May « 2010 « Expect More Arizona

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28 May

Expect More Arizona talks about the ‘move on when ready’ law

By Expect More Arizona

Raising the bar for academic achievement in Arizona is key to ensuring young people can compete for the best jobs once they graduate high school and college. Recently, the legislature passed and the Governor signed HB 2731, a measure that will allow students who show readiness to graduate high school as early as their sophomore year.

“Move on When Ready” will give students a much-needed option to finish their studies once they’ve mastered core subjects and head to community college or university when they are academically prepared. “Move On” lets them opt for a Grand Canyon diploma, which features a more rigorous curriculum and provides students the opportunity to progress to the next high school grade level once they can show they’ve learned the required material. Students must pass comprehensive board examinations to move ahead to ensure they are indeed ready to tackle the next grade level.

The “move on” concept focuses on preparing high school students for a successful postsecondary education, one of the key factors in improving education statewide. Research finds that more than half of Arizona’s graduates are academically ill prepared for college, thus emphasizing the need to provide pathways that will help them attend, excel in and graduate college.

Today’s students will face a much tougher job market than their predecessors. As industries – even mining – become more high-tech and knowledge-based, the level of education required is rising. Employers will need a more qualified workforce with a “21st Century” skill set that enables them to compete with other worldwide companies. That means prospective employees will have to vie for jobs on a global scale, rather than just locally or nationally.

A better education system with higher standards is essential to our future workforce’s success as individuals, and in turn, improves the odds that Arizona can attract companies that provide stable, well-paying jobs for our citizens. Raising expectations for academic achievement will give our state that edge, enabling a higher quality of life for everyone who lives here.

“An investment in education is an investment in the future of our state, which is what Arizonans tell us they want, for their children and everyone’s children,” said Sybil Francis, Executive Director of The Center for the Future of Arizona. “It is important that we look at ways to encourage academic success, through changes in policy and through citizen involvement to prompt action.”

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27 May

Expect More Arizona’s Only Endorsement: Education!

By Expect More Arizona

With the recent launch of Expect More Arizona’s “Vote 4 Education” campaign, we have been asked if we will be endorsing candidates during this year’s elections. The simple answer is “no.” Our primary goal: make education the hot button issue for every Arizonan during the 2010 election season and encourage them to ask their candidates tough questions about how they plan to make it the state’s priority.

As a non-partisan organization, Expect More Arizona wants to educate voters about the current state of education in Arizona and its impact on our economy and overall quality of life. By providing education-supportive actions and key questions to consider when selecting candidates, Expect More Arizona seeks to significantly influence voter decisions about initiatives and candidates of any political affiliation who support of education.

A key component of the “Vote 4 Education” effort is to encourage Arizonans to let their candidates know that education is important to them and that they will be considering their positions on education as they decide how to vote. Surface level responses in support of education won’t do either. Voters are encouraged to press candidates to provide specific plans and strategies for prioritizing and improving Arizona’s education system, regardless of political party affilliation – making it clear that they will be held accountable more than ever before for their promises.

Expect More Arizona wants to be a resource as you evaluate your candidates and ask them tough questions about education. Our “Vote 4 Education” section provides you with the 4 questions and 4 actions as well as links to other organizations’ rankings, background and voting records of candidates statewide.

You will notice our campaign signs around Arizona that encourage you to “Vote 4 Education” and to ask yourself “Are They 4 Education?” when choosing your candidates. They are a constant reminder that this is an important election year for education. It’s time to elect leaders – at all levels of government – who will champion education and view it as the key to Arizona’s long-term prosperity. That is why, this year, Expect More Arizona is proud to endorse education.

Paid for by Expect More Arizona – Vote 4 Education Yes on 100 & Protect Early Childhood Health/Development Funds. Major funding by Expect More Arizona, a fund of the Arizona Community Foundation.

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26 May

The Facts on the Teacher to Administrator Ratio

By Expect More Arizona

Administrative costs within education are a frequently debated topic. It’s risen up once again as part of some current election-related discussions. The premise of the recent assertion is that we can reduce spending on education by “trimming the fat.” Our schools, some say, can operate more cost-effectively if we reduce the number of administrative staff. One statistic that has been repeated is that Arizona has a 1:1 ratio of teachers to administrators. This would indeed be a shocking revelation, if it were true. But, in fact, it’s not.

According to a report provided by the Arizona Department of Education, there are a total of 55,317 teachers employed by the state. There are 3,434 administrators. That is a ratio of more than 16:1. Now, that’s quite a difference from the 1:1 statistic being used by some people in our state. In fact, the amount Arizona public schools spend on administration is well below the national average.

What’s also important for Arizonans to understand is that the often criticized administrative portion of school district budgets includes school nurses, guidance counselors, custodians, food service workers, bus drivers and more (read the complete report). I think most people would agree that each of these functions fulfills an important role in keeping our schools running as well as our students safe and appropriately supported.

Expect More Arizona encourages a healthy and respectful debate over issues related to our education system and how we can improve it. We also want to make sure that these discussions are based on the facts, and not misinformation or misunderstandings. Our humble advice: always question what you hear and verify the facts before you let it shape your views on education. If you’re having trouble finding the most credible source, send us an email and we’ll try to help you.

