Huntsman seeks more science curriculum

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    By Catherine Smith

    SALT LAKE CITY- Gov. Huntsman addressed education issues with policy makers at the Governor?s Education Summit Tuesday, focusing on changes in school curriculum.

    The proposed curriculum is more rigorous, requiring students to have more credits of math and science to graduate. Students and teachers alike will be held to a higher standard of learning.

    Among the issues, the governor discussed higher student achievement, legislation, and teacher improvement and accountability.

    ?The long term objective is to increase the rigor in math and science and increase student achievements,? said Tim Bridgewater, deputy of public education.

    The governor recommended instituting the use of the Database Management System – new computer technology to help teachers learn better ways to teach. Government officials hope this technology will improve teaching in the schools.

    The Database Management System will build core knowledge of the increased subjects, as well as build teacher?s skills. These skills will improve teacher quality and increase learning.

    ?Overall student achievement is not as positive as we would like,? Bridgewater said.

    According to Bridgewater, the new curriculum will begin in kindergarten and prepare students for high school and college. The governor hopes the rigorous curriculum will facilitate higher possibilities of graduation.

    The governor believes that with increased rigor, especially in the areas of math and sciences will raise student scores and achievement.

    ?Achievement gaps between races are a function of economics,? Bridgewater said. Minorities tend to be disproportionately higher in lower income categories. The curriculum will be the same for all students, although the new programs will place additional focus on students with economic difficulties.

    The governor proposed a change in policies, wiser spending and savvy investments of government money to fund the new policies.

    Increased rigor in the curriculum will start with reading and writing and eventually move up to math and sciences.

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