Legislators skip out on big test

TAYLORSVILLE — Legislators skipped out on their own testing party Friday.

The Utah State Office of Education set up a special day for lawmakers, who have long debated the merits of the high school basic skills test, to try it out for themselves.

Only Rep. Jim Ferrin, R-Orem, showed up.

He was joined by eight other non-legislators — five of them school leaders, plus three Deseret Morning News staffers. The test, held at the Community Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, took seven hours, including an hour for lunch.

"They asked me to provide the opportunity, and I provided the opportunity," state testing director Judy Park said of legislators' absence. "In fairness to everyone, it's (likely not) an indication of interest, (but) an indication of a busy, busy time of year."

The Utah Basic Skills Competency Test aims to ensure a high school diploma recipient has basic skills in reading, writing and math. It comes after criticisms, both in Utah and across the country, that high school graduates were unprepared for the work force.

Students, beginning with this year's seniors, have to pass all reading, writing and math tests to receive a basic high school diploma. They have five chances to pass. Students who attempt the test three times can receive an alternative diploma; others can get a certificate of completion.

The test is Utah's first high-stakes test, where the outcome might follow students around for the rest of their lives.

Naturally, it's controversial.

Legislators for years have questioned whether the test was too easy, too hard or just right. Some rely on stories from parents to make their judgments; others, from their own children and, in some cases, their own students.

In recent Education Interim Committee meetings, Ferrin has proclaimed his desire to try the test so he could see for himself. He often challenged other legislators to join him.

Park's office responded with an invitation — to the committee and local education officials.

On June 15, interim committee members received letters inviting them to put their prose and polynomials prowess to the test. Park pitched possible UBSCT testing dates and asked which would work best.

Another letter solidifying Friday's test times was e-mailed to those 21 legislators' Capitol e-mail addresses; a follow-up was e-mailed Tuesday, interim committee policy analyst Connie Steffen said.

None took up Ferrin's challenge but the challenger himself.

Ferrin is empathetic.