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SALT LAKE CITY — Dozens of unhappy parents showed up at the Utah State Board of Education meeting on Thursday night to voice concerns over a middle school curriculum change.
The parents of students in the Canyons School District said new required classes are forcing their children to give up classes in the arts.
Starting next school year, new state-mandated and required courses for middle school students will include a college and career prep course, and a computer course the following year.
Parents said there simply isn't enough periods in the school day to accommodate that and leave room for the arts.
"My daughter, who is a dual language immersion student and also in orchestra, would no longer have the option to take both of those classes in sixth grade starting next year," said parent Marty Bodell.
Another parent, Holly Neibaur, said, "If we don't watch carefully — I'm not trying to villanize anyone, but when we get these committees forming these directives on what they think makes a well-rounded student, we're losing the picture here."
The school board allowed parents to voice their concerns. A motion was presented to make the news classes non-required, and board members discussed a possible waiver system that would allow students to opt out.
The board plans to meet again Friday for further discussion and possibly to make a decision.
