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November 30, 2007
http://www.arizonaea.org/blog
General Education
Schools aspire to 'beat odds'
Program aims to boost student achievement
Twenty-seven Phoenix-area schools - many with predominantly low-income, minority student populations - are teaming up this academic year with the Center for the Future of Arizona in an effort to "beat the odds" and increase student achievement among all students.
Schools trying to catch up with cyberbullying
One Tucson expert on bullying prevention thinks it's time for a state law to address this ugly byproduct of technology.
Donation to schools win-win for districts and taxpayers
Financial times are tough for most districts in the Southwest Valley, and one of the easiest ways for parents and community members to help is through the Arizona Public School Tax Credit Donation program.
Locals in the News
Tempe schools prepare for budget cuts
Over the next few days, 2,000 employees of the Tempe Elementary School District will be getting word that big changes are in store.
Scottsdale school board to vote on diploma plan
A three-tiered diploma plan is once again on the table in the Scottsdale Unified School District. District staff presented a proposal for three diploma options at this week’s governing board meeting.
U.S. News lauds 5 Tucson high schools, 2 in top 20
Five local high schools are praised in the upcoming issue of U.S. News & World Report, with two ranked among the top 20 in the nation. The magazine's first annual list of American's top public high schools ranks University High School as 13th and BASIS Charter School as 16th.
Tucson USD's financial errors trigger a pair of forums
Two community forums will be held next week to gather input on Tucson's largest school district.
Desert Canyon to hold Walk and Bike to School Day
Some 200 students at Desert Canyon Elementary School were expected to brave threatening skies Friday for the school's first Walk and Bike to School Day. Physical education teacher and AEA member Terri Young organized the event to promote the benefits of physical activity for her students.
Tempe Union hopes flapjacks will help flip budget shortfall
For Tempe Union High School District Superintendent Steve Adolph, every tax-credit donation dollar collected this year is more valuable than in previous years.
Activities encourage kids to have fun while reading
Desert Spirit Elementary students dressed up as their favorite characters and participated in various literacy-related activities this week as National Family Literacy Month wraps up.
Bioscience High gets formal dedication
The Bioscience High School formally dedicated its downtown Phoenix facility Thursday.
Fate of new school unclear after bond defeat
The fate of a new Cactus Shadows High School campus remains unclear as the Cave Creek school board moves forward after a failed bond measure.
Teacher Highlights
ASU teacher earns 2007 Arizona Professor of Year
Nonmember John Lynch, an honors faculty fellow in Barrett, the Honors College at ASU, has won the 2007 Arizona Professor of the Year. The honor comes from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
World’s Finest News Source
Underfunded Schools Forced To Cut Past Tense From Language Programs
Faced with ongoing budget crises, underfunded schools nationwide are increasingly left with no option but to cut the past tense—a grammatical construction traditionally used to relate all actions, and states that have transpired at an earlier point in time—from their standard English and language arts programs.
November 29, 2007
http://www.arizonaea.org/blog
General Education
In Kentucky and elsewhere, teacher sex with older teens not illegal
Reacting to the case of a high school band teacher accused of having sex with a student, a Kentucky lawmaker has become the latest state legislator to propose changing a law governing the age of consent.
Locals in the News
Phoenix UHSD names 2 finalists for top post
Two superintendents of smaller Arizona school districts are finalists for the top job at Phoenix Union High School District.
Scottsdale school enrollment falling
The Scottsdale Unified School District is estimating a loss of 260 students next year, the second year in a row the district is looking at an enrollment decrease. That could mean a nearly $900,000 cut in state funding.
Meeting to map out superintendent search
District 1 will find candidate to succeed Tom Rushin
A consultant will meet with the governing board of the Yuma Elementary School District 1 today to map out the steps to select a new superintendent for the district.
Small mercury spill at Mount Elden Middle School
Parents of some students at Mount Elden Middle School were notified Wednesday morning of a small mercury spill at the school.
Tucson ranch animals help educate kids
Do goats have the same type of vision as dogs? Do they like to drink their own milk?
Power failure
City elementary schools to devise energy plan, to hire consultant
The Casa Grande Elementary School District Governing Board gave the OK Tuesday for staff to develop an energy plan.
Willcox MS will increase standard for passing courses
The Willcox School Board unanimously approved increasing the standards for passing courses at Willcox Middle School by five points at their Nov. 6 meeting.
Dysart USD loads classrooms, teachers with technology
The Dysart Unified School District is stepping up efforts to incorporate technology in the classroom.
School board assessing special engineering program at Basha High
Thirty-eight Basha High students will get an edge on the emerging global economy.
