1. Commissions

Individual Development

SJR006 | Joint Resolution Promoting the 3rs Framework of Rights, Responsibility, and Respect in Classrooms

Description
General Description: 

This resolution highlights the 3Rs framework, which is inspired by principles of the religion clauses of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, acknowledges the role of public school educators in preparing students for their civic responsibilities, and encourages the State Board of Education to support the state's public school educators in accessing instructional materials that support the 3Rs framework of rights, responsibility, and respect.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This resolution:
19          ▸     highlights the principles of the 3Rs framework, inspired by the religion clauses of
20     the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which includes the
21     following:
22               •     every person has rights;
23               •     every person has the responsibility to protect the rights of others; and
24               •     we honor the human dignity of others when we respectfully engage in civil
25     discourse;
26          ▸     recognizes the value of public school educators using the 3Rs framework as a tool
27     to prepare students to successfully navigate differences in American society and
28     dispel contempt in civic discourse;
29          ▸     acknowledges the role of public school educators in preparing students for their
30     civic responsibilities;
31          ▸     encourages the State Board of Education to support educators in accessing teaching
32     resources that support the 3Rs framework; and
33          ▸     acknowledges that the proper treatment of religion in public school settings will
34     prepare Utah's students to be champions of the First Amendment to the United
35     States Constitution.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
SJR006
Year: 
2022
Status: 
Senate/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 04, 2022
Sponsor
Senator
Derrin R. Owens
Republican - District 24
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

A focus on the 3 Rs will allow students to learn how to engage civilly with those they disagree with. Students will participate in discussions with classroom teachers acting as neutral guides through difficult discussions and serving as facilitators of student expression and exploration of current events and ideas, which provides space for strong disagreement without attacks.

Commission: 
Individual Development
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

Utah PTA Position Statement ID 2022-1 Character Development through Civic Education

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations promote character development through civic education and the development of civic disposition by encouraging families to provide opportunities for students to discuss current events and civic issues in their home, participate in service and community outreach projects, and to engage civilly and respectfully in the community; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent associations encourage civic engagement through educational campaigns regarding voter registration, forums on candidates and policies, and discussions where a variety of diverse perspectives are shared and reflect the backgrounds and circumstances of diverse students;

HCR015 | Concurrent Resolution Emphasizing the Importance of Civics Education

Description
General Description: 

This bill recognizes the critical role of an engaged and informed citizenry in a healthy democratic government and the importance of civics education in preparing students with the tools necessary for civic engagement.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This resolution:
15 recognizes the vital role of civic engagement and the importance of informed and
16 engaged citizens in a healthy democratic government;
17 emphasizes the importance of teaching critical thinking and civic engagement tools
18 to the next generation of citizens;
19 outlines the current civics education requirements for students; and
20 encourages state and education leaders and others interested in civics education to
21 review how civics education is taught in Utah's public education system.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HCR015
Year: 
2021
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 22, 2021
Sponsor
Representative
V. Lowry Snow
Republican - District 74
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Impact on Children: 

It has been demonstrated through national data that there is a lack of basic knowledge and functional understanding about our system of government, both nationally and in Utah; this lack of knowledge and understanding is reflected in the current political environment, which is marked by a perpetual and pervasive stream of political rhetoric and content delivered through various media platforms, including social media, some of which is neither credible nor accurate; there is a need to prepare students with the tools necessary to evaluate and analyze the information being disseminated constantly through media channels, including social media platforms

Commission: 
Individual Development
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation:
Equity in the form of equal justice, privileges, opportunities, and responsibilities in every phase of life for all children and youth, while recognizing that each child is unique with individual needs and talents.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

6. Support legislation, funding, and community partnerships that provide programs and resources to strengthen families and children’s social and emotional learning and well-being including, but not limited to: positive behavior programs and classes including art, music, physical education, civic engagement, and character development; early childhood education, parenting skills, and juvenile justice reforms.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

Position Statement - Citizenship and Equality
Continued respect for, and expansion of civil rights requires they be defended whenever threatened and that children and youth be taught the significance of civil rights and responsibilities in American culture.

National PTA supports:
Educational programs designed to increase understanding of the U.S. Constitution and civil rights, civil liberties, and appreciation for those individuals who fought for them;

SB0113S01 | Arts Program Funding Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill provides for an annual budgetary review for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Elementary Arts Learning Program in certain circumstances.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
SB0113S01
Year: 
2020
Status: 
Governor Signed
Last Action: 
Mar 28, 2020
Sponsor
Senator
Evan J. Vickers
Republican - District 28
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Support
Utah PTA Resolution: 
IND 2014-1 | Arts Education
Impact on Children: 

Arts education plays an important role in developing students’ skills in critical thinking, creativity, imagination and innovation. Students involved in the arts have a higher level of academic success. At-risk students who are engaged in the arts have better academic achievement, job opportunities and are more engaged civically than those who do not and access to the arts plays a central role in cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional development. An annual review of the Beverly Sorenson program may provide greater funding for arts programs if necessary. 

Commission: 
Individual Development
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

Resolved, That Utah PTA advocate for appropriate funding for education that includes the arts as part of a child’s educational experience.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities: 

5. Support additional funding to help with the overwhelming mental health crisis including, but not limited to: programs and classes including art, music, civic, character, and physical education; more school psychologists, counselors, nurses, and social workers; and professional development.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements: 

Arts in Education Position Statement

National PTA believes that the arts, music, literature, dance, drama, and visual arts are central to learning. Infusion of the arts in elementary, secondary, and continuing education curricula is key to the development of students.

National PTA supports:

Programs that promote public awareness of the arts and arts education.
The integration of the arts in school curriculum.

Links
Position Statement - Arts in Education

Individual Development Links

Links with helpful information for Individual Development Commissioners including Character Development, Ethics, Community of Caring, Kind Kids Blog, Reports, etc.
Individual Development
The social, emotional and ethical development of young people is just as important as their academic
development. It is, in fact, the precursor to academic achievement. This includes Character Development and Arts Education.
Creating Well-rounded Children