A Prosperous Arizona Requires a Strong Education System
The quality of Arizona’s education is directly tied to our state’s ability to prosper. In fact, according to a survey done by the Morrison Institute and shared at the third annual State 
of Our State Conference, our state’s top priority next year should be to support public schools and impoverished Arizonans.
A poll showed the strongest support, 91 percent, for making kindergarten through 12th grade education the top priority, followed by 81 percent who said the emphasis should be programs to help children and families living under the poverty level.
According to the survey, Arizonans also worry that schools are not properly preparing students for jobs and college today. In addition, other poll results include:
- 70% of Arizonans believe that early childhood education – such as preschool and kindergarten – is very important for preparing students for later success in school.
- Less than half of Arizona heads of household believe the public schools are doing either an “excellent” or “good” job in preparing students to enter college.
- 47% rate schools as “poor” or “very poor” at preparing students to directly enter the workforce.
- 64% of those interviewed believe that Arizona public schools do not put “enough emphasis” on vocational education.
The Morrison Institute also released a new Arizona Indicators report called Arizona Directions, 2012, which emphasizes education as one of the key issues that should be monitored from a public policy perspective. It includes a discussion on college readiness as well as recommendations for public policy measures that can be implemented. Click here to read the Arizona Directions, 2012 report.
Congratulations to Arizona’s Higher Performing Schools: Advancing Toward College and Career Readiness
by Susan Carlson
The Arizona Business & Education Coalition (ABEC) recently celebrated the 196 schools
that made the National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA) 2011 list of Arizona Higher Performing Schools. This school recognition is one piece of a partnership with NCEA, a department of ACT, Inc. and the Arizona Department of Education, facilitated by ABEC and enthusiastically sponsored by Greater Phoenix Leadership, Helios Education Foundation, GearUP! Arizona, and the Southern Arizona Leadership Council.
NCEA’s researchers use a statistical model that identifies value-added effects of schools to identify and celebrate higher performing schools, then study and inform best practices from their success and provide online resources so that more schools can be inspired and improve.
In order to identify college and career readiness targets on the AIMS test, a study was conducted by the NCEA comparing the AIMS test scores and the ACT benchmarks for CCR and backward mapped to 3rd grade, the first grade in which the AIMS test is given. Thanks to this study, Arizona now has CCR target scores on AIMS (see chart below). A student achieving the CCR target score on AIMS is on the ramp to college and career readiness.
Schools can make the Higher Performers list two ways: growth of student achievement or absolute level of achievement of students. Out of 1,544 schools that qualified for the evaluation, 183 schools are advancing their students toward college and career readiness in one or more content areas (i.e., reading and science) in all grades tested. Thirteen schools are Arizona All Subject Higher Performers, outperforming their peers in every content area and every grade tested. We congratulate:
- Alhambra Elementary School District’s James W. Rice Primary School, Granada Primary School, Sevilla Primary School, Westwood Primary School;
- Crane Elementary Schools District’s H.L. Suverkrup Elementary School
- Ganado Unified School District’s Ganado Primary School
- Glendale Union High School District’s Sunnyslope High School, Washington High School, Moon Valley High School
- Mary Ellen Halvorson Educational Foundation’s Tri-City College Prep High School,
- Paradise Valley Unified School District’s Grayhawk Elementary School
- Scottsdale Unified School District’s Pima Elementary School
- Tucson Unified School District’s University High School
All stakeholders can go to www.nc4ea.org to find NCEA’s College and Career Readiness analyses and charts for Arizona schools (grades 3-12). These charts show the percentage of students meeting expectations on AIMS, compared to the percentage scoring at college and career readiness. The analyses compare demographically similar schools because research shows that poverty is correlated with performance. Schools are grouped for comparison to identify those that are breaking that trend and which provide examples of effective practices.
Schools serving similar students can learn from each other through collaboration and sharing the ideas that actually work. The next step for the partnership: NCEA/ACT and ADE will partner on research on Arizona schools.
Helping Your Child Plan for College and Career Success
As parents, we want our children to have every option and opportunity and be 
self-sufficient when they reach adulthood. This requires a strong education system that effectively prepares our students for success in college or other postsecondary program and entry into the workforce.
In today’s global economy, graduating from high school and pursuing postsecondary education are critical for students to have the greatest professional options and opportunities. In fact, research states that more than 2/3 of the jobs of the future will require some form of postsecondary education. In addition, a recent report by the Arizona Board of Regents highlights the significant income differences between those with only a high school diploma and those with a college degree. In 2010, workers in Arizona with a bachelor’s degree earned $20,484 (80 percent) more than those with only a high school diploma, up 10 percent from 2007. Those with a graduate degree earned $34,444 (135 percent) more in 2010 than those with just a high school diploma.
Without question, quality of life, income, and opportunities continue to be directly linked with educational achievement.
A traditional college experience including community college or university is one pathway available to your student and other postsecondary programs, such as certifications, teach students the skills they need to pursue a specific career such as nursing, mechanics or computer technology. If the skills and abilities of two prospective employees are equal, often a college degree or other postsecondary education can be the determining factor for who gets hired.