Glendale UHSD approves contract to find new superintendent
Glendale Union High School District Governing Board members recently inked a deal with John Gordon, director of leadership development for the Arizona School Boards Association, to head up a search for the district’s next leader.
Teachers teaching teachers
Rodel trainees providing a boost for faculties at high-poverty schools
AEA member Emily Artieta stands, facing a class of attentive fourth-graders at Keeling Elementary School.
School administrators worried by trend
In the November general election, voters throughout Arizona rejected a large number of overrides and bonds proposed by school districts, causing Vail school administrators to worry about the future.
Teacher Highlights
Fifth-grade teacher uses exercise to teach teamwork
Every hour, students in nonmember Alvina Green's fifth-grade class get a chance to get out of their desks and exercise.
November 28, 2007
http://www.arizonaea.org/blog
General Education
Teachers Expose Private Lives Online
CBS 5 Investigates discovered some Valley teachers making their private lives public by posting them on the Web.
School hate-crime suspension to be probed
A 9-year-old boy from a Phoenix elementary school has been suspended after the school determined he engaged in racial harassment by using the term "brown people."
9-year old suspended for 'hate crime'
Update
Officials at Washington Elementary School District say they have launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the suspension of a 9-year-old boy for allegedly committing a hate crime.
Cyberbullying of kids on the rise
As many as one in three U.S. children has been ridiculed or threatened through computer messages, according to one estimate of the emerging problem of cyberbullying. Another new study found the problem is less common, with one in 10 kids reporting online harassment. But health experts said even the lower estimate signals a growing and worrisome public-health issue.
Locals in the News
District poised to change graduation requirements
The Scottsdale Unified School District is considering changing its graduation requirements starting with the graduating class of 2012.
Gilbert looks on inside for school chief
The Gilbert Unified School District will search internally within the district for their new superintendent and will plan to make the decision in March.
Gilbert schools OK raising credit needs
The Gilbert Unified School District board has approved raising the number of math and science credits needed for next year’s freshmen to graduate.
Tucson USD mustn't base compensation for teachers on school performance
The Tucson Unified School District is at it again. The district will withhold money from many of its teachers this year, citing the failure of some schools to meet certain "performance" goals.
Cynical NCLB causes crisis in Tucson USD
In 2002, Congress reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, dubbed "No Child Left Behind" by President Bush.
Mainstreaming affirmed for Pappas schools students
An Arizona Supreme Court judge on Tuesday denied a motion that would stall a settlement to mainstream homeless students into traditional school districts. The three Thomas J. Pappas schools for the homeless are set to close June 30.
No injuries after mercury is spilled at Centennial Middle
Phoenix Fire Department's hazardous materials team was called out to Centennial Middle School Tuesday after a student spilled mercury in the band room.
Teacher Highlights
Teacher is Rock 'n' Roll Marathon's male all-star
Apache Elementary fourth-grade teacher and cross country coach Matt Repak knows how to rock 'n' roll and, especially, how to run. AEA member Repak has been selected as P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon male all-star for November.
November 27, 2007
http://www.arizonaea.org/blog
General Education
Acronym fever big in education circles
Reading the Center on Education Policy's latest study on high school exit exams, I noticed a trend in education. Using acronyms is popular everywhere, not just in Indiana. We have the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus, better known as ISTEP+, and the Graduation Qualifying Exam, the GQE for short.
Group's effort to honor teachers is laudable
Not only is it recognition for jobs well done, but Rodel's initiative helps both novice teachers and their students
The Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona has selected nine Tucson-area public school teachers as finalists in the latest round of its Rodel Exemplary Teacher Initiative. Instead of just rewarding excellent teachers, the program partners these proven teachers with new teachers, which increases the reach of the veterans' expertise.
Undergrad education is key to Ariz. economy
I have been very fortunate in my career. In May, I shared that good fortune in support of an objective that is very important me. A gift to Northern Arizona University's undergraduate College of Business will, I hope, influence young people who are the first in their families to go to college and to support those who need a chance to participate in Arizona's economy.
Politics/Politicians
Horne needs to leave Tucson USD ethnic-studies program alone
Memo to Tom Horne: Butt out. Horne, Arizona's superintendent of public instruction, this month asked the Tucson Unified School District for "all training materials used in the Ethnic Studies programs at TUSD, a syllabus including ethnic studies books, DVDs videos, films, teachers' guides, audio recordings . . ." He also wants to see the department's budget.
Locals in the News
Queen Creek Education Association becoming more active
Although it’s been around since the late 1980s, the Queen Creek Education Association is taking a more active presence this school year.
Apache Junction USD to formulate ’08 plan
School District hosts multiple town halls
The Apache Junction Unified School District’s override extension was denied by voters Nov. 7, but district officials said the absence of funds provides a unique opportunity for the district.
