This is Volume 4 in our series of newsletters exploring the Your Utah, Your Future Vision for 2050.

There are four core strategies (we call them cornerstones) for implementing the vision for Utah's future. 

Cornerstone 4 focuses on how Utahns can prepare for a prosperous future. Utahns believe everyone deserves an opportunity to receive a high-quality education that prepares them to participate in the workforce and in society and that maximizes their individual potential.

You can read more at envisionutah.org.

The education action team identified the following publicly supported strategies to ensure Utahns can receive a high-quality education, even as our population grows:

Adopt a long-range plan that is adaptable to local needs and consistently implement proven, effective strategies to accomplish Utah’s education goals. Dedicate significant and stable investments to public and postsecondary educational opportunities sufficient to implement the strategies in the plan.

Attract, train, and retain high-quality teachers, administrators, and counselors. Offer competitive compensation for teachers and staff. Expand mentorship programs for teachers and provide opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Ensure access to high-quality early childhood education for every child by offering publicly funded pre-kindergarten programs, particularly for at-risk children, and by providing voluntary all-day kindergarten.

Ensure every student gets the help they need by implementing rigorous standards and ongoing assessment of progress. Use assessments to provide individual assistance to students at risk of falling behind and to help all students progress faster as they are ready.

Increase collaboration among families, schools, educators, businesses, and faith-based and community partners. Empower parents and families to actively participate in their children’s education. Use schools as community centers, where community members can go to receive other services (e.g., adult education, health services, job or language skill development, and afterschool programs). Foster partnerships with businesses to develop internships and technical training for both students and teachers.

Help more students enter into and complete high-quality certificate, licensure, or degree programs. Increase staff and provide more physical and virtual infrastructure to handle growing numbers of students. Provide resources to students, especially nontraditional students (older students, ESL students, etc.), to help them prepare for and complete higher education or other training beyond high school.

Ensure affordability of higher education and other educational opportunities beyond high school. Maintain affordable tuition through continued state investment and expand financial assistance for students in need.

CLICK HERE to download a pdf of the Education Vision.