Utah may no longer require arts, gym for 7th, 8th graders

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Board of Education will hear feedback from the public and several cultural and education groups Wednesday over the board’s recent move to no longer require middle school students to take classes in gym, music and the arts, health, digital literacy and college and career readiness.

The board in August voted 9-6 to drop the classes as a requirement for seventh and eighth graders. Schools would instead be required to offer the classes as electives.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/2xKyos4 ) the board will hold a hearing on the proposed change after several groups, including Utah Education Association, a teacher’s union, asked for the review.

Supporters said the change would give school districts more control over their curriculum and requirements.

Opponents say it limits students’ access to a well-rounded education.

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