Beat the Turkey!: Kyrene de las Lomas Turkey Trot gets young kids moving
Students at Kyrene de las Lomas Elementary School learned that Thanksgiving is not all about food Wednesday at the school’s 24th-annual Turkey Trot. "We have been working hard this month teaching the kids pacing and not racing," physical education specialist and AEA member Leslie DeRuiter-Hudson said. "We did a lot of fun stuff because jogging in a circle is not always fun for the students."
Precautionary measures ongoing to keep staph in check
Vail School District is taking every precaution to assure there are no more cases of staph, assured John Carruth, the district's assistant superintendent.
Payson schools offering free family enrichment classes
Payson Schools offers Family Enrichment Classes throughout the school year.
Sunnyside to offer 'credit recovery' courses
Failing a course in the first semester of senior year can spell disaster for a student hoping to graduate the following May. But the Sunnyside Unified School District governing board is planning to create a safety net for students in that situation.
Open enrollment scheduled for new school in Buckeye
Festival Foothills Elementary, the northwest Valley's newest school, will open in northern Buckeye and is hosting an open house and open-enrollment session Wednesday.
Glendale Elementary has new school site
Even though construction of the 18th school in the Glendale Elementary School District is five years away, it already has a name: Meritt Farms Elementary School.
Calls for Knecht to resign Peoria USD board seat stir meeting
“Appalled.” “Disturbed.” “Embarrassed.” “Furious.” “Repulsed.” “Saddened.” “Shocked.” Emotions ran the gamut at Tuesday’s Peoria Unified School District Governing Board meeting as 10 speakers addressed an Oct. 23 outburst by Governing Board Member Kathy Knecht in response to an e-mail and subsequent public comments from a Sunrise Mountain High School student.
Subs’ pay higher in Congress
The Congress School Board approved a pay increase for substitute teachers at their regular board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 14. The $25 per day increase was made so Congress Elementary School could stay competitive among outlying districts.
Bus driver shortages affects entire Valley
The search for qualified school bus drivers is an ongoing challenge to Gila Valley school districts.
Pima School Board approves class project manager
After listening to a presentation from the firm PinnacleOne and an endorsement from Superintendent Troy Thygerson, the Pima School Board voted unanimously to hire the company to manage its bond construction program.
Pierson School plans career fair for youth
Area youth will have the opportunity to investigate jobs and career opportunities available to them at Friday's Career Fair at the Pete Drakulich Gymnasium at Pierson Vocational High School.
Dress code least of middle school worries
At least they got someone's attention. That's our take on the student protest last week over the new dress code at Flagstaff Middle School.
Yuma PD, Kofa High hosting presentation on teen drug trends
The current drugs of choice among teens will be the subject of a presentation offered Tuesday evening in Yuma by Yuma police and Kofa High School.
Voters will be asked to create three separate districts
Voters in the Yuma Union High School District will be asked next year to split it into three separate unified school districts. The plan approved Tuesday by the state School District Redistricting Commission calls for creation of one district which would include Yuma elementary district and the Kofa, Foothills and Yuma high schools.
Proposed school troubles Gilbert residents
When residents of Gilbert’s Candlewood subdivision first bought their homes in the early 1990s, they were promised an elementary school in their neighborhood. But that never happened, mainly because the property donated by a housing developer to the Gilbert Unified School District was deemed unsuitable for an elementary school.
East Valley school evacuated for mercury spill
A band class at an Ahwatukee Foothills school was evacuated this morning after a student spilled a small amount of mercury.
Teacher Highlights
Julia Randall Elementary teacher honored by state education office
Donna Moore, nonmember physical education specialist from Julia Randall Elementary School, was honored by the Arizona Department of Education at this year's 76th Annual Arizona Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AzAHPERD) Convention.
She draws inspiration from her fourth-graders
Nonmember Melanie Derksen strives to stay up to date on new education trends and implement modern teaching methods in her fourth-grade class at Holaway Elementary School.
November 26, 2007
http://www.arizonaea.org/blog
General Education
Mother of Down syndrome student says school is failing him
A Sahuarita mother says her teenage son's school is failing him.
More math, science in store for HS students
Proposal aims to prepare Az kids for college or work
Arizona educators plan to implement a battery of core courses that would put every high school student in the state on the college track or ready for the work force, starting with the class of 2012.
Teachers need teachers
Mentors help with rules, lessons newcomers need
Teachers wedge their way into Misty Ritz's small office and sit in the worrying chair, the crying chair. The chair they declare they'll never leave to return to the classroom.
New English learning law brings challenges
East Valley school districts are preparing for sweeping changes in the way they are required to teach children who do not yet speak English.
