by Staff Reporter | Feb 28, 2025 | Education, News
By Staff Reporter |
The average eighth grader in Arizona has the lowest reading scores on record, and about the same mathematics scores as nearly 30 years ago.
The Nation’s Report Card (NCR) 2024 Reading State Snapshot Report showed that Arizona’s average scores for eighth grade students declined to 254, the lowest point on record over the past three decades.
Data reveals that gains made by fourth graders in math and reading in recent decades were undone or reduced in the last few years, and by the time the student hit the eighth grade they were at the same level or declining past historic average scoring across both math and reading.
Average reading scores were 208 for fourth graders and 254 for eighth graders.
Fourth graders improved their average reading scores slightly based on records dating back to 1998, matching the national trend of slight improvements to average reading scores before a steep decline the last few years. However, eighth graders have generally declined in their average reading scores based on records dating back to 1998, much aligned with the national trend of average scores.
For eighth grade reading, Arizona was lower than those in 18 states or jurisdictions, not significantly different from those in 28 states or jurisdictions, and higher than those in five states or jurisdictions.
NCR also found that black and Hispanic students in Arizona had average reading scores double digits lower than their white peers: 30 and 22 points, respectively. Neither of these disparities were determined to be “significantly different” from those retrieved nearly 30 years ago (21 and 25 points, respectively). Male Arizona students scored on average 11 points less than their female peers. Students identified as economically disadvantaged averaged 21 points lower in their scoring, again determined to be not statistically different from nearly 30 years ago (23 points).
Average mathematics scores were 232 for fourth graders and 270 for eighth graders.
Fourth graders improved in their average math scores based on records dating back to 2000, matching the national trend of improved average math scores. However, eighth graders declined their average math scores in recent years based on records dating back to 2000, matching the national trend of some improvements around the early 2010s before a steep decline in recent years.
For eighth grade math, Arizona’s average score was lower than those in 24 states or jurisdictions, higher than those in seven states or jurisdictions, and not significantly different from those in 20 states or jurisdictions.
NCR reported that black and Hispanic students in Arizona had average reading scores double digits lower than their white peers: both 32 points, respectively. Neither of these disparities were determined to be “significantly different” from those retrieved a little over 20 years ago (37 and 33 points, respectively). Male Arizona students scored on average six points higher than their female peers. Students identified as economically disadvantaged averaged 33 points lower in their scoring, again determined to be not statistically different from nearly 30 years ago (28 points).
The last science scores gathered date back to 2015, and the last writing scores date back to 2007.
Sandra Christensen, board member with the Paradise Valley Unified School District (PVUSD), claimed the decline in scores was because districts weren’t prioritizing academic excellence or student safety.
“We can no longer afford to govern districts like we did 10 years ago. Our students deserve better!” said Christensen. “We MUST focus on academic excellence and student safety. As a constitutional republic, elected officials report to you! Wake up and stop electing ‘get along to go along’ politicians that don’t listen to your voice!”
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by Daniel Stefanski | Feb 26, 2025 | Education, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
One chamber of the Arizona Legislature just passed legislation to protect kids’ meals at schools.
On Monday, the Arizona House of Representatives passed HB 2164, that, if enacted, would “ban ultra-processed foods containing harmful additives from being served in public school meals.” The proposal was sponsored by State Representative Leo Biasiucci.
The bill passed out of the full House chamber with a 59-0 vote (one member not voting).
In a statement accompanying the announcement of the bill’s progress, Biasiucci said, “Our kids deserve better than artificial dyes and cheap fillers in their meals. Parents should know that when their children eat at school, they are getting real, nutritious food – not the kind of processed junk that’s banned in other countries. This is common sense, and I’m proud that my colleagues came together to pass this important bill.”
Biasiucci added, “This is a public health issued. We now have overwhelming evidence that these chemicals can contribute to everything from hyperactivity to increased cancer risk – yet they remain in school meals. We hope to end that today.”
According to the press release from the Arizona House of Representatives, the bill would “prohibit the sale or serving of school foods that contain potassium bromate, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, propylparaben, and synthetic food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 – several of which are already restricted or banned in Europe due to harmful effects on children’s health.”
Earlier this month, the legislation was approved by the Arizona House Committee on Education with a 10-0 vote (one member was absent, and one voted ‘present’).
On the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, representatives from the Arizona Association of County School Superintendents, Arizona Public Interest Research Group, indicated their groups’ support for the bill; while representatives from Save Our Schools Arizona and Consumer Brands Association, signed in to oppose the proposal. Representatives from the Arizona Food Bank Network, Arizona School Administrators, Arizona Education Association, and Arizona School Boards Association, noted their organizations’ neutrality on the bills.
