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Education Headlines

Brewer, Goddard spar over immigration, state budget

Thursday September 2nd

Republican Gov. Jan Brewer and Democratic challenger Terry Goddard attacked each other's ... LEARN MORE »

AZ Fact Check - Proposition 107

Thursday September 2nd

Proposition 107 would amend the Arizona Constitution to prohibit affirmative-action programs. If ... LEARN MORE »

School notes

Thursday September 2nd

Tucson, AZ:  Parents interested in building a better relationship with their children can ... LEARN MORE »

New education report card grades student success, Arizona lags behind

Wednesday September 1st

Today, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) released a new book that provides a ... LEARN MORE »

Judge to hear arguments on Arizona's efforts to help students learn English

Wednesday September 1st

A federal judge is hearing arguments this week over whether the state is complying with federal ... LEARN MORE »

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About the Blog:

Welcome to the Expect More Blog. You are a part of the movement to make education a top priority in Arizona. This is your movement and your blog; we encourage you to stay involved by posting comments and letting us know what you'd like to see here.

Thank you for joining us. Please share Expect More Arizona with all of your family and friends. Together, we will make Arizona a model for excellence in education.

Expect More Blog

31 Aug
VIDEO: Are Your Candidates 4 Education?
By Expect More Arizona

The weekend before Arizona’s Primary Election, nearly 300 Expect More Arizona volunteers walked through neighborhoods across the state to distribute door hangers that asked a question: Are Your Candidates 4 Education?

We will be seeking volunteers to do this again the weekend before the General Election. If you would like to be a volunteer for Expect More Arizona, please sign up here.

Thank you to everyone who has joined the movement to make education a priority in our state. And, a special thank you to everyone who walked 4 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.
25 Aug
General Election Begins: Take 4 Actions to “Vote 4 Education”
By Expect More Arizona

Today marks the first day of campaigning for Arizona’s General Election on November 2nd. While yesterday’s voter turnout was low, we can’t help but notice all of the Arizonans out there who are proud to “Vote 4 Education.” Kudos to those of you who voted in the Primary.

Now that we know (mostly) who will be on the November ballot, it is more imperative than ever that we get to know our candidates and where they stand on education. As a part of our “Vote 4 Education” campaign, we are recommending you take 4 actions this election year. Let’s take a moment to discuss each of them.

4 Actions

Action 1 – Arizona voters already successfully completed the first action this past May when we voted in support of Proposition 100. But, we must remember, moving forward, that Prop 100 was a temporary but significant step toward our goal, but only a band-aid. Let’s build on the momentum of Action 1’s success by completing the next three.

Action 2 – Vote NO on 302! Arizona’s ballot measures are often written to confuse voters, and Proposition 302 is no exception. So, let’s be clear: Voting NO on 302 is a vote to support Arizona’s youngest children, ages 0 -5.  In 2006, we voted to create a tobacco tax that would fund early childhood health and development; First Things First was created with those moneys, but now Arizona voters are being asked to eliminate the organization and to sweep its savings into the general fund. At Expect More Arizona, we believe that providing quality learning to Arizona’s youngest students is key to creating a successful education system. We urge you to protect First Things First and vote NO on 302.

Action 3 – Make sure your candidates are unwavering advocates of education. Expect More Arizona does not and will not endorse any candidate for public office. And, while we know that every candidate declares he or she is pro-education, we encourage you to challenge that declaration and to dig deeper. Our 4 Questions to “Vote 4 Education” will help you push candidates to be specific on how they will champion education, support pro-education policies, and motivate all Arizonans to do their part to improve education in our state. Talk is cheap; make sure your candidates know the only way to earn your vote is to make education one of their top two priorities. And, make sure they also know you plan to hold them accountable for their campaign promises.

Action 4 – Rally 10 friends to vote with education as their “hot button” issue. You and I know there is a direct link between the quality of Arizona’s education system and the quality of life in our state. That’s one of the reasons we “Vote 4 Education.” But, do your friends and family understand your passion and all of the reasons you support education? We encourage you to make the case 4 Education and get at least 10 friends to join the Expect More Arizona movement.

