st. George — The Utah Board of Education is seeking feedback on its student health and risk prevention program following a meeting earlier in the summer where concerns about the program’s investigation were raised.

The SHARP survey is a questionnaire given to all students asking specific questions that highlight mental health problems and behaviors at risk. The questions are intended to help teachers, educational administrators, and health professionals identify and meet the needs of individual students.

SHARP’s research is part of a federal program that collects student data and also helps provide funding to support initiatives and programs that benefit student health. The statewide survey is administered by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.

During the meeting, the board expressed concerns about the program after several Utah Department of Health and Human Services representatives presented the program and plans for 2023. The final result called for the Board to submit feedback to the 2023 SHARP Research Planning Committee.

The Board and several representatives of the SHARP survey had several rounds of concern and debate, but no mutual agreement was reached.

The validity of the survey, particularly the collection of data and whether the survey is mandatory or rewards students for participation, was raised.

Many directors said they were concerned about administering the survey to students of a certain age, especially sixth grade, as the survey contained 120 questions.

“As someone who gave this test to students, this question is exhausting,” District 3 Trustee Matt Hymas said at the last board meeting. “I’ll clarify a few things for kids who have a hard time deciding whether or not to skip these questions. Some get burned out.”

As a result, Hymas, among other councilors, said these students were more likely to answer honestly, skip questions and answers without reading them, or mark boxes.

“I’m sure all the questions are important to you,” Hymas said.

He then recommended reducing the SHARP survey to 50 questions.

“I’m 42 and just barely getting over it,” Hymas said.

Trustee Laura Belknap added her concern that the questions were “leading” and mentally instructing children to answer specific answers. He said he was concerned that parents weren’t properly informed that they weren’t required to participate and could opt out.

Other issues raised by the Board ranged from quantity of questions to quality of questions. The vocabulary of the question and the use of certain words raised concerns from multiple management committees.

According to a media release by the Utah State Board of Education, all concerns expressed by the Board of Trustees ” USBE staff were asked to convene a workgroup to investigate the issues raised. USBE will then reconsider at his October meeting whether to support the operation of her SHARP survey in 2023. “

As part of that, staff are soliciting opinions and feedback on the SHARP survey. SHARP survey questions, methods used to administer SHARP, how organizations use SHARP survey data, and other feedback. Also, your feedback should be as specific and detailed as possible.

It also solicits input from organizations such as human services nonprofits. If responding on behalf of an organization, ask the representative to report whether they are authorized to speak on behalf of the organization.

The action prompted multiple counselors, school staff, and parents to express frustration that the SHARP program was not supported by state commissions.

Stephen Dunham, communications director and foundation for the Washington County School District, said it’s important to note that the state board is not in the process of ruling out Sharp’s investigation.

“Rather, they are analyzing the use and success of this survey and the data being provided to school districts and states,” he said.

Ryan Stephens, a district counselor, told St. George News that he supports the SHARP program and the survey.

“One of the main reasons for supporting the SHARP survey is that it provides a baseline of student behavior and shows where counseling efforts can best be directed,” says Stephens. “We look at this data to determine which class teaching activities are justified.”

Dunham said the Washington County School District supports the SHARP program.

“For us, we and our board are very supportive of Sharp’s research and the valuable information it provides,” he said, noting that obtaining this information from anywhere else would be unacceptable. I added that I can’t.

The survey will also allow districts to compare data with state and national results to gauge the needs of local students, he said.

“This data will also be shared with Southwest Behavior & Mental Health’s advocacy partners and its drug prevention program,” he said. “This data is frequently used in applying for state and federal grants to help prevent drug use, suicide, and other risky behaviors. These grants total $2 million. Beyond, we provide staff, resources, educational and emotional support to our students.”

The state commission highlighted two specific data about the SHARP investigation, according to media releases.

• Participation in SHARP is a local decision up to each school district or charter. The state board’s position does not prevent local educational institutions from participating in her SHARP.
• USBE does not fund the operation of the SHARP Survey. USBE’s decision has no impact on funding and participation in SHARP will continue to be free for all participating schools.

Click here to submit your thoughts and feedback on the SHARP survey.

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