It is never too early to start talking with your child about college and career success. In fact, you as a parent, have a strong influence on the value your child places on education and what they plan to do after high school.
Expect More Arizona encourages all parents to help your child think through college and career planning. In partnership with Northern Arizona University and Arizona GEAR Up, Expect More Arizona has produced a roadmap for postsecondary success called the “College and Career Planning Guide.” The Guide features specific steps your student can take today to start planning for college and career. It also has grade level checklists to ensure your student is on track.
The Guide encourages students to challenge themselves throughout their academic careers by taking rigorous courses and engaging in extracurricular activities that will help prepare them for life after high school.
Click here to see more college and career planning resources and to download a copy of the College and Career Planning Guide.
The Critical Importance of Grade-Level Reading
Reading by grade level is one of the most fundamental and critical skills that children need
to master at the beginning of their academic career. In fact, it is so critical, that starting in the 2013-2014 school year, children who are not reading at grade level by grade three, may not be able to move on to fourth grade.
In order to improve grade level proficiency throughout our state, three Arizona Foundations – Helios Education Foundation, the Arizona Community Foundation and Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust – are partnering together on a ten-year effort called “Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.”
As part of the collaboration, the Arizona funders will convene a series of meetings with community stakeholders to develop an integrated statewide system that aims to address school readiness, school absenteeism, and summer learning loss — issues known to prevent students from reading at grade level.
The partners also will work to build on the success of other efforts to boost reading proficiency in the state, including those launched by First Things First, the Arizona Department of Education, and United Way, by promoting strategies and policies that help close reading achievement gaps, raise the bar for reading proficiency so all students are assessed according to nationally or internationally competitive standards, and ensure that all children have equitable opportunities to meet higher standards.
Grade level reading is critical because children who aren’t reading at grade level by third grade are four times less likely to graduate from high school than their reading-proficient peers, and low-income students are thirteen times more likely to drop out of school if they are struggling to read.
The project also recognizes the importance of providing children with a strong foundation before they enter school. ”The ability for children to read at grade level starts much earlier than their official entry into kindergarten,” says Karen Ortiz, Vice President and Program Director, Early Childhood Education, Helios Education Foundation. “In fact, research shows that language and literacy skills start developing at birth and quality early learning opportunities provide the foundation children need to be strong readers and achieve grade level reading success.”
The Campaign for Grade Level Reading is another example of Arizona’s commitment to high expectations and creating an educational environment that helps all students achieve academic success.
Prioritize Education in Year End Tax Planning
As you make your year-end charitable giving contributions and take advantage of state tax
credits, elevate education and Arizona students to top of the list. Whether you choose to support early learning, K-12 or postsecondary programs, here are three easy ways to give education a boost and to maximize your personal benefits.
1). Give to nonprofits that support education – Whether you choose to give to a school district or university foundation, mentoring and tutoring programs, local early learning program or other nonprofits tied to education, you’ll be helping Arizona’s children and your contribution may be tax deductible.
2). Take advantage of state tax credits – There are several tax credits available to Arizonans who give to educational institutions. These tax credits allow you to take a dollar-for-dollar reduction on your Arizona State taxes. Mailed in donations must be postmarked by midnight December 31, 2011 to be eligible for this year’s taxes. Visit the Arizona Department of Revenue for state tax credit details.
3). Help a teacher in a classroom – Did you know that the average teacher spends $500 of his or her own money each year on supplies for their classroom? You can help supplement a teacher’s needs by adopting a classroom this holiday season. By providing books, gift cards and other supplies, you can affect the learning of an entire group of children. Click here to learn more about local classroom needs and how you can give a tax deductible donation through Donor’s Choose.
*Expect More Arizona is not a tax advisor. Please consult your personal tax advisor for state tax credit and tax deductible charitable contribution details and benefits.
Learn More
According to a recent report from the Arizona Board of Regents, there is a dramatic difference in earnings between those who have a college degree and those with only a high school degree. In 2010, workers in Arizona with a bachelor’s degree earned 80% more than those with only a high school degree. The report also discusses the economic impact of Arizona University System graduates to the state’s overall economy. Click here to learn more about the study.
Do More
If you are the parent or teacher of an eighth or ninth grader, encourage them to participate in the second annual Arizona Grammar Bowl. The Grammar Bowl helps students develop a solid understanding of grammar, usage, punctuation and writing mechanics. By participating, students have an opportunity to win scholarships, prizes and a trip to Washington, D.C. For more information about the Arizona Grammar Bowl, visit www.grammarbowl.com.
Expect More
Congratulations to Phoenix College who was recently awarded a grant from Lumina Foundation to strengthen educational attainment for Latino students in the greater Phoenix area. The Degree Phoenix partnership includes the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Union High School District, along with Phoenix College. The goal is a 20 percent increase in the number of students earning a postsecondary credential during a six-year period. Click here to learn more about the importance of Latino student success and the Degree Phoenix partnership.
