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State ironing out performance pay program for public schools
High-performing schools got a temporary boost in state funding because of their standardized test scores, but the additional money has proven to be incredibly short-lived for some schools under Gov. Doug Ducey’s signature performance pay plan.
Teachers union takes Ducey to task for pay raises for aides
Arizona’s teachers union called for a 20 percent pay raise for all educators in the state, arguing that if it’s good enough for Gov. Doug Ducey’s deputies, it’s good enough for teachers.
Arizona governor gives raises to aides despite lean budget
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has given 44 of his staffers raises of up to 20 percent despite offering teachers raises of less than 1 percent because of a lean budget.
We have made Arizona teachers ‘test prep robots,’ ‘slaves to the test’
AzMERIT scores are in, and schools are being issued grades based on how their students performed on a test taken six months ago that measured math and English language skills. Teachers across the state are running for cover, hoping and praying their students fared well on these high stakes tests. Some will celebrate while others will wonder if they will lose their jobs. But all still must teach.
Arizona public schools find ways to adapt to funding cuts
Arizona consistently ranks among the lowest in the nation for its per-student funding, a fact often cited by advocates hoping for a better financial picture for the state’s schools. But, as funding levels continue to lag years after the Great Recession, schools find ways to make do.
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.
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.
Ducey vetoes lowest in ’17 despite last minute flurry of bill rejections
Gov. Doug Ducey wielded his veto power this year fewer times than any governor since 2004.
Bonus or pay raise for teachers?
A pay raise for K-12 teachers included in the state’s $9.8 billion spending plan may only be a bonus, education groups warned.
House Republican leader: Teachers get second jobs to buy boats, enjoy finer things in life
Teachers in Arizona are getting second jobs not because they’re struggling to survive on their low pay, but because they want to enjoy the finer things in life, like boats, according to House Majority Leader John Allen.
After signing ESA bill, Ducey vows no more school voucher expansion measures for now
Gov. Doug Ducey today said lifting an enrollment cap that will be imposed as a school voucher program expands is “not even a consideration.” At least not at this time.
From classroom to chatroom: how teachers risk crossing the line with students
Investigators said it started with a World of Warcraft game: A 16-year-old girl joined a team with her teacher and then entered into a private chat, which spiraled into online advances by the teacher and suggestions of meeting outside of school.