It is true that Arizona is at a crossroads. The decisions we make on November 2nd will affect today’s students, as well as the prosperity and quality of life for all of Arizona. We can’t continue to put education off for the next election, or the election after that. Together, we can change how education is viewed and supported in Arizona, but only if we take action. From today until Election Day, will you take the remaining three actions to “Vote 4 Education?” What are the other ways you will champion education in this election?

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.
12 Aug
We Need Your Help!
By Expect More Arizona

The Clock is Ticking on Education…

The August 24th primary election is quickly approaching and we need to make sure Arizonans have education on their list of priorities.  Join Expect More Arizona for a pre-election push to get education top of mind as Arizona voters complete their ballots and go to the polls.  We’re asking for your help.

On August 21st and 22nd, we want 1,000 volunteers across Arizona to reach out to their local communities, distributing “Vote 4 Education” door hangers to 50,000 households.  If you can recruit 20 volunteers from your office, church, synagogue, friends, family, club (or anywhere else you can gather 20 Arizonans who expect more for education), and every volunteer can distribute 50 door hangers, we can really make a difference this election season!

Let us know if you are willing to join together for the 50,000 household challenge. We will do it again before the general election too.  If you are willing take the challenge, we’ll send you a simple three step process to get you going.  We’ll even give you cool “I Vote 4 Education” t-shirts for your volunteers!

For more information and to sign up, contact Donna Davis at Donna@ExpectMoreArizona.org.


50 groups. 1,000 volunteers. 50,000 households.
It can be done.

9 Aug
Are They 4 Education? It’s Critical to Know Your Candidates
By Expect More Arizona

Maybe you’ve seen our signs around Arizona (or what’s left of them) posing this question about our candidates for political office: Are They 4 Education? When we cast our ballots in the August 24th Primary and the November 2nd General Elections, it’s important to really understand which of our candidates will be the best champions for education. But, how can you best educate yourself about your candidates’ plans for education and our state?

Expect More Arizona does not endorse any political candidates, but we do want to be a resource for you to get the information you need to make your own informed decisions. That’s why we created the Know Your Candidates page.  We are committed to keeping it fresh with links to resources such as candidate lists, scorecards, and voting records. We will also provide access to videos of candidate forums, especially those focused on education (see here and here, for example).

We plan to make the Know Your Candidates page robust and relevant throughout the election cycle.  If you know of a resource we aren’t sharing on the page, but should be, please send us a link and information. You can also share resources in the comments section below.

This year’s election must be a turning point for education in Arizona.  A “Vote 4 Education” is a vote for Arizona’s success and everything that a quality education system provides, including a stronger economy and better quality of life. Check out our Know Your Candidates page and ask yourself our “4 Questions” before making your selections.  Last but not least, make sure your candidates know that their unwavering support of education is the only way to earn your vote, and, if elected, they will be accountable for the promises they make about 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.

26 Jul
Take Education Out for Coffee
By Expect More Arizona

Many of you often ask how you can help spread the word about Expect More Arizona and the “Vote 4 Education” campaign. We have a simple idea that you can do during your regular visit to your local coffee shop. Most Starbucks and other coffee shops have a community bulletin board where you can post news and information about what’s happening in your community. Today, before you head out for coffee, download and print this flyer to post on the bulletin board, so folks in coffee shops across the state can learn how to “Vote 4 Education”.

(Click image to download PDF)

Download other campaign materials and more at 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.

22 Jul
Important Information to Vote 4 Education
By Expect More Arizona

Register to Vote and Vote Early!

The primary election is right around the corner.  Early voting starts on July 29.  The last day to register to vote, change your party affiliation or update your personal information such as change of address, for the primary is July 26th.

  • Register to Vote – Click here to register to vote, change your party affiliation or update your personal information.
  • Permanent Early Balloting -Click here to sign up for the permanent early voting list and receive your ballot by mail.  After you walk through the registration process, even if you have already registered, you will have the option to be placed on the permanent early voting list (PEVL).
  • Independents Request a Party Aligned Ballot – Independents can vote in the primary elections, simply contact your county elections office and request either a Republican or Democratic ballot.  Click here for a complete list of county contacts.

