grade schools based on student performance, the Salt Lake Tribune reported Thursday. After months of deliberations, the Legislature passed the bill similar to a law in Florida, assigning an A, B, C, D, or F to schools.

Under the bill, which awaits the governor’s signature, grading would be based on how students progress in language arts, math, science and writing. High schools would be graded based on their graduation rates and college and career readiness.

“This provides transparency and accountability for all of our schools,” said state Rep. Greg Hughes, a Draper Republican and the sponsor of the bill in the House. “This kind of transparency engages our parents and community members to assist in their schools becoming even better.”

Supporters say the legislation will help communities improve schools.

If the bill goes into effect, schools could start receiving official grades in 2012.