The Arizona Education Commitment: A Rally Cry to Arizona Citizens and Leaders to Prioritize Education
By Nicole Magnuson, Executive Director, Expect More Arizona
As we conclude the first month of 2011, we must continue to carefully assess where we are as a state and set priorities that are in the long-term best interest of Arizona. Without question, the challenges of 2010 including the economic downturn, unemployment rates and the resulting state budget deficit have provided significant obstacles for Arizona citizens and leaders. In addition, still healing from the tragedy in Tucson, Arizonans at all levels are working hard to change the tone of debate and discussion in our state around all issues. And although the new year carries forward many of the challenges of 2010 for Arizona state’s leaders, we cannot put our house in order at the expense of Arizona’
s educational institutions.
Now is the time to expect more and do more for education. Arizona’s commitment to education must be unwavering, even with a state budget deficit. On Friday, January 28, Expect More Arizona, in partnership with the O’Connor House, announced a non-partisan initiative called, The Arizona Education Commitment, calling on Arizonans and our leaders to protect and preserve Arizona’s educational institutions. The principles in The Arizona Education Commitment are based on Article XI, Section 10 of the Arizona Constitution which is being highlighted as a means to compel the Arizona legislature to prioritize education when addressing the state’s budget deficit.
“The authors of the Arizona Constitution believed so strongly in providing for our state educational institutions that education is the only significant affirmative appropriation identified in our state’s governing document,” said Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. “As a result, the state legislature is required to insure the proper maintenance of all our state educational institutions, even in tough economic times, and to make such special appropriations as shall provide for their development and maintenance.”
The Arizona Education Commitment, led by the O’Connor House and Expect More Arizona, is meant to open positive and productive discussion about the current, critical state of education in Arizona and to elevate the constitutional duty of Arizona leaders to prioritize the continued maintenance, development and improvement of all state educational institutions. The Arizona Education Commitment supporters acknowledge that the state legislature is faced with many difficult decisions, however, point to the Arizona Constitution as the guiding document for education-related budget decisions. Our state’s Constitution states clearly that we should consider any and all options to protect and preserve education at all levels – early learning, K-12 and higher education. By taking an all options approach, which includes revenue enhancements, the supporters believe aggregate incomes will increase and Arizona will be able to protect what it cares most about: education, public health and public safety.
Expect More Arizona is encouraging all Arizonans to sign on to The Arizona Education Commitment by visiting www.ArizonaEducationCommitment.org. We also encourage you to contact your legislators to let them know that education should be protected and prioritized as tough budget decisions continue to be made this year and beyond.
Arizona Economy Depends on a Strong Education System
by Don Smith, President and CEO, SCF Arizona
The first few weeks of 2011 have been filled with discussions about how to address Arizona’s current budget challenges while spurring our long-term economic growth. Corporate tax reductions and incentives are championed as the means to attract new, diverse industries and fuel job expansion – something our state desperately needs. At the same time, deep cuts to our K-12 and higher education institutions threaten our ability to deliver the skilled workforce pipeline that such growth demands.
As business leaders, we have a duty to advocate for what is best for economic development, but not at the expense of our future. In truth, it doesn’t have to be an “either/or” proposition. A strong education system is a top consideration for businesses looking for a home. That being said, Arizona’s education system should be viewed as an integral part of our overall economic development package. And it must rise in priority now.
Businesses of all kinds depend on workers who bring skills and knowledge to keep them competitive. Arizona students consistently trail their national and international counterparts for academic achievement in reading, science and math. Arizona is also ranked 45th in the nation for students going on to postsecondary education upon graduation.
It’s time for all of us to expect more and do more for education. As the business community, we must be clear about our expectations for the students coming out of our K-12 and higher education institutions. We must also be willing to invest time, money and talent to help our students and schools succeed.
Note: This article appeared in the January 21, 2011 print issue of The Phoenix Business Journal.
Arizona Universities Bringing Technology and Innovation to our State
Arizona’s three state public universities are economic development engines that bring research, innovation and jobs to our state. Each of the three state universities: Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona brings unique and nationally recognized programs that help fuel Arizona’s competitiveness and long-term prosperity. Below are just a few examples of the value these Arizona gems bring to the state, nation, and in many cases, the world.
For example, SkySong, which is Arizona State University’s Innovation Center is credited with attracting new companies, creating high-end jobs and generating $113.6 million in economic impact in the Phoenix metropolitan area. According to a recent study by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Skysong has created more than 1,000 jobs so far. Many of the jobs created are technology positions that help Arizona attract employers in the renewable-energy, technology and bioscience.
Northern Arizona University is one of only twelve colleges and universities in the country to participate in the UTeach program which has the potential to more than double the number of science and math teachers that currently come out of NAU’s education program. The NAUTeach program introduces undergraduate math and science majors to elementary and secondary school teaching by offering compact degree plans, early teaching experiences and financial assistance. These graduates will educate the next generation of science and technology experts in Arizona schools. In addition to the NAUTeach program which is training future educators, research just released indicates that NAU contributed nearly $1.5 billion to Arizona’s economy over the last fiscal year. The study shows that one in every eight jobs in Coconino County is attributable to NAU’s presence in the region, and that for every 100 people employed by NAU and other businesses and organizations as a result of NAU’s operations, another 51 positions are generated throughout the state.