This election season is critical to the future of Arizona education.  We will make decisions on education-related propositions as well as electing a Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Arizona Legislators and School Board Members, all of whom make critical decisions affecting Arizona’s education system.

And Don’t Forget to Finish out the Last Three of our 4 Actions:

  1. Vote Yes on 100 ✔(Passed!)
  2. Vote No on 302 – Protect the Voter-Approved Early Childhood Health and Development Funds
  3. Make Sure Your Candidates are Unwavering Advocates for Education
  4. Rally 10 Friends to Vote with Education as their “Hot Button” Issue

Remember these key dates:

Early Balloting Begins (Primary)- July 29
Primary Election – August 24
Early Balloting Begins (General) – October 7
General Election – November 2

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.

9 Jul
The Case of the Disappearing “Vote 4 Education” Signs
By Expect More Arizona

We need your help. We’ve been receiving word that some of our “Vote 4 Education” and “Are They 4 Education Signs?” are missing from locations they were previously posted. Many of the comments we’ve been getting are regarding signs around the Tucson area and on Camelback Road in Phoenix. Since none of the signs were removed at our request, we don’t know what has become of them. They might have  blown down or maybe they melted in the Arizona heat. Or maybe someone who doesn’t want us to “Vote 4 Education” has decided to remove them for us. We just don’t know.

It is against Arizona law to remove, tamper with, or cover a political sign, and as we are registered with the Arizona Secretary of State’s office, that law applies to the “Vote 4 Education” campaign signs too.

So, we are asking you – our Expect More Arizona network – to be our eyes and ears across the state. Please let us know if you notice when one of our signs disappears. Post in the comments section below the location of the missing sign and approximately when you first noticed it missing. Thank you in advance for your help.

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.
23 Jun
Arizona Education Network in The News
By Expect More Arizona

Check out this news video about Tucson pro-education parents organization the Arizona Education Network. We especially love Board President Ann-Eve Pedersen’s “Vote 4 Education” t-shirt. Read the accompanying article here and learn more about the Arizona Education Network.


14 Jun
Education is quickly becoming a priority for Arizonans
By Expect More Arizona


For the past year, Expect More Arizona has been working to mobilize Arizonans to become a part of the movement to make education a priority in our state. Thousands of parents, teachers, students and community leaders are getting involved, and members are resolved to continue working until our state becomes a national and international model of excellence for education. It has been a productive and exciting year thus far, but the work is just beginning.

The news about Arizona’s education achievements too often highlights our weaknesses. However, that trend can be reversed, as there is power in numbers to impact change, through action and support for a top-notch education system. It will take the dedication of all of our citizens to learn more, do more and expect more of education.

Expect More Arizona recently launched a new multi-media campaign to inform Arizonans about the need to make education a priority and get more people involved in the movement. The message is clear and simple: If we don’t get involved in the effort to put education at the top of the list, our children and our community as a whole will suffer in the long run. The world is moving fast, and to give students in this state a chance in the global marketplace, Arizona must progress right along with it.

A state’s economy and quality of life are directly linked to the quality of its education system. To grow and become successful, businesses – from knowledge-based to service-based – need employees with 21st century skills. Regardless of industry, they need people who can solve problems, work as a team and communicate effectively.

Learning begins in the earliest years and is ongoing throughout life. From the time babies are born, they are learning and absorbing information from the world around them. Although formal education often ends with postsecondary education classes, informal and on-the-job learning continues throughout career and beyond. It only makes sense that everyone works together to ensure the educational experiences offered here in Arizona are the best they can be.

Education is everyone’s business, and it will take all of us to make the change and put Arizona on the list of states and regions with top-notch education offerings.

You can help improve education by taking the following actions:
* Vote for people and policies that support education,
* Get involved in your local schools (even if you don’t have children),
* Join the Expect More Arizona movement to make education a priority by signing up online at www.ExpectMoreArizona.org
* Stay connected by becoming a Facebook fan at www.Facebook/ExpectMoreArizona and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ExpectMoreAZ.

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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