Forum on PCC open enrollment question Wednesday, 6pm

by David Safier I don't like the current proposals to change the PCC open enrollment policy, but I also have to admit, I don't understand the issue as well as I should. I — and you — can learn more tonight (Wednesday), 6pm, at Sunnyside High. Councilmember Richard Fimbres, Regina Romero and Vice Mayor Karen … Read more

Student loan defaults are up. AZ leads the nation.

by David Safier More students are defaulting on loans across the country. For-profit colleges lead all others in the percentage of students defaulting. And Arizona leads the nation in defaults, probably because we're the home of for-profit giant, University of Phoenix. I've read three articles in the past few days, each of which adds something … Read more

Brewer’s repsonse to school children: Let them eat websites!

by David Safier Gov. Brewer has a solution to Arizona's education problem. Will she use the recent tax surplus to hire more teachers? No, don't be silly. She decided to create a website: Arizona Ready. I'm sure our school children will be happy to have a brand new virtual textbook to add to their class … Read more

Texas district schools “mimic” charters . . . by spending more money

by David Safier Some of Houston's district schools are looking to emulate effective strategies of charters, which include longer school days, a longer school calendar and tutors to help struggling students. Nine Houston elementary schools adopted the "reforms." The pricetag? $19 million for the year. See, you have to pay teachers more if you want … Read more

Rothschild answers Star on education issue

by David Safier The Star took both mayoral candidates to task in a Sunday editorial, saying they don't understand the nature of the job they're applying for. The editorial went after Jonathan Rothschild for daring to say he wanted to be involved in the educational climate in Tucson. As for Rothschild's education agenda, city government … Read more