Purely fun field trips fade with No Child act
Follow the third-grade field-trip group leader.
Foundation is selecting top Ariz. teachers
For six months, analysts with the Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona looked at student achievement data in Pima, Maricopa and Coconino counties, searching for Arizona's best teachers.
Sports
D-backs' success helped community
When the D-backs realized they were going to exceed their attendance projections this past season, managing general partner Ken Kendrick asked team president Derrick Hall how they could make sure the community shared in the increased revenue.
Politics/Politicians
Obama Offers Education Plan
Sen. Barack Obama offered an $18 billion education plan during a speech today at a high school in Manchester, N.H., calling on government leaders, educators and parents to share responsibility for improving the nation's schools.
Questioning ethnic programs stirs debate
The following letters are in response to the Nov. 15 article "Horne seeks info on ethnic studies programs in TUSD."
Superintendent Tom Horne's Discipline Initiative Background
Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne has stressed the importance of classroom discipline as a necessary precondition to academic excellence. Discipline is defined as the steps or actions taken by teachers and the administration to enhance student safety, behavior and academic achievement.
Locals in the News
Bus Radio music to kids' ears
Littleton District gets student-friendly service
Instead of singing The Wheels on the Bus and cheerfully sitting front-forward on the school bus, today's bus-riding kids want the radio blasting their favorite hip-hop and rock songs while chatting with friends.
Program motivates kids to read
More than 200 fifth-graders gazed eagerly at the front stage during an afternoon assembly at Phoenix's Granada East School.
Getting into top colleges aim of Cholla program
Ernie Valencia, 15, wants to go to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and he hopes a new program at Cholla High Magnet School will help get him there. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a rigorous two-year program preparing juniors and seniors for college and making it more likely they will be accepted by top institutions, said AEA member Joyce Meyer, program coordinator.
Calculators multiply skills
Flowing Wells kids in grades 3-6 find the devices are a big help in learning math
Learning addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in the Flowing Wells school district doesn't always involve flash cards and studying a multiplication table.
Altar Valley voters to decide next year on unifying school district
Voters in the Altar Valley elementary district southwest of Tucson will be asked next year if they want to create their own unified school district.
Teacher Highlights
Her kindergarten lessons connect for lifetime
Exemplary AEA-member educator: Erika Marrufo
At 16, Erika Marrufo, realized what she wanted to do with her life.
Flowing Wells geometry teacher wins Rodel
Nonmember Demetria Murray's classroom doesn't lack structure. But it doesn't lack fun, either.
She finds ways to engage kids and keep their progress on course
During a math lesson at Estes Elementary School last week, fourth-grade teacher and AEA member Colleen Frederick asked for a volunteer. More than a dozen little hands shot into the air.
Her classroom's a zoo — but a strict one on learning
It's a zoo in nonmember Lucy Popson's third-grade class.
November 21, 2007
http://www.arizonaea.org/blog
Best Headline
Looming Education Crisis Threatens Arizona and the Nation
Arizona is not preparing enough college graduates to meet the 21st century workforce needs, according to the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) and Solutions Through Higher Education -- a new initiative dedicated to raising awareness of an education crisis in Arizona and the nation.
General Education
Have your students learn about foreign cultures
The Young Diplomats School Outreach Program, created by World Affairs Council of Arizona, helps inform students in metro Phoenix schools about foreign cultures and countries enriching their understanding of what it means to be a citizen diplomat. A young citizen diplomat is a student who is informed about events taking place in the world, and who wants to make a personal connection with people from other countries to create better understanding and goodwill.
Living in Sin...
Views on teaching, mothering and being human.
One of the really cool things about being a teacher of the same subject for so long is that I can literally see the transitions that are occurring in society as a whole unfold right in front of me, in my own classroom.
Locals in the News
Variety of sources used to name new East Valley schools
Whether it’s honoring local pioneer families, or simply giving a school the name of the subdivision where it’s located, school districts pull from a variety of sources to name their schools.
Possible financial irregularities at Yuma High probed
An investigation is under way into possible financial irregularities at Yuma High School, state officials confirmed to The Sun Tuesday.
State panel OKs vote on unifying Yuma districts
Voters in Yuma County will decide a year from now whether to create organize most of the county's school districts into four unified districts.
Board members have differing views on elementary dress codes
Now that the Prescott Unified School District Governing Board approved district-wide parameters for an elementary dress code, opponents to a uniformed code are speaking out.
Counselors help classmates grieve for 6-year-old
First-grade classmates of a 6-year-old Chandler boy killed by his father took their fear and frustration to school counselors Friday and were told to draw their feelings.
