Utah's Bold Move: Should Third Graders Be Held Back for Reading?

Utah is considering a big change in how it handles reading skills for third graders. Governor Spencer Cox wants to make sure kids can read well before moving on to the next grade. He thinks holding students back might help them in the long run, even if it's tough in the short term. To make this work, Cox suggests spending more money on schools. He wants to hire extra helpers to support young students with their reading. But he also believes in adding a rule that would require students to repeat third grade if they don't pass a reading test. This idea is not without controversy. Currently, holding kids back a grade is rare in Utah and usually happens only in extreme cases. A state-wide policy would be a big shift. A recent poll shows that many Utahns are split on the idea. About 38% think the rules should be stricter, while 34% believe the current standards are just right. Parents and politicians from both major parties are also divided on the issue.Interestingly, the poll also reveals that most Utahns support the idea of repeating third grade for students who struggle with reading. Two-thirds of those surveyed are in favor, with a mix of strong and mild support. Parents are slightly less enthusiastic, but still, a majority back the policy. The poll also touched on technology in classrooms. Most people think tech is both helpful and harmful, with a smaller group believing it's mostly helpful. Lawmakers are paying attention and plan to introduce bills that would set standards for educational software and limit screen time in schools.