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19 May

Change for Arizona Education? We’ve Only Just Begun

By Nicole Magnuson

The passage of Proposition 100 was a big victory for our schools, public safety and Arizona overall. Arizona voters sent a resounding message that supporting education is our priority, and that, when given a choice, we will “Vote 4 Education.” Your hard work and passion paid off at the polls, and I think we can all now breathe a sigh of relief and take a brief moment to celebrate… But, then it’s back to work.

In the last three fiscal years, Arizona’s education system suffered more than $1 billion in budget cuts. All the while, Arizona students continue to fall behind in academic performance, high school graduation rates and postsecondary degree attainment. The monies brought in by Prop 100’s temporary sales tax will help reduce the need for even further cuts, but there is still more we must do to make Arizona’s education system a model of excellence, and to ensure our students and Arizona are positioned to compete both nationally and globally.

When you visit Expect More Arizona’s “Vote 4 Education” section, you’ll see 4 actions and 4 questions that relate to this year’s elections. With a victory check next to voting “Yes on 100,” we must now shift our attention over the next five months to the candidates who are running for office at all levels. The changes necessary to improve education in our state are not for the faint at heart or those with fleeting priorities. We need leaders who are visionary and willing to do the work required to ensure our long-term success. We must also protect the voter-approved early childhood health and development funds this November.

All of this means that education shouldn’t be just another issue in this year’s elections; it should be THE issue. Arizona’s candidates must know that in order to earn your vote they must have specific plans and strategies for how they will address the biggest issues affecting education in our state. They need to know they will be elected based on their support of education, and then held accountable for following through on their promises.

Once again, I salute Arizona for being a strong voice for education and share in celebrating the passage of Prop 100. And now that we know our collective power, we ask you to come back and build on this momentum, so we can urge Arizonans to continue to “Vote 4 Education!”

Nicole Magnuson is the Executive Director of Expect More Arizona.

Paid for by Expect More Arizona – Vote 4 Education Yes on 100 & Protect Early Childhood Health/Development Funds. Major funding by Expect More Arizona, a fund of the Arizona Community Foundation.

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Special Presentation by David Elkind: “The Power of Play”

June 29, 2010

Title: Special Presentation by David Elkind: “The Power of Play”
Location: Vail Theatre of the Arts
Empire High School
10701 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way
Tucson, AZ 85747
Read more: Click here
Description: World renowned psychologist and author David Elkind will be coming to Tucson to present on the topic “The Power of Play.”
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Date: June 29th, 2010
End Time: 8:30 pm

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17 May

If Prop. 100 fails, we fail kids, those who make us safe

By Expect More Arizona

The following editorial appeared in today’s Arizona Republic (Download PDF):

If Prop. 100 fails, we fail kids, those who make us safe
Paul J. Luna

With just one day remaining before the May 18 election, parents, students, educators and education advocates are anxiously awaiting the outcome of their months of hard work. The passage – or failure – of Proposition 100, a temporary one-cent sales tax increase, will determine the quality of education that Arizona students receive over the next three years.

In truth, Arizona cannot afford for Proposition 100 to fail.

During the last three fiscal years, Arizona’s education system suffered more than $1 billion in budget cuts. Too often viewed as an expense rather than an investment, education has been routinely slashed to the bone. The effect: dismissed teachers, increased class sizes and the elimination of key academic, music and athletic programs.

The state budget was, essentially, balanced on the backs of our children.

If Proposition 100 now fails, budget cuts will be even deeper as the Legislature is driven back to the proverbial drawing board to further reduce funding for public education.

Arizona education continues to fall behind national and international benchmarks. For too many years and in too many studies, Arizona’s education system ranks below average. Too few kindergarteners show up to school ready to learn. Too many students who are behind their peers by third grade never catch up. Too few high school seniors are adequately prepared to succeed in college or the workforce. Too few students go on to earn a college degree.

The talent being produced by other nations is quickly outpacing the U.S., and that places us all in a compromising position.

Whether you have children currently in the education system or not, Arizona’s economy and our individual quality of life are inextricably linked to our education system. Arizona must be able to educate and deliver a pipeline of skilled, talented workers in order to attract new businesses, help existing business grow and expand economic development opportunities. And the best and brightest professionals looking to build careers and raise families in Arizona need to know that our schools can adequately educate their children and grandchildren.

If Proposition 100 fails to pass, education, public safety and health programs in our state will take a huge fiscal hit. That means under-resourced and lower quality schools, fewer police officers keeping us safe and shrinking health services for our state’s must vulnerable citizens.

Tough economic times frequently result in crisis-driven decision making. The one-cent sales tax is a viable solution to at least some of the financial shortfalls plaguing our education system. It will not solve every problem or close the budget gap entirely, but it will provide a critical safety net to sustain our schools for the next three years and support the momentum of education reform efforts across the state.