Hundreds celebrate last holiday dinner at Pappas
In the same week, Joseph Santos lost his job and his house in Queen Creek. But he hasn't lost hope. "I'm thankful my kid has a place to go to school, and look: we've got food in our stomachs," said Santos, whose 5-year-old son Kevin goes to Thomas J. Pappas Elementary School for the homeless in downtown Phoenix.
Program lets high-schoolers help struggling students
One afternoon a week, Ian Arvidson, 15, pedals his bike from Boulder Creek High School to Anthem School. For one hour, the high school sophomore works on basic math, reading and comprehension with second graders in AEA-member Jenny Eckroat's classroom.
Palomino School brings community together with field day
Palomino Elementary School held its fall field day two mornings this short holiday week to get kids moving outside. And though it looked like just a lot of fun, there were other reasons for the day. "It brings the community together with the parents, high school student volunteers and the students," said kindergarten teacher and AEA member Vicky Goldenberg. Students also learn motor skills they couldn't as easily learn in a classroom.
Ex-Union leader's payments axed
Receiver says funds low, Greene 'can stand in line'
Former Union Elementary School District Superintendent Justin Greene resigned in July, but issues regarding his severance agreement still linger.
Southwest Valley school redistricting vote delayed
Unanswered questions are delaying the final vote on whether to unify 14 southwest Valley elementary and high school districts into either three mega K-12 districts or nine larger K-12 districts.
November 20, 2007
http://www.arizonaea.org/blog
General Education
School funding formula outdated
When's the last time you sat down to learn how public schools are funded? You probably know it's related to property taxes and that every election cycle there seems to be a budget-override question on the ballot. But did you know that school funding is really based on a formula hashed out 27 years ago? Things have changed, and the Arizona Business & Education Coalition is now examining the old formula to see if it meets the needs of our 21st century learners.
Locals in the News
UA History Department Helps Tucson USD History Teachers
A grant from the U.S. Department of Education helps improve teaching skills, research strategies and technology integration.
Last year The University of Arizona history department joined with the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) on a three-year project to help middle school teachers teach American history.
Web site allows students to report crime
The Florence Unified School District has embraced a locally run Web site that allows students and the community to anonymously report a school crime or community problem by text messaging or sending an e-mail.
Districts calculate new math requirements
When some East Valley teens bring home their course catalogs in January, they may see a new addition — more math classes.
Protest has administrators seeing red
About 75 Flagstaff Middle School students came to school wearing "gang-related" colors Monday in protest of the school's 4-month-old dress code.
Holbrook School Board OKs Changes To Support Staff, Supervisor Salaries
The Holbrook School District Governing Board on Tuesday approved changes to the support staff and supervisor salaries for this year.
Proposed Graduation Requirements Geared To College Bound Students
The Arizona State Board of Education anticipates formally adopting new high school graduation requirements at its December meeting. According to Joseph City School District Superintendent Hollis Merrell, the key element is a change from 20 to 22 required credits to graduate.
Top ratings for Sahuaro, Rincon/UHS at Band Day
54th Year For Event
Two Tucson high school marching bands earned superior ratings in the Arizona Band Day competition on Saturday at Arizona Stadium. The Rincon/University High School and Sahuaro High School bands were among the nine from around the state to earn the rating. More than 110 band members will travel to New York for an April 20 performance , said AEA member Brian Wolfe, director of bands for Rincon and University high schools.
Certified Salary Schedule Remains Same For Joseph City Schools, Two Changes Considered
After meetings with certified staff members, it was determined that the staff of the Joseph City School District is equally divided on whether to pursue an alternative to the current certified salary schedule.
Fort Huachuca school district explores fiscal options
The governing board of the Fort Huachuca Accommodation School District met Monday in a regular meeting and reviewed a number of options being explored as a result of the Arizona Department of Education’s mandate that it no longer spend federal impact aid monies for maintenance and operations purposes.
Douglas USD to benefit from grant to ASU’s College of Education
Arizona State University’s College of Teacher Education and Leadership has received a $3.19-million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the largest single award realized by the college’s department of special education.
Ray Bradbury speaks at Safford School District
Students, teachers and community members were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime event Thursday as the Gila Valley Arts Council and Graham County libraries brought Ray Bradbury to Safford.
Counseling students continuous endeavor
With nearly 1,000 students in Benson Public Schools, Benson school counselors are consistently busy trying to meet the individual needs of students, said nonmember Pamela Keuter, Benson schools K-6 counselor.
Parent-teacher arts group steps up for Kyrene, Corona
Schools in west Chandler, Tempe and Ahwatukee facing dwindling fine arts budgets are getting increasing support from a group of parents and teachers.
