Expect More Arizona - Ready Kids, Ready Graduated, Ready Workforce

A recent Gallup poll, titled “The Arizona We Want,” surveyed Arizonans across the state on a variety of different issues affecting the quality of life of citizens in both metropolitan and rural Arizona.  Most notably, the poll, commissioned by the Center for the Future of Arizona, found that people who live here tend to agree more than disagree, are deeply attached to and proud of the state, and are eager to support initiatives to make Arizona a better place to live.

“Arizonans really care about our state and are willing to support change in order to make Arizona more competitive and prosperous,” said Dr. Lattie Coor, Chairman and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona.

In the Gallup Arizona Poll, respondents were asked about education, and whether they felt Arizona’s system adequately prepared students for the 21st century workforce.  Only 19 percent of those polled rated education in their region of the state as very good, indicating there is a great deal of work to be done to raise the bar with respect to the performance of our schools and academic achievement of Arizona students, especially with respect to K-12 education.

In fact, studies show that Arizona children are at an educational disadvantage, with only half academically prepared for college by the time they finish high school.  Increasing student preparedness for college or the 21st century workforce will require tougher, more relevant curriculum, higher quality teachers, engaged parents and self-motivated students.

And, according to the Gallup survey, Arizonans are willing to support programs that will raise education requirements in science, math and language to international standards as well as provide students with access to resources that will help them excel academically.

The Gallup Poll is available for everyone to take online at thearizonawewant.org and real-time results show how your views compare to the official poll respondents.  The Arizona we want will clearly require a strong education system. And strengthening education in our state will require the active involvement of all Arizonans.  Click here to hear Dr. Lattie Coor discuss "The Arizona We Want."