Four Cornerstones of Reform

Education Reform

Education has always been a top priority for Governor Brewer, and as such, she believes an educated, skilled workforce is essential to the Arizona economy.

Arizona's new education plan was developed by my P-20 Education Council, with statewide input and support from educators, business leaders and community organizations. This plan places power in the hands of parents. It instills yearly benchmarks that will put Arizona on the path to achieve specific goals by 2020, including:

  • Improving our high school graduation rate to 93%, from a starting point of 75%;
  • Enabling at least 94% of third graders to meet State reading standards, in contrast to our baseline of just 69%; and
  • Doubling the number of college students who com­plete their studies and receive a four-year degree.

    • Arizona’s reform plan for education is about expecting more from our children, our schools and ourselves. Children will learn if we expect them to - and we expect them to learn in Arizona.

    Data System Replacement

    • The State's education da­ta system is being replaced to ensure that resources follow success, and to reward schools and colleges for graduating students instead of just enrolling them. Arizona’s new data system will bring improved transparency and accountability to education by accurately reporting the per­formance of students, teachers and schools across the State.

    Enhancing the Role of Parents

    • Active involvement of parents is one of the keystones of academic success. Better information from the new data system will allow for improved decision-making by parents seeking a safe and effective learning environment.

      Arizona leads the nation in school choice. During the next four years we will enhance parental rights to enroll their child in a district school, charter school, pri­vate school or home school. We believe every child deserves to have an education tailored to meet their needs. Nobody knows those needs better than a parent.

    Higher Education Reform

    • Our colleges and univer­sities are a key asset for economic growth and social improvement. Unfortunately, the prevailing cost structure of higher education is not sustainable and must be rebuilt. There must be more options than simply raising tui­tion or eliminating programs. The Governor is committed, along with the Arizona Board of Regents, to providing additional cost-effective alternatives to the traditional, four-year degree.