Smaller class sizes for younger grades and all-day kindergarten were among the concepts he discussed when outlining his education agenda. Smaller classes means schools should have no more than 20 students in kindergarten through third grade, he said.

"[If that happens,] I think we will have taken an enormous step toward improving the environment," Huntsman said.

The education summit brought together dozens of Utah education leaders ranging from superintendents to Utah's teacher of the year. Recurring themes included teacher shortages and problems with assessment, an issue the governor discussed as well.

The state is experiencing a language gap between teachers and non-English speaking students and their families. As a result, education of non-English speaking students is something his office will highlight. Offering more concurrent enrollment opportunities for high school students will be another goal.

Joan Heap, the Utah teacher of the year who spoke at the summit, said it was reassuring to hear first-hand that education is a priority in the state. "As a teacher, sometimes we feel a little bit isolated," she said.

jlyon@sltrib.com