Back from Iraq, soldier talks to first-grade class
The 6-year-olds were excited that a soldier was coming to their class to speak. The soldier is Brian Rasmussen, a relative of their classmate, Austin Rice. Rasmussen graduated Payson High School in 1994 and by February of the next year, the young man who enjoyed Scouting, hunting and the outdoors was in boot camp, where he spent "a lot of time running around and doing push-ups."
Dysart transportation costs rise
The Dysart Unified School District’s transportation system is running well with few complaints, but at about $383,000 over its projected budget.
November 19, 2007
http://www.arizonaea.org/blog
General Education
Espinoza believed Arizona Western College plan had backing
Ousted administrator was caught off guard by no-confidence vote
An ousted administrator says she was led to believe her proposed academic reorganization had wide backing until she was blindsided by a no-confidence vote of faculty members of Arizona Western College.
AEA in the News
Teacher Working Conditions ARE Student Learning Conditions
Public education stakeholders including principals and teachers from more than 20 Arizona school districts came together to discuss results from Arizona’s first Teacher Working Conditions Survey. Results from the survey were released in July of this year with data collected from 32,000 certified classroom teachers, school counselors, and site administrators.
Politics/Politicians
State plans to increase high school graduation requirements
The Arizona Board of Education gave preliminary approval this month to add requirements for high school graduates to receive their diplomas.
Senator speaks to school boards
O'Halleran says state is failing education
State Sen. Tom O'Halleran (Rep) spoke to school board members and administrators Thursday night during a valleywide meeting at Mingus Union High School.
Education chief needs educating on ethnics
Tom Horne, the state superintendent of public instruction, wants to know the costs and content of Tucson Unified School District's ethnic-studies programs. He said it's not an investigation. If it isn't, then what is it? A hunting trip?
Horne meddling in Tucson USD's ethnic studies efforts
Apart from the value students get from cultural focus, these classes are the purview of the district, not the superintendent
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has overstepped by asking for information about the Tucson Unified School District's ethnic studies programs. He wants to know details of funding and about materials used in Mexican-American and African-American studies classes.
Locals in the News
East Valley district weighing worth of trips, films
The Kyrene Elementary School District is questioning whether two school mainstays — movies and field trips — are the best use of classroom time for students under pressure to pass tests and meet standards.
Carnegie is calling
Rincon/University choir will sing, serve during fundraiser
The Rincon/University High School choir is practicing - and fundraising - on the road to Carnegie Hall. The award-winning choirs, under the direction of AEA member Mareena Boosamra Ball, will make their fourth trip to perform in New York - and their third trip to Carnegie Hall - on April 17.
Sahuaro High club spreads goodwill to Iraqi children
Sahuaro High School students have sent 1,920 boxes of school supplies to children in Iraq, becoming informal goodwill ambassadors of Tucson.
Teacher Highlights
Educator knows how to connect with students, teachers
Dawn Koberstein, a math curriculum specialist and AEA member at Frye Elementary School in Chandler, is one of the most energetic and upbeat educators you are ever likely to meet.
November 16, 2007
http://www.arizonaea.org/blog
General Education
Legal administrators sponsor Phoenix Zoo 5K run for education
A fundraising race through the Phoenix Zoo last month raised about $6,000 to benefit three schools with wishes posted on the wishlists.azcentral.com Web site.
16 students arrested during countywide sweep for truants
Sixteen students were arrested Thursday during an unannounced countywide truancy sweep, officials said.
Literacy plan needs more of us to reach goals for all
Literacy is a community issue that encompasses not only education, but also economic development and job growth for all of Tucson.
Consolidation isn't best for poor kids
As a longtime educator, I read with dismay the Oct. 30 editorial, "The case for 'unified.'" Tying performance labels to school redistricting is misleading at best. The fact that Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Paradise Valley and Deer Valley unified (K-12) districts have the most "excelling" and "highly performing schools" and Roosevelt, Cartwright, Isaac and Creighton elementary (K-8) districts have the most "underperforming" or "failing" schools is not a valid rationale for redistricting. It should be noted that only Roosevelt of the above elementary districts has any "failing" schools. The "interesting trend" that is critical to "serious, sober debate and careful, honest answers" requested in the editorial is the difference in socioeconomic level or, stated bluntly, poverty.
AEA in the News
Merger vote riles schools
Reaction was swift: A state unification commission failed to listen to local control.
Politics/Politicians
2 challenges ahead before school redistricting vote
As expected, the state School Redistricting Commission voted Tuesday to put a measure on the November 2008 ballot in Tempe, west Chandler and Ahwatukee that would combine the area's three school districts into one. It's a worthy proposal that could save taxpayers money while eliminating bureaucracy and boosting academic performance. But I don't see voters approving it unless two things happen.
