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K-12 funding formula antiquated, students lose
It is time for Arizona school finance reform to modernize the funding formula and equalize funding for all students, regardless of which public school they attend. Arizona’s public district and charter schools deserve nothing less.
Number of failing schools fell; alternative schools headed the other way
The number of schools getting an F on the state’s annual report card has fallen sharply, going from 49 in 2019 to 24 this year, but the number of failing alternative schools rose over the same period.
ESA program added almost 50,000 students in the past year, state reports
The state added nearly 12,000 students to the Empowerment Scholarship Account program in the last quarter, bringing total enrollment to 61,689 at the end of June and renewing debates about the costs and benefits of the program.
Arizona has more work to do to fund public schools equitably
As students in Phoenix and across the country continue to reel from the effects of the Covid pandemic, there has been a lot of conversation about the importance of students receiving the education funding they need. By March 2021, the federal government had committed an unprecedented $190 billion in extra funds to public schools—but by most measures, students are still far behind their pre-pande[...]
Report: Charter school students gained over district peers
It’s clear from a growing body of research that charter schools across Arizona and nationwide are getting results and making a life-changing difference for students. And that is a back-to-school message we can all celebrate.
Want the facts about Arizona’s ESA program?
Allowing Arizona parents to choose the educational option that works best for their children is proving to be a highly popular policy. Rather than sharing hyperbole and rhetoric that undermines the choices families are making, the state’s policymakers would be wise to heed this truth and continue to plan responsibly.
ESA expansion sparks wave of microschools
The universal expansion of the Empowerment Scholarship Account program, and the public policy push toward school choice in Arizona have ushered in a wave of microschools, an education approach situated somewhere between homeschooling and online learning.
Legislators evaluate new school finance transparency tool
Arizona lawmakers are considering whether the state should continue funding its recently launched school finance transparency portal.
House votes to waive AEL with bipartisan support
The House voted to waive the aggregate expenditure limit (AEL) today with bipartisan support, clearing the two-thirds majority necessary to send it forward. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, needed 40 votes to pass and received 46.
Here’s what you should know about ESAs
Arizona is again grappling with the issue of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts and whether voters should decide for themselves if taxpayer money can fund private and home schools for all K-12 students.
ESA bill would put students first
School choice is not a weapon to take down public schools but a tool to allow parents to choose their child’s means of education and ensure a pathway to success.
Fund K-12 schools equally to help students
More than 40 years ago, a bipartisan coalition of Arizona legislators came together to help ensure fairness in how the state funds public schools. The time has come for lawmakers to act again.
