K-12 Initiatives

Research consistently shows that children’s educational experiences profoundly shape their development and future opportunities. In Utah, concerns in K–12 education include graduation rates, high absenteeism, early numeracy and literacy, and notable achievement gaps between girls and boys. This is especially cocerning in math, where Utah has recently ranked among the lowest states for gender disparities. In 2021 and 2022, Utah ranked 43rd for the disparity between boys and girls in math test scores, and in 2023 and 2024 that ranking dropped to 50th. By addressing these challenges through targeted initiatives, Utah can strengthen educational outcomes statewide and support healthier, more engaged, and better-prepared communities.

Along with partner organizations, administrators, educators, and parents across the state, A Bolder Way Forward’s K-12 Initiatives Spoke is working to expand access and opportunities for all Utah girls and young women to successfully complete high school, be college and career ready, and become healthy, positive, and contributing members of society. Learn more about how you can support educational initiatives by visiting the resources below. Individuals, organizations, and communities can also take specific actions to help. To get engaged, email the UWLP Community Connector (Amy Anderson).

Key Resources

Informational Video

Resource Kit

Research White Paper

What Utahns Need to Know

Spoke Podcast

Bold Goals

Through collective impact and systems thinking, Utah can improve things by working towards the following goals:

Increase high school graduation rates in Utah, focusing on girls and underrepresented groups. [Metric Dashboard]
Increase the percentage of Utah students with proficient math skills, closing significant achievement gaps between boys and girls. [Metric Dashboard]
Strengthen public understanding of why consistent school attendence matters for every child and teen. [Metric Dashboard]
Increase FAFSA completion rates in Utah. [Metric Forthcoming]
Improve early literacy outcomes and increase thrid-grade reading scores across the state. [Metric Forthcoming]
Increase Utahns’ agreement (understanding and perceptions) in the following areas: [Metric Dashboard]
1. It is important for girls in K-12 to have strong math skills for their future career and life.
2. It is important for girls to complete Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways in high school.
3. It is as important for girls as it is for boys to take advanced coursework in high school that prepares students for postsecondary opportunities and careers.
4. It is concerning that The Nation’s Report Card math scores for 4th and 8th grade in Utah are lower for girls than they are for boys.

Spoke Advisors

Deanie Wimmer (Community Leader/TV Anchor)
Mindy Layton (K-12 Educator, USBE)
Sara Jones (Director - Gov. Relations, Utah Educators Association)

What You Can Do

Talk to at least 5 people per month in your area to raise awareness that girls can and should do well in math. Dispel the myths among all stakeholders and share ways that girls are getting the message that they are not good at math.

Make daily reading a shared habit with children in your home and community, and encourage others to join in building strong early literacy foundations.

Encourage school administrators and other local and state organizations to implement reputable mentorship programs for high school students to increase graduation rates.

Community Partners

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) exercises general control and supervision over the public education system in Utah. This includes establishing educational core standards, educator licensing policies, and high school graduation requirements.

Envision Utah is a nonprofit that brings business, government, and community leaders together. Education efforts are focused on understanding, removing barriers to opportunity, and supporting practical solutions that help every student succeed.

Promise Partnership Utah aligns and provides resources to improve outcomes and reduce disparities. Priorities include kindergarten readiness, third-grade reading, eighth-grade math, high school graduation, and postsecondary readiness and completion.

UEN is part of the Utah Education and Telehealth Network (UETN) which connects all Utah school districts, schools, and higher education institutions to a robust network and quality educational resources.

The Utah Education Association (UEA) works to advance the cause of public education in partnership with others by strengthening the teaching profession, promoting quality schools for all of Utah's children, and advocating the well-being of members.

Utah PTA is a non-profit grassroots child advocacy association made up of parents, teachers, and students. They develop programs and resources and engage in efforts to ensure that every child's potential is realized.