"What is accurate science is not determined by a public opinion poll, but rather by what the scientific community comes to consensus," state curriculum director Brett Moulding said. "We do, in fact, have released time . . . for students to pursue instruction in religious ideas, and I would hope that parents who want their children to have some instruction along the lines of the religious way of knowing would take advantage of that."

• Education's share of a projected $1 billion revenue surplus

The state school board wants $347 million for initiatives, including a 5 percent increase in the state's basic per-student funding formula (the WPU), $16 million for elementary math improvements and $6.1 million to help students pass the basic skills test required for high school graduation.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s education budget proposal includes a 5.5 percent WPU hike plus $7 million for limited, optional full-day kindergarten programs, among other initiatives.

And the Utah Education Association teachers' union wants an 8 percent WPU hike to cover cost-of-living and health insurance increases, plus money for districts to invest as they see fit.

At the same time, legislators will examine potential tax cuts, which could take up a chunk of the surplus, and needs expressed by other state agencies.

• Education vouchers

Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, is requesting a bill to give tutoring vouchers to high school students struggling on the high school basic skills test.

And two legislators, Reps. Brad Dee, R-Washington Terrace, and Stuart Adams, R-Layton, are expected to join forces on a bill to give vouchers for private school tuition. The voucher would be greater for lower income residents, aim to keep state savings in public school districts and might include additional education funding, Adams said.

"We're trying to improve education throughout the state," he said.

Proponents say vouchers would save the state money in education costs and give parents more school choices.

But public education officials philosophically oppose vouchers and say they would rob from state education coffers.

A Florida court ruling overturning a voucher program as unconstitutional there also could enter the debate.

"It's one more in a long list of reasons not to have vouchers in Utah," Utah Education Association President Pat Rusk said.

But advocacy group Education Excellence Utah views the ruling differently.

"I really don't think it has any impact," spokesman Royce Van Tassell said. "The decision there was based on a narrow provision unique to the Florida constitution, and Utah doesn't have anything akin to that."

• Gay-straight alliances