This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
After reading Rep. Becky Lockhart's proposal to place iPads in the hands of all Utah students, and then turning a few pages to read about SB103 to allow school districts to cut days from the school year, I was dismayed.
The technology Rep. Lockhart wants to spend $200 million to purchase will be obsolete in a few years. Studies have consistently shown that the most important factor in student learning is a highly qualified teacher. That money would be much better spent in attracting and retaining quality teachers.
Testing has taken weeks from instructional time in core subjects. Now bill SB103 will allow school districts to take another four days away from the classroom for professional development, which most teachers will admit is usually of dubious value.
This is not the way to increase student achievement. Technology and testing do not teach; that is accomplished by quality time with excellent teachers. That is where the educational investment should be.
Kim Stucki
Midvale