A new nonprofit backed by business groups is running ads on television and online to put a positive spin on the state of Arizona’s education.

Looking for a scapegoat a year ago, Gov. Doug Ducey accused school officials for the woes of the Arizona teacher, whose average salary is among the lowest in the nation. Nearly a year later, the governor sounds like a changed man.

Gov. Doug Ducey wants agencies to reduce their budgets next year and put any savings toward K-12 public education.

Rep. Heather Carter, R-Cave Creek, is working on a “grand plan” to infuse major new dollars into not just K-12 education but also what she believes is an underfunded university and community college system.

Each of the special-interest groups within the education system has its own ideas for overhauling the state’s K-12 funding formula.

Arizona is among the worst states in getting students to college. Last year, about half of graduating high school seniors in the state went to college, according to the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education.

Education has been this year’s hottest topic in Arizona, beginning with the inauguration of Gov. Doug Ducey in January and continuing through last week’s special session on school finance. Here is a quiz to determine how closely you have been keeping up. Get all eight right and you could qualify for a choice staff position with the state Board of Education.

Lawmakers have been summoned to the Capitol Monday and Tuesday to be briefed on a deal on K-12 funding in advance of a special session later in the week.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas is set to unveil her comprehensive education plan Thursday at the Phoenix Art Museum.

Arizona legislators advanced a budget deal struck by Senate and House leaders and Gov. Doug Ducey, but the bills won’t move any further unless GOP leadership can change the minds of more than a dozen rank-and-file members opposed to the spending plan.