Arizona Capitol Times Your Inside Source for Arizona Government, Politics and Business

Arizona’s universities are asking for $39 million in new money to help reach performance goals even though the Legislature and governor aren’t proposing any money for the plan.

With Arizona students about a year away from testing on the state’s new learning standards, the State Board of Education is well on its way to choosing which testing company to use.

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of a group of charter schools on Feb. 3, saying the state cannot reduce voter approved-funds earmarked for teacher pay raises and the classroom to offset over payments in previous years.

A bill to allow Arizona high school students to take a computer science course in place of a required math course would make them more competitive for the growing number of technology jobs, two state lawmakers say.

A former Arizona legislator has been picked to serve on the board for Maricopa Community Colleges.

Going into her term as president of the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools, Janna Day aims to continue to hold the institutions to higher standards through a more stringent application and renewal process, continuing her efforts from when she was first appointed to the board in 2010.

A bill before Arizona lawmakers this session renews a push to allow teachers to arm themselves in the classroom. Supporters, including Attorney General Tom Horne, say the legislation would protect children and staff in the event of a mass shooting.

Innovation is flourishing in Arizona classrooms, whether they are in affluent neighborhoods in Phoenix or amidst the poverty of remote Indian reservations.

Sen. Kelli Ward hopes to give Arizona students a reprieve from tests like AIMS, which for years prevented high school students from graduating without a passing grade.

Requiring schools to use eco-friendly cleaning supplies would promote the safety and health of children, a state lawmaker contends.