Sign In
Free Newsletter
Missing 8th grade advanced math scores skew test results
One in five Arizona eighth-graders is not included in state reported figures of the AzMERIT math exam, a required test for all public school students – district and charter, according to newly released data analysis by the Center for Student Achievement.
Darcy Olsen, longtime Goldwater Institute CEO, ousted by board
Attorney John Masterson, who represents Olsen, confirmed July 12 that the Goldwater Institute board of directors voted 7-6 to terminate Olsen’s employment agreement on June 27, nearly two weeks before the organization announced her departure.
Goldwater Institute leader stepping down after 16 years
The Goldwater Institute is losing its top staffer. CEO Darcy Olsen spent 16 years leading the conservative think tank, but is leaving the organization effective today, according to spokeswoman Starlee Coleman.
Group hopes to stop school voucher expansion before it takes effect
When Arizona students return to school in August, a new law could make the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts available to all 1.1 million of them. Unless a grassroots group of opponents has its way.
Free tuition program for teachers getting underway at state universities
After months of deliberation, state universities are aiming to admit 200 students in the fall 2017 semester to the Arizona Teacher Academy, a teacher-training program with free tuition.
Public schools opt for teacher bonuses instead of pay increases
School officials say they won’t count on ongoing funding to boost teacher pay until they see it. So instead of increasing teachers’ base salaries, some schools are preparing to make a lump sum payment to teachers in the amount of 1 percent of their salaries.
Dreamers at Arizona universities will still pay in-state tuition – for now
Dreamers at the state’s three universities will continue paying the same tuition as other Arizona residents, at least for the time being.
Tim Hogan: ‘Trial lawyer’ who shaped education and health care in Arizona
Attorney Tim Hogan has held elected officials accountable for education funding and health care issues for decades, much to the chagrin of those he has opposed. Hogan, executive director of the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest, said this week that he is leaving the center after 26 years.
Wrap up with Katie Hobbs
Senate Minority Leader Katie Hobbs, D-Phoenix, led Democrats in her chamber through yet another session where the minority party tried and failed to substantively change the budget. But the Phoenix Democrat found a few reasons to be pleased with the session, while mostly remaining frustrated by Republican legislative victories.
Wrap up with Rebecca Rios
In her first year as House Democratic leader, Rebecca Rios, D-Phoenix, a longtime lawmaker, was hopeful that her caucus could take a rare vote in favor of a GOP-backed budget. But when the budget didn’t go far enough toward investing in Arizona’s teachers, House Democrats held true to their beliefs and their prom-ises, and voted against the budget package.
Governor gets nearly all he wanted in 2017 legislative session
The governor accomplished nearly all of his legislative goals this session, from various steps related to education to a measure that restores benefits to some needy families.
Many hurdles make ‘citizen veto’ hard to come by
Activists are attempting to repeal a trio of laws approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor this year. But pulling off a referendum, known colloquially as a “citizens’ veto,” isn’t easy.