Locals in the News
Sonoran Science recognized by state
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne visited Sonoran Science Academy last week to honor the school for achieving an "excelling" label for the fourth consecutive year.
Queen Creek, school district working through arts center issues
Queen Creek and the Queen Creek Unified School District are hashing out details of a partnership for the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center.
Tucson USD's Davidson Elementary wins 'green' award, saves money
The city's first certified "green" school means much more than saving money and the environment. It's also about teaching kids.
3 Mesa schools could go international
Mesa Public Schools educators want to introduce an international curriculum at Rhodes Junior High and International Baccalaureate programs at Hendrix Junior High and Frost Elementary schools.
2 teens arrested after bomb scare at Tucson school
Two students have been arrested at Canyon de Oro High School on charges of perpetrating a hoax in the form of a bomb scare, authorities said.
EVIT board not representative, lawmaker says
The East Valley Institute of Technology disenfranchises minority voters and under represents other residents in the Southeast Valley, according to one state representative who wants to see a change.
Chandler schools add smoothies to menu
Chandler junior and senior high school students will have a new menu item after the Thanksgiving break that may prove popular: blended fruit smoothies.
Glendale Union hires group for superintendent search
The Glendale Union High School District governing board has enlisted the help of the Arizona School Boards Association to help find its new superintendent.
Voters to decide whether to combine school districts
The Glendale Union, Glendale Elementary and Washington Elementary school districts are one step closer to unification, after a commission studying the issue voted to put the measure before voters.
Deer Valley Unified gives superintendent 3-year contract
McElyea praised for work, gets 3-year pact
For Bill Maas, there was no argument about whether to keep Virginia McElyea as the Deer Valley Unified School District's superintendent.
Washington school board leader abruptly resigns
The president of the Washington Elementary School District governing school board has resigned. Kate McGee's resignation was abrupt and unexpected.
School board wants plan for use of Old Main
Several members of the Peoria Unified school board say they are concerned about the lack of concrete plans for the Old Main building at Peoria High School.
Tesseract reaches halfway point in funding new campus
Tesseract School announced this week that it has reached the halfway mark in its $9 million capital campaign, which will pay for a new campus in northeast Phoenix.
Tempe school districts maintain redistricting stance
Tempe school district officials are saying little but continue to question the benefits of unification in response to the state School District Redistricting Commission's recommendation Tuesday to merge three districts into one.
November 15, 2007
http://www.arizonaea.org/blog
General Education
Death Nail: Will Charter Schools Destroy Inner-City Catholic Schools?
The Education Next article “Can Catholic Schools Be Saved?” asks the provocative question: Will charter schools finish off inner city Catholic private schools? Preliminary evidence suggests that charter schools are actually threatening to help close inner city Catholic schools. A RAND Corporation study focusing on the impact of charter schools in Michigan found that private schools were taking a bigger hit from charter school competition than public schools on a student for student basis. “Private schools will lose one student for every three students gained in the charter schools,” the study concluded.
City schools make modest gains but still behind nation in test scores
Students in selected city schools are making modest gains on math and reading tests, but they continue to lag behind their counterparts nationwide, scores released Thursday show.
AEA in the News
Phoenix regional roundup
Southwest Phoenix
The Arizona Education Association Foundation on Tuesday gave $3,000 to W.R. Sullivan Elementary School to help pay for an innovative reading program.
Politics/Politicians
Debate Brews Over English Immersion Program Study
New research questions Arizona's approach to students who need help learning English, but state officials have taken exception to that research.
Education, state funding lead forum
Education, the state budget and better treatment for residents with disabilities. Those were the main concerns Yuma residents took to their state lawmakers Tuesday night in a community forum at Yuma City Hall.
Congresswoman, astronaut tie knot
Wedding in rural setting has mix of cultures, traditions with an environmental mindset
So how does a nice Jewish girl from Tucson hook up with a guy from New Jersey named Mark Kelly?
Horne seeks info on ethnic studies programs in Tucson USD
TUSD's ethnic studies program has come under the lens of Arizona's education czar.
Locals in the News
Gilbert schools boss lauded for accomplishments
Parents, colleagues and community leaders say that Gilbert Public Schools Superintendent Brad Barrett will be missed when he leaves next June.
Amphi High will host education town hall
Voices for Education, a local parent advocacy group, will host a town hall meeting Saturday to discuss ways to improve education in Arizona. "We want our young people ready by the age of 21, ready for college, ready for work and ready for life," said Robin Hiller, Voices' executive director.
Scottsdale district weighs new graduation requirements
The Scottsdale Unified School District board is taking another look at high school graduation requirements.