The clock is already ticking on our education system, and that requires us to be visionary like never before. It is now in the hands of every Arizona voter to determine the fate of our education system, the opportunities available to our students and the collective prosperity of our great state.

All of us in support of Expect More Arizona believe that a “yes” vote on Proposition 100 is an investment in Arizona’s future, and one that will have a long-term, positive impact.

Paul J. Luna is President and CEO, Helios Education Foundation, and Chair of the Expect More Arizona Board.

Learn more about Expect More Arizona’s “Vote 4 Education” campaign.

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14 May

The Signs Are All Around: It’s Time to “Vote 4 Education”

By Expect More Arizona

Beginning this weekend, Arizonans should start seeing “Vote 4 Education” signs going up across the state. We know you’re proud to “Vote 4 Education,” so let’s see it. Take a photo of yourself with one of the signs in your community and post it on Facebook and/or Twitter. The first 10 to post a picture with one of the signs will receive an “I Vote 4 Education” t-shirt.

To post on Facebook, visit our page and post the picture on our wall. On Twitter, make sure you use @ExpectMoreAZ and the hashtag #Vote4Ed, so we’re sure to see it. (Or, if you’d rather, e-mail the photo to us and we’ll be happy to post it for you).

If you win a shirt, we expect to see you wearing it in your Facebook or Twitter profile picture!

UPDATE: Can’t find a sign nearby… or want to beat the heat? Try printing your own sign (and more campaign materials) on our “Vote 4 Education” Resource Center.

Paid for by Expect More Arizona – Vote 4 Education Yes on 100 & Protect Early Childhood Health/Development Funds. Major funding by Expect More Arizona, a fund of the Arizona Community Foundation.

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Stand for Children’s “What’s next?” forum

May 20, 2010

Title: Stand for Children’s “What’s next?” forum
Location: Camelback High School’s library (4612 N. 28th Street, Phoenix)
Read more: Click here
Description: From Stand for Children: Since we started our movement to improve Arizona schools only a few months ago, more than 300 people from across the Valley have become Stand for Children members. The question we get most often from parents and teachers is: “How did we even get here? And is there any real path forward?”

On the 20th we’d like to start to answer that question together. With Proposition 100 nearing election day, we know we have to start to think about long-term solutions for Arizona and for our kids. To kick-start our thinking, we invite you to come hear from Arizona Education and Business Coalition founder Susan Carlson and Stand for Children founder Jonah Edelman as well as parents and teachers from around the Valley that are seeking solutions.

At this forum we’ll explore two topics:
· Funding – What’s the deal with Arizona’s formula for funding schools? How can we pull ourselves up from the bottom?
· Reform – How does Arizona fit in with the national education reform movement afoot across the country? What are some Arizona specific ideas we can implement here in the coming two years?

We know how critical this election year is for public schools and we believe the only way to move forward thoughtfully is to understand the history around our public school system and to discuss and then act upon innovative ideas that are kicking around the state and country.

I really hope to see you at this forum. Please remember that child care and language translation will be provided free of charge and we promise to start and to end on time.

Please save the date and RSVP to Megan Irwin if you think you’ll be there or if you have questions.
Start Time: 6:00 pm
Date: May 20th, 2010
End Time: 7:30 pm

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Superintendent Candidates Forum: Realizing the Promise of Arts Education in Arizona

July 29, 2010

Title: Superintendent Candidates Forum: Realizing the Promise of Arts Education in Arizona
Location: Musical Instrument Museum 4725 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Read more: Click here
Description: Join the Arizona Alliance for Arts Education and Arizona Citizens for the Arts for a special event following the Joint Arts Education Conference: a forum for the candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction, Realizing the Promise of Arts Education in Arizona. During the forum, candidates for Superintendent will be asked a series of questions related to the Arizona Arts Standards, the development of arts education curriculum for students, and their commitment to providing access to quality arts education in Arizona schools.
Start Time: 5:30 pm
Date: July 29th, 2010
End Time: 7:30 pm

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5 May

“If We Don’t”

By Expect More Arizona

As we work to expand our movement of Arizonans who value education as our state’s top priority, Expect More Arizona is launching a new multimedia campaign intended to elevate the voices of concerned citizens and passionate advocates across the state. In early April, we hit to the highways and talked to parents, students, business leaders and concerned Arizonans in beautiful places like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Casa Grande, Sedona, Flagstaff and more about the state of education. We heard loud and clear that Arizona’s education system is struggling, and that we can’t wait another day to make it a priority.

Our state is desperate to be heard about our demands for improving education, so we decided to use our ad campaign to present these voices of Arizona. From our business leaders to our preschool teachers, the message is clear: Education must be our priority, and we must take action to improve it today. Our prosperity and very quality of life depend on it, you told us. As you’ll hear in the spot, “This, right now, is a critical time for our state.”

You can watch this spot here, or maybe you’ll see it on television. The first round of print, outdoor and radio advertisements are also rolling out this week and next. Maybe you’ll see someone you know or from your hometown. If not, there will be more ads featuring the voices of Arizonans coming very soon.

Presenting the first in the “Voices of Arizona” campaign, “If We Don’t”:

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