The University of Arizona Science and Technology Park (UA Tech Park) is home to several high technology companies, including four Fortune 500 companies: IBM, Raytheon, Canon USA and Citigroup, as well as several emerging technology companies including NP Photonics, and DILAS Diode Laser. The Arizona Center for Innovation is also located at US Tech Park and is a business incubator designed to meet the needs of developing technology companies, particularly in the areas of aerospace, advanced composites and materials, information technology, environmental technology, life sciences and optics/photonics. The UA Tech Park contributes nearly $3 billion annually to Pima County’s economy and is one of the region’s largest employment centers.
Each of the programs and institutions is integral to our state’s economy. They help encourage industries such as aerospace, high-tech, bioscience and sustainable technology and are helping to prepare a workforce that will take these fields to new heights in the future. Research, development and innovation are critical to economic development and our continued investment in these activities is needed now, more than ever before. Learn more about how you can protect Arizona’s universities and community colleges by visiting, www.ArizonaEducationCommitment.org.
Quality Early Learning Leads to more Success in School and Life
In November, Arizonans overwhelming affirmed our state’s commitment to early childhood health and development for children ages 0-5. Arizona
voters recognize that quality early learning provides the foundation for success throughout the education continuum. In addition, voters realize that the need for quality early learning opportunities for all Arizona children continues to be great.
In Arizona, more than half of all kids under six live in homes where all of the adults work and therefore are entrusted to the care of non-parental adults each day. The quality of the environment that child is in has a significant impact on how successful the child will be in school and in life. Children in high-quality early learning settings fare better in school and develop better language and social skills.
The disparity between high- and low-quality early learning settings are dramatic. Quality child care settings include: safe, healthy environments; highly educated teachers; classrooms and materials that simulate children at different stages of learning; and, low staff to child ratios so that kids get the attention and support they need. Over the last several decades, a large body of rigorous research on early childhood education has repeatedly shown what many in the field already know: teachers are integral to the quality of care.
This overarching finding is based on the results of numerous studies examining the differences between high- and low-quality childcare and early learning. The research reveals that the quality of care depends heavily on the education, training and stability of the caregivers. When teachers are adequately trained, they are more likely to form strong bonds with the children in their care, leading to higher levels of teacher-child interaction.
“In order for early learning programs to be truly high quality, they must be staffed with the most qualified teachers and caregivers,” says Susan Wilkins, Executive Director, Association for Supportive Child Care. “Early learning environments differ from classrooms for older children in many ways, including staff and classroom regulations and standards, developmentally appropriate practices for young children and teachers who are prepared to meet the needs of very young children. Early care providers need specific education that is focused on our state’s youngest children.”
Research shows that interactions between caregivers/educators and children are among the most important indicators of a high-quality program. Caregivers and educators need the training and education opportunities that support high-quality interactions with children. Additionally, caregivers need clear and accessible pathways to attain professional goals from local training opportunities to higher education.
Through Arizona’s First Things First program and partnerships, as well as organizations like the Association for Supportive Child Care, early childhood providers are getting the training and development that they need to provide an environment that gives young children the best possible start in life.
For example, the Arizona Self Study Program through the Association for Supportive Child Care assists early care providers as they work to integrate quality developmentally appropriate practices for the children in their care. Through the program, each early care and education provider evaluates his or her strengths and opportunities for improvement using self-study and evaluation materials. They then identify areas of change and create specific goals based on the results of the self-evaluation, and even have the opportunity to pursue national accreditation.
Through Arizona’s First Things First program, early care providers have the opportunity to increase the quality of their programs as well as receive scholarships to work toward further education and skill development such as certifications and Associates Degrees.
Each of these programs provides excellent opportunities for early education professionals to enhance their training which ultimately leads to higher quality programs for Arizona’s children.
Make Education Your New Year’s Resolution
The year ahead is sure to be another challenging year for education. Now more than ever, we must all resolve to make education our top priority.
As part of your new year’s resolutions for 2011, Expect More Arizona is encouraging all Arizonans to make education a priority. We recently launched a Web site to help you make and keep resolutions to “Do More for Education.” Here are four easy things you can do today:
- Stay informed – The most effective way to know how to make an impact on Arizona’s education system is to know what’s happening in local schools and at the statewide level. Staying current on education news and education-related legislative activities and talking to educators are a couple of ways to stay connected.
- Get involved – Volunteering at a local school or with a nonprofit supportive of education are two options for improving education and the success of our students. Some programs seek mentors, tutors, board or committee members, advocates and more.
- Become a voice – Education will need ongoing champions year-round. Be willing to talk to friends, family and neighbors about how important a strong education system is to our state’s economy and quality of life. Be willing to write letters to the editor or contact your elected leaders to let them know education is important to you.
- Invest in education – As education faces another round of budget cuts, your investment can make a difference. By giving to a local school or classroom, you are making a difference in the lives of Arizona students. To find an individual classroom to help, visit donorschoose.org.
As you resolve to do more for education in 2011, Expect More Arizona wants to help! Visit DoMore4Education.org to see additional ideas for how to learn more, do more and expect more for education and be sure to sign up so we can make sure you’re sticking to your resolutions.
