Arizona Schools

The biggest drop was in math proficiency, which is down by an estimated 11% across all grade levels.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey this week signed legislation that will mandate a moment of silence before the beginning of each school day.

A House panel has approved a major overhaul of large parts of Arizona’s K-12 school funding formula. The proposal from Republican Rep. Michelle Udall was approved Monday in the appropriations committee with backing by a school choice group.

The Governing Board of Flagstaff Unified School District has voted to amend its face mask requirement. After Spring Break, district officials say they will encourage, but not require individuals, to wear face masks on school property.

The Flagstaff and Williams Unified School Districts have decided to cancel all classes Wednesday, February 23, 2022, due to a powerful winter storm expected to drop nearly a foot of snow across the region. The closures also apply to before and after-school programs, as well as food services.

Schools will exceed the spending limit on March 1 and will need to immediately plan for cutbacks that would include closures or layoffs if the Legislature does not act.

Republicans in the Arizona House have approved a measure that will ask voters to amend the state constitution to ban the teaching of critical race theory in schools and bar any preferential treatment based on race.

The Arizona House has given initial approval to Republican-backed bills loosening the state’s gun laws. A bill approved on Thursday allows guns in libraries and many other public buildings. Another allows loaded firearms in vehicles on schools grounds.

The Arizona Senate has approved a massive expansion of the state’s school voucher system. The contentious proposal was approved on a 16-12 vote with no Democratic backing on Wednesday.

The largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world is offering grants to two Arizona elementary schools to start learning gardens. The Dole Food Company is accepting applications to nominate K-5 schools for the grants.