The Floridation of Arizona Education: a “tapestry” of reforms

by David Safier This is my fourth post about the "Florida Education Miracle" which Arizona Republican legislators are hoping to duplicate here with a few selective bills — most notably, one that holds students back in the 3rd grade if their reading scores are low. This Floridation of Arizona Education is being pushed by the … Read more

And speaking of Civics Tests . . .

by David Safier AZ Blue Meanie was right to tear into Tom Tancredo for his blatantly racist suggestion that we need civics and literacy tests for voters. People who don't see the latent — and not-so-latent — strain of racism among tea partiers and many others in the anti-Obama movement just don't want to see … Read more

Cigarettes for the poor: No. Religious schools for the rich: Yes

by David Safier Craig already posted about this, but it's mouth-dropping enough, it deserves a second look. "The Welfare Queen" stereotype is back, courtesy of Southern Arizonans like Antenori, Melvin, Gowan and Stevens as well as some of the Maricopa madmen who've taught our local legislators all they know. They've written a bill saying if … Read more

Incredible

by David Safier Cut adult education programs, including the GED. Allow university faculty to carry concealed weapons on campus (I guess that one doesn't cost the state any money, so it must be a good idea). Stewart and Colbert must be storing all this stuff up to put together a one hour special on Arizona. … Read more

Abstinence sex ed back on the table?

by David Safier Until now, most studies have concluded that abstinence-only sex education is both ineffective and potentially harmful. But a new study may add more value to abstinence education. And being a member of the fact-based community, I'm always willing to reconsider my previously held notions. This one study is far from conclusive, but … Read more