Scottsdale class of 2012 to need more academics
Scottsdale students will have to take more academic classes starting with the class of 2012. But exactly what it will take to get a high school diploma, including the fate of a proposal to require all students to take a foreign language, is up in the air.
District takes 2nd look at zero tolerance policy
One alcohol or drug offense and you’re off the team. At least for now. That zero-tolerance policy has been in effect for student athletes in the Scottsdale Unified School District for as long as anyone can remember.
More Gilbert students traveling on foot
It’s noticeable to fifth-grade teacher and AEA member Rudy Cota that more students are walking to Gilbert Elementary School.
Taxpayers can help children attend private schools
For some families, having their children attend private school may not be an option due to the increasing costs of tuition. Arizona taxpayers can help make it more accessible for students to attend private schools through the School Tuition Association of Yuma Inc. (STAY).
Minor injuries in school bus accident
A Prescott Unified School District bus collided with a vehicle along Willow Creek Road at Willow Lake Road during Wednesday morning's rush hour. According to Prescott Police Department Sgt. Clayton Heath, the collision caused very minor injuries and police are not sure at this time who is at fault.
ASBA Will Direct Search For Snowflake/Taylor Schools Superintendent
Members of the Snowflake School District Governing Board have made it clear they would like to keep Monte Silk as the district’s superintendent, but they have accepted his resignation and have begun the process of searching for a new top administrator.
Snowflake School Board Seeks Its Options Before Deciding On Additional Classrooms
A presentation regarding the request for qualifications (RFQ) for architectural and engineering services for the construction of a classroom was presented to the Snowflake School District Governing Board Nov. 9 by Tim Brand, senior program manager for PinnacleOne.
Joseph City Voters Approve $5.1 Million School Bond
The Joseph City School District was successful in its request for approval of a $5.1 million bond pro-posal, with nearly 85 percent of the voter turnout Nov. 6 in favor of the measure. The final count was 146 for the bond and 26 against it, for a total of 169 voters.
Palominas district on list to vote on change
Voters in dozens of elementary school districts — including Palominas — will decide next year whether they’re willing to become part of something larger.
School board differs on whether to sell buildings
In the first report of the evening, superintendent Karl Uterhardt stated that the 81 percent “Yes” vote on Nov. 6 to allow the Tombstone schools governing board to pursue sale or lease of school property showed voter confidence in the board and “support for everything we’re trying to do.”
School subcommittee to meet Friday
The subcommittee of the Sierra Vista public schools governing board that reviews policy changes will meet at noon on Friday to go over possible changes to the district’s policy manual.
Douglas USD contracts Search Solutions to help look for next school superintendent
Turnout was light during an open meeting to discuss needs and wants of the new Douglas Unified School District superintendent during part of an all-day fact-finding trip by Search Solutions.
Joint school boards to meet Thursday
All area public school district governing boards and superintendents will meet in joint session Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Mingus Union High School. The joint session usually includes Mingus Union, Clarkdale-Jerome, Cottonwood-Oak Creek, Beaver Creek, Camp Verde, Sedona-Oak Creek and the Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education districts.
Pima High School honors veterans
Pima High School honored our nation’s local veterans with a magnificent feast provided by its advanced culinary class Friday.
Thatcher High Veterans Day program stresses citizenship
Preserving the rights and freedoms of the American people requires more than military strength and winning wars, Thatcher High School students learned Thursday.
Vulture Peak school seeking boxtops
At Vulture Peak Middle Schools’ Leadership Team meeting it was decided to participate in the Boxtops for Education program and to have a contest to encourage participation.
District’s new ‘Festival Foothills’ school holds open house, tour
The public is invited to attend a preview and open enrollment event at the new Festival Foothills Elementary School in Buckeye from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28. The new school is opening in the growing Wickenburg Unified School District and will serve kindergarten through fifth grade students starting Jan. 7.
Principal addresses MRSA issue
Wickenburg High School Principal Jacquelyn Nelson addressed the recent MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) occurrence at the high school.
Community can help in search for new school superintendent
The Willcox School District has begun the process to hire a new superintendent and the public is invited to help.
Override failure ‘huge blow,’ Johnston says
With 1,350 votes cast, 32 votes stood between the renewal of Glendale Elementary School District’s 10 percent annual maintenance and operations override in the Nov. 6 special election.
Glendale UHSD officials laud achievement at annual study session
Glendale Union High School District’s Nov. 7 student achievement study session was a song and dance show literally.
Recall targets three on Oracle school board
Residents in the Oracle Elementary School District are seeking a recall election to oust three members of the governing board.
Meet School Board President Jim Coulter
The Vail School District Governing Board is comprised of five members: President Jim Coulter, Clerk Margaret Burkholder, Deb
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