Arizona Ready grew out of a two-year process to compete against all the other states for large Federal innovation grants in education. While the state of Arizona fell just 5 points (out of 500) short of winning, the plan we developed was too good to simply let die.
Governor Jan Brewer asked the P-20 Coordinating Council (now known as the Arizona Ready Education Council), the same group of professionals who created the original proposal, to transform it into a plan.
Arizona Ready is committed to carrying out that plan and achieving our goals by 2020.
March 2010
- Arizona Department of Education joins 25-state consortium to develop a new rigorous assessment system.
June 2010
- State Board of Education adopts internationally benchmarked, rigorous college and career standards with implementation starting in 2011 and completion expected in 2014.
Legislature 2010 Session
- Changes the school rating system to A-F for schools and districts making it easier for parents, students and stakeholders to understand how well schools are performing. Will also report Excelling through Failing labels until 2013.
- Requires State Board of Education to develop a model evaluation system framework for both teachers and principals by December 2011. New system to be implemented by school year 2012/2013.
- Provides students with the capability to “move on when ready”. Creates an optional “Grand Canyon Diploma” that students obtain by passing rigorous college-level mathematics and English board examinations. Districts/schools may choose to offer a Grand Canyon Diploma beginning in the 2012/2013 school year.
- Prohibits the promotion of a third grade student whose AIMS reading score falls far below the third grade level without a good cause exemption. Begins in 2013/2014 school year.
Our intention is nothing less than implementing this roadmap to improve Arizona’s education system and ensure its students are prepared for the 21st century.