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 About Educating Arizona
A significant barrier we face in striving for improvement is the lack of agreement on how we're doing as a state. Some people will tell you that we're doing just fine. Others will say it's all bad. The truth lies somewhere in between, and what is needed is an objective, impartial reviewing of the state's education data so every citizen can decide.
Whether you look at our national test results, which place us firmly in the bottom 15 states, or our state test results, with passing rates of 60 to 75 percent, we have nothing to brag about. Also consider that our high school exit test measures 10th grade skills while the real world of work and higher education demand at least 12th grade capabilities. Other nations and some states are leapfrogging ahead in their educational achievements. Unless we change course, the real losers are our children, who will pay the price when they leave school and have to compete against not only other American children but, in our global society, also against children from Ireland to Singapore, Brazil and China.
Indeed, Arizona has its challenges. An exceptionally large proportion of our school-aged population is poor or learning to speak English. However, we can't blame this demographic reality for our low standing because even on the most important national tests, the scores of our more privileged students also land in the bottom tier of states. We’re falling short across the board but especially with the students who need our support most and are the fastest growing segment of our population.
Closing these gaps will require improvements in many areas: quality early care and education; stronger standards and accountability; enhanced teaching and leadership; better choices; and increased funding.
The time for improvement is long overdue. We deserve to know where we stand and must learn from the pockets of excellence that demonstrate what's possible. Hopefully, this nonpartisan and comprehensive report, detailing for all citizens the stark reality, will be a match that helps ignite the demand for real change.
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