HB 2164 will now head to the Arizona Senate for consideration.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Feb 26, 2025 | Education, News
By Staff Reporter |
A majority of the Arizona State Board of Education (ASBE) members are serving on expired terms. Governor Katie Hobbs’ office has yet to replace them, but now she’s targeting one member in particular with an historically strong advocacy for school choice.
Board members serve a four-year term under gubernatorial appointment with State Senate consent.
Six of the 11 members on the board are serving on expired terms. The board also has one vacancy, making it six of 10 existing members to be serving on expired terms.
The terms for Jason Catanese and Vice President Dr. Scott Hagerman expired last January. The terms for President Katherine Haley, Jenny Clark, Dr. Daniel Corr, and Julia Meyerson expired last month.
It appears that Clark and her expired term came on Hobbs’ radar with the signing of the Phoenix Declaration: An American Vision for Education from the conservative think tank, Heritage Foundation, last week during its Conservative Vision of Education Conference in Phoenix. The declaration advocates for school choice, curriculum transparency, ideology-free classrooms, Western and Judeo-Christian education, character-based learning models, merit-based academic standards, and a greater emphasis on civics education.
10 educational and public interest groups, along with over 50 scholars and education policy experts, signed onto the declaration. Clark signed on with the organization she founded, Love Your School.
Following this development, Hobbs’ office called on Clark to resign last Wednesday. When Clark refused, Hobbs’ staff allegedly advised of a letter to arrive last Friday confirming Clark’s term ending. Clark claimed she had received no such letter as of Monday.
“Honestly, I’m surprised @GovernorHobbs didn’t remove me when she took office (which was fully within her abilities as Governor). Clearly, the 9th floor has been struggling the last couple of years!” said Clark. “I’ve enjoyed advocating for all students (including Arizona ESA families) while on the board, and I know the current board has a significant task ahead with the absolute CRISIS in math and reading AZ public schools are facing with the latest NAEP scores. I look forward to seeing the timely, aggressive, and student-centered approach they will take regarding this crisis.”
One of Hobbs’ main campaign promises was to eradicate the universality of the school choice program implemented by her predecessor, Republican Doug Ducey, in 2022.
Over the course of her two-year-long fight with the Republican-controlled legislature, Hobbs scaled back her original goal of undoing the universality of the state’s school choice model.
This year, Hobbs is vying for a budget proposal slashing funds to the states Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) Program. Hobbs proposed graduated income limits, with a restriction to household incomes at or above $200,000.
House Speaker Steve Montenegro indicated in statements to the press that this budget was a nonstarter for Republicans.
“While we share a commitment to improving the lives of Arizonans, the Governor’s budget proposal as presented raises concerns about parental choice, fiscal responsibility, public safety, economic growth, and the undue burdens it places on the backs of taxpayers,” said Montenegro.
Nearly 86,500 students have entered the ESA Program as of Monday.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Feb 24, 2025 | Education, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
The Arizona Legislature is taking a stand against antisemitism.
Last, the Arizona House Education Committee approved HB 2867, the Antisemitism in Education Act, which would “prohibit Arizona’s public schools and state agencies from promoting antisemitic conduct or rhetoric and establish strict penalties for violations.” HB 2867 was sponsored by State Representative Michael Way.
The legislation was approved with a bipartisan vote of 8-4. One Democrat joined seven Republicans to support the bill.
According to information shared by the Arizona House Republicans, the proposal would “enforce clear prohibitions on using taxpayer dollars to fund antisemitic curricula or activities, ensure accountability for individuals and institutions that violate these protections, and empower students, parents, and educators to report violations.” The bill additionally “aligns with the internationally recognized IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, which the U.S. State Department has adopted as the standard for identifying and addressing antisemitic conduct.”
In a statement that accompanied the announcement of the bill’s progress, Representative Way said, “Our schools should be places of learning, not breeding grounds for hatred and discrimination. Arizona has zero tolerance for antisemitism, and this bill ensures that our classrooms are free from the toxic ideology that fuels division and hostility. No teacher, administrator, or student should be forced to endorse or participate in any form of antisemitic conduct. This legislation sends a clear message – there will be consequences for those who violate these fundamental principles.”
Way added, “House Republicans are leading with action, not lip service. We’re committed to protecting students and teachers from the kind of coercion and discrimination that have no place in Arizona’s classrooms. We will uphold American values – freedom, fairness, and safety. I’m proud to see this bill advance and look forward to its passage in the full House.”
On the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, representatives from the Arizona Education Association, American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, Save Our Schools Arizona, Arizona National Organization for Women (NOW), and CHISPA ARIZONA – A Program of League of Conservation Voters, signed in to oppose the bill.
