Like Franklin, 10-year-old Taylor Bybee of South Ogden is teaching himself a number of subjects, among them algebra, biology and English composition.

It's uncertain whether Taylor will become another Franklin.

Still, no programs exist to serve brilliant Utah students such as him. Consequently, Taylor's mother, Kathy Bybee and Jeanie Farr, who teaches online courses at the University of Utah, say those students are "dropping out of society."

To prevent this from continuing, Bybee and Farr presented a program to the Legislature's Education Interim Committee on Wednesday called Fast Track. It would enable gifted students to earn a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree simultaneously.

The two mothers requested that the Legislature pass a bill requiring school districts to offer Fast Track as an option and forcing high schools to accept college courses for full credit toward diplomas.

Utah school officials, however, are wary. Kevin Branch, who oversees accelerated programs for the Jordan School District, wants to ensure what Bybee and Farr propose is done in a "professional and meaningful way. We still have concerns about that."

He isn't sure Bybee and Farr have done their homework.

"There were no assurances that a student who entered their program would accomplish the appropriate level of education their parents hoped they would."

Salt Lake City District Superintendent McKell Withers said he spoke with Farr about a year ago and likes her concept.

"But any conversions for credit from the university to the high school level have to be fair and uniform across all districts in Utah."

Linda Mariotti, who oversees instructional services for the Granite School District, addressed that issue after a few lawmakers appeared baffled that students completing university-level courses sometimes earned only a quarter credit toward high school graduation.

A review of the courses often demonstrated that they fulfilled only parts of the required Utah core curriculum, Mariotti said.

Farr and Bybee believe their plan would take care of a child's emotional and social needs. They say it would save parents thousands of dollars in college tuition. And, it would keep them from dropping out by providing intellectual stimulation.

It would follow Taylor Bybee's current sixth-grade routine. During math, he works on his own laptop, taking higher-level courses through the Utah Electronic High School. That allows him to be with his friends, but learn according to his abilities.

Students would remain in their age-appropriate grades, but do the work their intellects allowed. In grades four through six, pupils would do one to two hours of Electronic High School courses a day. Students in grades seven through nine would take four hours of Electronic High School or online community college courses a day. And, students in grades 10 through 12 would learn by Internet-based classes from one or more of Utah's universities.

Taylor is excited about that prospect.

"I like it because it is challenging, and because I can work at my own pace. I can still play with my friends and do higher-grade math. And, I can get degrees earlier."

mcronin@sltrib.com