If Utah students are required to pass the Utah Basic Skills Competency Test to earn a basic high school diploma, Utah's public schools should provide every opportunity for that to occur.

The Utah State Office of Education wants $6.1 million for remediation services for the thousands of students — more than a quarter of Utah's high school senior class — who are failing the math, reading and writing test. Instead of a special appropriation, one state lawmaker has proposed giving Utah students vouchers to obtain help on the examination.

Sen. Howard Stephenson's proposal has merit. It does not preclude school districts from developing their own remediation programs, but it would provide parents with private-sector options, if they so choose. The proposed voucher would be structured as a reimbursement, after the student passes the UBSCT.

If the point of UBSCT is that students learn the content of what they are tested on, who can fault a parent for wanting to place his or her student in a class or setting to help shore up any deficiencies? This additional instruction may curb the amount of remediation needed at Utah's public colleges and universities.

Some school districts have offered remedial instruction using computerized tutoring programs as well as classroom instruction. But interest has been limited, despite offers of school credit and incentives such as movie tickets.

Perhaps that will change as students and parents more fully understand what is at stake. To earn a basic diploma, students must pass all three sections of the test. Those who try test sections three times can get an alternative diploma. A lesser effort could bring a certificate of completion. The class of 2006 is the first subject to the requirement.

Lawmakers should weigh the relative merits of the $6.1 million request by the state Office of Education for remediation services as well as the voucher option. The state, obviously, has a vested interest in students having basic competency in math, reading and writing. Should it matter, in their last year of high school, if they gain the tools in the public school setting or from a private provider?