1. (1) This rule is authorized by:

   1. (a) Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3, which vests general control and supervision over public education in the Board;
   2. (b) Subsection 53E-3-401(4), which allows the Board to make rules to execute the Board's duties and responsibilities under the Utah Constitution and state law;
   3. (c) Section 53E-3-521, which requires the board to define the components of the early mathematics plan and establish a statewide target using data from the mathematics benchmark assessment;
   4. (d) Section 53E-4-307, which requires the Board to approve a benchmark assessment for statewide use to assess the reading and mathematics competency of students in grades one, two, and three; and
   5. (e) Section 53G-7-203, which requires the Board to establish rules regarding the administration of and reporting regarding the kindergarten assessment.

2. (2) The purpose of this rule is:

   1. (a) to outline the responsibilities of the Superintendent and LEAs for implementation of Section 53E-3-521 and the Board's administration of Early Learning in the state, including to:

      1. (i) set expectations for LEA Early Learning Plans;
      2. (ii) establish timelines for LEA Early Learning Plans;
      3. (iii) provide definitions and designate assessments required in Sections 53E-4-307 and 53E-4-307.5;
      4. (iv) provide testing reporting windows, and timelines; and
      5. (v) require LEAs to submit student reading and mathematics assessment data to the Board; and
   2. (b) designate the kindergarten assessment and establish timelines and requirements for administration and reporting kindergarten assessment results and enrollment.
3. (3) This Rule R277-406 is categorized as Category 3 as described in Rule R277-111.

KEY: reading, improvement, goals

Date of Last Change: August 7, 2025

Notice of Continuation: January 13, 2022

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: Art X Sec 3; 53E-3-401(4); 53E-3-521; 53E-4-307; 53E-4-307.5; 53G-7-203