56% favor heavier course load to graduate

If you like the idea of making kids take more English, math and science to graduate from high school, you're in good company.

Fifty-six percent of those surveyed for the Deseret Morning News and KSL-TV by Dan Jones & Associates said they somewhat or strongly favor the State Board of Education's vote earlier this month to require four credits of English and three each of math and science.

Thirty-nine percent said they somewhat or strongly oppose the action, and 5 percent didn't know.

The extra requirements get more support for people without students in the public school system. Fifty-eight percent of them said they favored the board's action, versus 52 percent of those with children in public school.

The survey, conducted Aug. 15-17, had a plus or minus 5 percent error margin.

The results pleased State School Board chairman Kim Burningham.

"We need to have a higher expectation if we're to be competitive," he said. "I suspect those with reservations reflect those in the art or career and technology groups that worry students will not have as much individuality."

Those surveyed by Jones were told that the change could be at the expense of music and arts classes, an issue that has long been central to the debate over more graduation requirements.

"I feel that everyone, including the arts community, is all for students having a rigorous program.... Who wouldn't want our kids to be more competitive?" said Julie Christofferson, president-elect of the Utah Music Educators Association. "I think it's a well intended program, but I think there are some possible unintended consequences that we'll have to watch carefully."

The change adds a year's worth to language arts, math and science on a statewide level, though some school districts, including Park City and Garfield, already are requiring it. Several others have at least some of those extras in their graduation rules.

The move was supported by the colleges and universities and the board of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. It came in response to legislative threats to require four years of each of the three subjects.

Kids wanting a career- or arts-centered education can opt out of the extra requirements if they create an equally rigorous educational plan. Several courses also would meet the requirements, from accounting to wildlife management. The board also voted to allow districts to seek state approval if they want to add to that qualifying course list.

"It does set a higher expectation which most people admit needs to be done, and allows some flexibility for the district and individual students," Burningham said. "I'm happy with the result."