# Can we fix Utah's literacy crisis? | Andrea Brandley, Carolyn Sharette, and Leland Anderson

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/defending-ideas-6476805/can-we-fix-utah-s-literacy-crisis-andrea-brandley-carolyn-sharette-and-leland-anderson
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/defending-ideas-6476805/can-we-fix-utah-s-literacy-crisis-andrea-brandley-carolyn-sharette-and-leland-anderson.md
Podcast: [Defending Ideas](https://stenobird.com/podcast/defending-ideas-6476805)
Published: 2026-02-17T12:50:02+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-we-fix-utah-s-literacy-crisis-andrea-brandley-carolyn-sharette-and-leland-anderson--70053561
Audio file: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70053561/di_podcast_134_literacy_2026.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3727

## Resource

Utah’s literacy rates have become a statewide priority — and for good reason. In this episode of Defending Ideas , Nic Dunn and Sutherland's education expert Christine Cooke Fairbanks sit down with Andrea Brandley , senior education analyst at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Carolyn Sharette , president of American Preparatory Schools, and Leland Anderson , principal of American Heritage School’s Salt Lake City campus. Together, they examine new research showing that only half of Utah's third graders read on grade level, discuss why literacy is foundational to long-term opportunity and self-government, and explore the reforms lawmakers are considering this legislative session. They also highlight bright spots across Utah’s education landscape and consider how education choice — public, charter, private, and home-based learning — can help drive the innovation and individualized support students need to read well, early, and with confidence. Show notes: The Future Is Watching: Understanding Utah’s Early Literacy Landscape We need to improve literacy. Is education choice part of the solution? Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

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