Horne: We’ll tell you when it’s time to panic

by David SafierYou know that sitcom line? "Take it easy, Sally, this is no time to panic . . . OK, now it's time to panic." Ed Supe Tom Horne must think he's ready for prime time. Arizona's schools chief is telling districts not to go overboard in cutting their budgets, saying it's not the … Read more

Deconstructing AZ Republican education talking points

by David SafierArizona Republican legislators need to convince us things aren't as bad in our funding of Arizona K-12 public schools as we think know they are. It's tough to argue for more cuts if everyone is convinced the schools are underfunded already. Riding to the rescue is Javan Mesnard, the Senate Republican Staff Policy … Read more

Student photo gallery is real education

by David Safier My last post spooked me, so here's something on a far more positive note. Amphi High opened Gallery 125, a photo gallery, in the lobby of its Performing Arts Center. As you can see at right, these are carefully mounted and framed, beautifully displayed photos. Gallery 125 is a culmination of two … Read more

Arne Duncan gets tough — next time

by David SafierNow that stimulus money for education is being doled out, Ed Sec Arne Duncan is giving states a preview of what it will take to get more money next year: data about performance. Things like: State test scores side by side with National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) scores. This could cause some … Read more

I like hearing stuff like this

by David SafierIn today's Star, there's a story about City High School students helping out the family of a recent graduate whose family has a combination of financial and health problems. They did some yard work and trash hauling at a mobile home the family is moving into, and they presented the family with a … Read more