From Deseret News archives:
Christensen focuses on 3rd-grade reading proficiency
The former city councilman, calling education "the most important of all components of society," pitched his proposed Read by 3 program as a key element of his campaign.
"If we wish to have a livable community, we must focus on our children," Christensen said. The state, he said, "is doing a marvelous job with the resources they have." But he said city leaders should also play a role where they can.
Read by 3 would match volunteers from the city's businesses and other residents with children, based on their needs. He said if children leave third grade without a grade-level proficiency, they are at greater risk of ending up on a tough educational path for the rest of their lives.
"Nothing magical happens," he said. "That child is behind."
By the time those children reach high school, they are frustrated and disillusioned and become more likely to drop out, leaving them more prone to commit violent crimes and use drugs, he said.
Several other candidates have also made education a focal point of their campaigns.
"There's no reason why we in Salt Lake City shouldn't be recognized as having the best schools in the region," he said in a November interview when he first revealed his plans to run.
Becker has pushed several ideas for city involvement in public schools, including the creation of family and life-long learning centers, the use of schools as community centers and the possibility of opening kindergartens downtown for the children of people who work there but live outside the city and want to be close to their kids.
City Councilman Dave Buhler, who currently works for the state Commissioner of Higher Education, named stronger city support for public education as one of the four pillars of his campaign when he announced his candidacy.
In all, nine candidates are seeking to replace Mayor Rocky Anderson, who is not seeking re-election. In addition to Christensen, Becker and Buhler, they are schoolteacher Robert Comstock, colorectal surgeon J.P. Hughes, Centro Civico Mexicano director John Renteria, City Councilwoman Nancy Saxton and County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson.
The field of nine will be narrowed to two in a Sept. 11 primary, and the general election will be held Nov. 6.
E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com
Comments
- Lakers booed at home in loss 12:53 a.m.
- Big games keep UHSAA coffers full 12:51 a.m.
- TCU stuck at fourth in BCS 12:50 a.m.
- Students from abroad come to Utah 12:26 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:18 a.m.
- Sports briefs 12:17 a.m.
- Editorial: Red flags at Fort Hood 12:14 a.m.
- Rid Capitol Hill of 'roaches' 12:14 a.m.
- Health proposal not 'reform' 12:14 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:14 a.m.
- BYU happy to escape with victory
230 - TCU creams U.
225 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
206 - Will state consider gay rights law?
149 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
131 - RSL heads to MLS title game
125 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - Celtics crush Jazz
104 - TCU stays 4th in AP; Y. 19th, U. 23rd
97 - 3A: Hurricane advances to title game
88
Sears is holding a special VIP night Sunday, Nov. 15, in stores and online.
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
No, students are NOT safe from predators. If a parent wants to make sure...
If you really think Mormon's are mainstream, you must not have paid attention...
I don't see the schools presidents voting to get rid of WYM or NM, even...
why people complain about how football is covered by the media too much. when...
A little perspective is not a bad thing. Notice the Cougar's won loss record...
I actually was encouraged by some aspects of the game. Any Utah fan who has...
A story about Mormons as minorities? In this paper? Get over the "victim"...
she was an awesome woman someone i looked up to when i was younger she was...
Wow you just made one of the dumbest comments I've heard yet. Fire Bronco????...
Re: Huh?, You like many other haters are probably oblivious to many obvious...


You can be the first to comment on this story.