EDUCATION ISSUES
Arizona’s Common Core Standards
Academic standards outline what students should know and be able to do in each grade and subject. They provide the structure for what teachers will teach and students will learn.
In June 2010, the Arizona State Board of Education adopted a new set of English Language Arts and mathematics standards, called Arizona’s Common Core Standards. These standards are different than the standards the state has had in the past because they set the bar higher to ensure that all students in Arizona will be better prepared for college, career, and life. They also provide the opportunity for students to better understand concepts and apply them as they learn.
These standards are a result of a state-led initiative that was driven by state leaders (Governors and State Superintendents of Public Instruction) and was informed by educators, experts in the field, and many others, including parents. Experts from Arizona and from the Arizona Department of Education were a key part of the process as the standards were developed. Forty-six states and the District of Columbia have also adopted these standards.
As a voter, why is this important for me to know?
- In Arizona, 85% of high-wage, high growth jobs will require some type of higher education, training, or work experience. Yet only 35% of Arizona’s current workforce holds at least a two-year degree.
- 78% of Arizona students graduate from high school on time. Of those who graduate, 51% go on directly to college (two or four year).
- 42% of surveyed employers report that their newly hired high school graduates are not prepared, especially in math, writing and critical thinking.
To learn more about the standards visit ArizonaCommonCore.org.
School A-F Letter Grades
Similar to a student’s report card, schools in Arizona receive a letter grade to show parents, students and communities how well they are performing. The letter grades are given to schools by the Arizona Department of Education and are based primarily on the number of students passing AIMS and on student academic growth.
These letter grades are the new accountability system that will replace the labels that schools received in the past under AZ LEARNS (these included: failing, underperforming, performing, performing plus, highly performing, and excelling). Under the new system, a school may receive a letter grade of A, B, C, D or F (if it has received a D for three consecutive years).
The purpose of the new letter grading system is to provide easy to use information for parents and families to select a school that is best for their child. It is also the state’s new accountability system for Arizona schools.
As a voter, why is this important for me to know?
In 2012, 43% of Arizona schools graded received a “C” grade or lower. 23% of schools graded received an “A,” while 34% of schools graded received a “B.”
To look up your school’s grade, visit the Arizona Charter School Association’s Education Evaluator. On this site, you can look up all public schools and compare their information.
Move on When Reading
Third grade is a key milestone for students. In this grade they will move from learning to read to reading to learn. The literacy skills that students build from early education through third grade become even more important after this grade, as they will provide the foundation for learning for the rest of their lives. National data shows that students who fail to learn how to read by the third grade, have trouble in other grades and are in danger of dropping out of school.
A new law was passed in 2010 called Move on When Reading. Beginning in 2013-2014, third graders in Arizona who score Falls Far Below on the AIMS test in reading, may be held back. The idea behind the law is to help students who are struggling with reading, as the law will enable them to receive additional help and support to ensure they will be stronger readers by the time they reach the 4th grade.
With the implementation of the law coming soon, it places even more importance on literacy skills, not just in the early grades (K-3), but also in the early years. Parents and families play a critical role in helping children establish early literacy and language skills. Likewise, early childhood programs build on these skills to help children be ready to be successful in learning to read in grades K-3.
As a voter, why is this important for me to know?
- Using the most recent data available (2010-2011), approximately 4,100 third graders received a score of Falls Far Below on the AIMS test in reading and would be in danger of being held back if the law was effective today.
- Approximately 15,500 students received a score of Approaching on the AIMS test, making a total of almost 25% of Arizona’s 3rd graders that are below proficient in reading.
To learn more, visit the Arizona Department of Education’s web site about Move on When Reading.
Other Key Things You Need to Know
School Boards
Did you know that each school district in Arizona is governed by an elected group of leaders? These are the individuals who set the policies and direction that shape the direction of the school districts that you live in. They work with the school district superintendent, who is responsible for carrying out the policies the school board approves, to ensure that the district’s schools are effective, accountable, and are preparing students for college and career.
School board members are elected to four-year terms. In the case where a board member’s term ends early due to resignation or there are not enough qualified candidates to run for the board positions, the County Superintendent of Schools appoints individuals to fill the vacant positions.
Click here to learn more about voting for school board members.
To find your school district, visit http://azredistricting.org/districtlocator/
School District Bonds and Overrides
Occasionally, school districts will ask voters for approval to override their budget or to issue bonds to raise funds for specific projects. Both bonds and overrides are ways that school districts raise additional funding through property taxes.
Overrides allow a district to spend more than their operational budgets allow. Districts must present a budget that shows how much they plan to spend and their plans to use it. Overrides can support capital expenses or maintenance and operations.
School districts may also issue bonds for specific purposes, including locating or changing the location of school buildings; to purchase or sell school property and school sites and to build new school buildings; to decide whether bonds should be issued and sold to raise money for purchase or lease school lots, renovate school buildings, purchase furniture, equipment or technology, improve school grounds, purchase vehicles, or liquidate debt; and to lease out property owned by the school district.
To find out if your district is asking for a bond or override, visit their web site. To find your school district, visit http://azredistricting.org/districtlocator/
