Advocates say Horne’s bathroom recommendation ‘others’ transgender students
Jessie Jordan, an 11-year-old at West Elementary School in Coolidge Unified School District, told her mom she wanted to be called a girl when she was 2 years old. Jessie now identifies as a binary gender, wears dresses, has long hair and can practically run a marathon in high heels, said Johanna Jordan, Jessie’s mother. But, when the fifth grader is at school, she uses the nurse’s bathroom, wh[...]
Department of Education evaluating two investigations reported to Empower Hotline
The Empower Hotline, a tipline for reporting “critical race theory,” as well as “gender ideology, social emotional learning, or inappropriate sexual content,” only has two active investigations, according to the Arizona Department of Education.
Arizona CTE needs to refocus on promises made to taxpayers
Career and technical education is a wonderful thing when it is done right. It raises graduation rates by keeping students engaged in learning that is relevant to them. It gives students a leg up on being prepared for the workforce and college. But expanding CTE so more students can be placed into electives, students who may have no intention of making that elective their career path, is not the pr[...]
Bills raise, lower minimum age for public offices
House Republicans have filed two competing bills that determine age requirements for public offices.
Critics worry about impact of ban on books with sexually explicit materials in schools
A new ban on books containing sexual content is impacting Arizona public schools, and critics worry self-censoring will add further stress to already overburdened teachers.
Ducey, Hoffman order all state schools closed to prevent coronavirus spread
Gov. Doug Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman announced Sunday all public schools will be closed until March 27.
Teachers hope summer vacation comes before budget passed
The potential for red-clad teachers again descending on the Capitol could motivate legislators to wrap up budget negotiations before school is out for summer.
Common Core Readiness: Mesa Unified School District
The state’s largest school district has been preparing to teach the Common Core standards in much the same way that smaller districts have – with several consecutive years of teacher training, millions of dollars in technology upgrades and parent education. However, despite a successful 2012 bond election, money is still tight.
Brewer, 3 others cited by school superintendents for public education support
Gov. Jan Brewer, two state lawmakers and a long-time education advocate were honored Aug. 6 by the Arizona Association of County School Superintendents for their efforts on behalf of K-12 public education.
School officials: Major cuts coming if Prop 204 fails
Supporters of the initiative to make permanent a temporary one-cent sales tax increase claimed today that its failure at the ballot in November would have dire repercussions, including the closure of schools, teacher layoffs and increases in class sizes. They also pushed back against opponents’ assertion that revenues from the tax won’t reach the classroom.
Brewer adds education board member
The state Board of Education is getting a new member and keeping a current one. Gov. Jan Brewer has appointed Roger Jacks to the board and reappointed current member Amy Hamilton.
Alternative fuel vehicles parked at Capitol to garner legislative support
A cherry picker and a cab. A Tesla and an 18–wheeler. A frozen food truck and a school bus. Parked in front of the State Capitol, these vehicles had more in common than wheels.