HB 2867 will now be considered by the full Arizona House of Representatives in the near future.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Feb 23, 2025 | Education, News
By Matthew Holloway |
In a letter issued to all schools and school board members in Maricopa County, Maricopa County School Superintendent Shelli Boggs gave notice that they are legally obligated to conform to an Executive Order from President Donald Trump ending illegal Diversity Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
Within the letter, Boggs detailed a series of specific steps that all schools must now take to erase the illegal DEI-based hiring, training, and curricular practices that stand in violation of federal law. According to a press release from Maricopa County Schools, Boggs emphasized that while the Superintendent lacks jurisdiction to directly enforce compliance upon the schools, it strongly encourages that they do so in order to “restore education to its core mission.”
“DEI programs have been used as a tool to divide students, teachers, and parents rather than foster true unity and equal opportunity,” Superintendent Boggs said. “Schools should be places of learning, not ideological indoctrination. Education must return to its fundamental purpose—teaching students the skills they need to succeed—not promoting political agendas that undermine academic excellence.”
The release continued, “One of the most critical responsibilities of this office is the appointment of school board members, who share the authority to set policies within school districts. Under Boggs’ administration, appointees must be committed to meritocracy and academic excellence over politics. Schools should reward hard work and achievement, not lower standards in the name of equity. Education should empower students with knowledge, critical thinking, and opportunity—not divide them by race, gender, or political ideology.”
The Superintendent’s letter also informed school administrators that the county will be monitoring their compliance and has offered resources to assist with the transition away from DEI policies. Superintendent Boggs restated a “commitment to ensuring that all students receive a high-quality, merit-based education free from politically driven programs that promote division.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Staff Reporter | Feb 19, 2025 | Education, News
By Staff Reporter |
Parents within the Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) raised concerns over compliance with the Trump administration’s directive to end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Last Friday — Valentine’s Day — the U.S. Department of Education (ED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) sent a letter to the Arizona Department of Education (AZED), along with the departments of education in the remaining 49 states, ordering an end to DEI in all public schools, from K-12 to higher education. The deadline for compliance is Feb. 28, 2025.
Additionally, ED opened an OCR complaint line to report unlawful discrimination within public schools based on its letter. ED characterized DEI as unlawful discrimination.
“Educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon ‘systemic and structural racism’ and advanced discriminatory policies and practices. Proponents of these discriminatory practices have attempted to further justify them—particularly during the last four years—under the banner of ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (‘DEI’), smuggling racial stereotypes and explicit race-consciousness into everyday training, programming, and discipline,” stated ED. “But under any banner, discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin is, has been, and will continue to be illegal.”
Arizona Women of Action (AWA) expressed concerns over DVUSD’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and Portrait of a Graduate.
“As good as they may sound, MTSS and Portrait of a Graduate are problematic and often incorporate DEI,” stated AWA.
In an X post over the weekend, DVUSD candidate Tiffany Hawkins said she had yet to hear from district leadership about their plan to address the DEI eradication directive. Their next board meeting is next Tuesday.
MTSS and Portrait of a Graduate are two subcomponents within the DVUSD Strategic Plan for 2023-2028’s “Excellence in Student Learning” component.
The MTSS component relies in part on a “campus equity flowchart,” which is no longer available.
Paradise Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) governing board member Sandra Christensen indicated parental concern over DEI eradication compliance in other districts as well.
“We all do [need to comply],” said Christensen. “Districts need to address this.”
DEI ideology hasn’t been stripped immediately from DVUSD’s website — the ideology remains.
The district’s Gifted Services parent portal page includes a section on “Culturally Fair and Inclusive Practices in Serving Gifted Populations” which illustrates its claims of DEI using the oft-employed “Reality-Equality-Equity-Justice” cartoon depicting fans attempting to watch a sports game from different vantage points over a fence.
“The identification and dismantling of barriers must be included as part of the definition of equity since the road to identification for gifted services contains several barriers for [Culturally, Linguistically, and Economically Diverse,] CLED students,” stated the webpage. “Gifted characteristics manifest themselves differently in CLED students — some may even appear as negative characteristics[….] Various gaps (which include cultural perception, beliefs, opportunity, etc.) of CLED students and teacher perceptions or stereotypes of giftedness.”
The district claimed barriers included the exclusion of CLED parents due to their ignorance of the gifted services program, educators’ inability to recognize gifted characteristics in CLED students, CLED parents’ reticence to access gift services due to an inability to complete referral forms, and inherent bias against CLED students within assessments or use of national norms.
The Gifted Parent Portal also included Social and Emotional Learning resources.
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