Gov. Jan Brewer called Monday for Arizona to make performance part of the formula that allocates school funding.
“Together, let’s stop simply funding the system we have and start funding the student achievement we want,” Brewer said during her State of the State address that opened the 2013 legislative session.
While not offering specifics, Brewer said her plan would reward schools that achieve high marks or see improvements in performance. She said it would augment the traditional attendance-based funding formula to improve school performance while maintaining local control.
Education was a big part of an address that also had Brewer calling for increased funding for Child Protective Services and simplifying the state’s sales tax system for businesses and saying she supports expanding the state’s Medicaid system under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Saying schools must keep pace with the demands of global competition, Brewer said Arizona has taken a big step toward that by adopting Common Core Standards that must be fully implemented by next school year.
A key to that change is accountability, she said.
“If Arizona schools aren’t doing the job, we’ll know about it. And so will the parents,” Brewer said.
The governor said the budget she will send lawmakers will help schools make the new standards work.
“Of course it’s not enough to install a new curriculum, raise standards and hope for the best,” she said. “I’m committed to making schools and teachers make this transition a success.”
Brewer said the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., makes it important for state leaders to take “common-sense steps” while resisting the urge to turn schools into fortresses. She said her budget would expand funding for school resource officers.
“Let’s come together for the safety of our schools, allowing our teachers and children to focus on what’s most important: learning,” she said.
Earlier in the address she reiterated her support for gun rights.
Rep. Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix, the House minority leader, said afterward that he was “encouraged” by Brewer’s comments on school safety. He released a plan last week that also called for more school resource officers.
However, both Campbell and Sen. Leah Landrum Taylor, D-Phoenix, the Senate minority leader, said curbing gun violence will require increased funding for mental health services.
“Quite frankly, I don’t see having a true conversation about making sure we have school safety and safety in generally without making sure that we touch upon mental health,” Landrum Taylor said.
Pearl Chang Esau, president and CEO of Expect More Arizona, an education advocacy group, agreed with governor that the Common Core Standards will help improve Arizona schools. She said she is confident that Brewer’s budget will provide the necessary financial support.
“We fully expect to see resources … in order to allow a successful transition to the new standards,” she said.
tularockstar posted at 2:49 pm on Wed, Jan 16, 2013.
Governor Brewer is right! Why are we keeping teachers who don't care about their job or not performing? American public education has declined drastically in the past 25 years, and we need to do some thing--instead of allowing ourselves to be bullied by the teachers Union! Enough! Our schools are no longer teaching kids, but more like babysitting them! Big unions and special interest groups are now indoctrinating our kids with their own liberal ideologies, instead of teaching the facts! One can only hope that we still value our kids as future leaders to take our country forward.
samkat posted at 5:37 pm on Wed, Jan 16, 2013.
I will concur when she makes charter schools follow the same rules.
mesateacher posted at 6:05 pm on Wed, Jan 16, 2013.
Oh, yeah, this is a great idea -- not! All you supporters: I want you to step and explain, in clear, unambiguous detail just how this is done. The measure will without doubt be based on two areas: math and English. Where does the band director, the PE coach, the home ec teacher fit in? What is their responsibility? Then, can you do anything to guarantee that the students coming to a low-income area school are prepared, ready and as eager to learn as their counterparts at students in high-income areas? No you can't. All tests scores tell you is where the rich kids live. This is a stupid, stupid idea. Jeez I'm glad I'm retired.
Mike McClellan posted at 6:12 pm on Wed, Jan 16, 2013.
mesateacher's right on -- if she really wants to do this, only elementary teachers and secondary English and math teachers should be eligible for the moolah. And if she doesn't do this right, only the rich kids' schools will get the money.
I taught at a school that was, at one time, a "rich kids' school" -- our kids always did well on every measure. But the school changed as the neighborhood changed. And scores dropped, even though the teachers' efforts hadn't changed.
So if by some miracle Brewer comes up with a plausible plan, it better focus on growth and not on just the scores.
But if we really want to do this right, dump the bad teachers -- get rid of tenure and ensure that good teachers can't be canned by vindictive principals -- and pay all teachers better. And consider paying an incentive to the best teachers working at the most difficult schools.
Bluepoet posted at 10:50 am on Thu, Jan 17, 2013.
Mike, you want not only specifics, but a comprehensive plan with a goal? Are you totally mad?! [rolleyes]
Heck, for now, I'm simply glad the rhetoric is there...that, at least, is a starting point.