In need of classroom supplies, teachers turn to online crowd-funding
The dictionaries in the language arts classrooms at Sunnyslope Elementary School carry the wear-and-tear of some 10 years, but replacements are coming soon, thanks to a new ally: GoFundMe.
Experts search for broad compromise to end Arizona school financing chaos
As a consensus, begrudgingly accepted even by conservative leaders, emerges that the state needs to put more money into public schools, some wonder if the time is ripe for a “grand bargain.”
Conservative Republicans pushing back against attempts to increase K-12 funding
In the face of a massive push from the governor and GOP legislative leaders for a special session to increase education funding, some conservative Republicans are pushing back, saying the funding proposals contain no metrics to gauge if the additional money actually improves education outcomes.
Judge to bickering school officials: “Get back to the business of education”
A trial judge expressed some dismay Friday at the latest legal dust-up he's being forced to decide between state schools chief Diane Douglas and the board of education.
Teachers become scapegoat for Arizona’s failure to invest in students
Over the past year, growing media and policy has focused on Arizona's “teacher shortage.” Contrary to popular perception, Arizona does not have a shortage of teachers – at least not by the numbers. Our state has approximately 75,000 people holding active teacher certifications, but only 61,000 are choosing to remain in the teaching profession, according to an Arizona Department of Education [...]
Empowerment Scholarship Accounts serving Arizona well
Just as a child needs a pediatrician, dentist, and in some cases, even a physical therapist for their health, so they also may need a tutor, educational therapist, and an online class for their education. Moreover, new learning experiences require flexible options to pay for these services.
Ducey picks former Colorado State, Thunderbird president for Board of Regents
Gov. Doug Ducey made his first appointment to the Arizona Board of Regents, selecting Dr. Larry Penley, the former president of Colorado State University and the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Universities worried they’ll be left behind as focus shifts to K-12
There’s a growing consensus at the Capitol that Arizona needs to spend more on education, and unfortunately for the state’s university system, it has been focused almost exclusively on K-12.
State schools chief offers proposals gathered from parents, teachers, administrators
The first proposals Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas will push as legislation in the 2016 session would allow Native American students to cross state lines for school and the Department of Education to license its new data system.
Biggs calls for First Things First audit after agency opposes sweep
Just one day after the First Things First board formally opposed legislative leadership’s plan to sweep some of its funding for K-12 education, Senate President Andy Biggs called for an audit of the early childhood development and health program.
Arizona awarded $24 million to boost charter schools
The Arizona Department of Education will use a federal grant to support new and expanding charter schools.
Early childhood development leaders fight attempt to raid funds
Board members of a voter-approved organization that funds programs to promote early childhood development are fighting a plan by legislative leaders to raid its dollars to instead increase aid for K-12 education.