Mo’ (unaccountable) money, mo’ problems: Studies show that larger voucher programs yield even more negative results. This doesn’t bode well for Arizona, which is now saddled with the most expansive (and least accountable) voucher program in the entire nation. Professor Josh Cowen just released a new report on ESA voucher impacts through The Brookings Institution, and the results are astounding:
Research on vouchers suggests that even with new schools opening, there simply are not enough accredited, effective private schools to serve students. This likely explains vouchers’ dismal academic results over the last decade — and suggests a very real risk with Arizona’s universal ESA voucher program.
Are you ready to learn more and harness your power to be a parent advocate? Join us for any one of these dates to hear our BRAND NEW, short, engaging presentation for parents about how schools are funded, why PTOs and PTAs have to do so much fundraising, and what we can do about it! Sign up HERE:
Sierra Vista Rural Action Summit – Next Saturday, August 26th – Register here!
Yuma Rural Action Summit – November 4 – Mark “Going” HERE!
Celebration of Arizona’s Public Schools
Fundraiser at the Arizona Science Center
Saturday, September 23, 5:30pm
Get your tickets HERE!
When we say “MUST LISTEN,” we mean it! Tune in as SOSAZ takes on the extremist hate group Moms for Liberty in this 2-part series. We call out the false narratives around so-called “education freedom” and debunk their misleading stance on school vouchers.
Our Director wipes the floor and shows Moms for Liberty the door. You can listen to Part 1 here: bit.ly/SOSAZvM4L & Part 2 here: bit.ly/SOSAZvM4L2.
We are in a battle for the future of public education — and the future of our democracy. The battleground starts HERE in Arizona, and Save Our Schools Arizona is on the front lines, pushing back against the lies.
Bottom line, Moms for Liberty can take their hateful anti-public school rhetoric, culture wars, and universal vouchers sold under the guise of “school choice” right out of our state. We’re not taking it!
BUSTED: Superintendent Tom Horne’s Arizona Department of Education is spending $600,000+ of our taxpayer dollars on TV, radio, and social media ads promoting private school vouchers. Last we checked, Horne is Superintendent of Public Instruction — and therefore should be spending state dollars on public instruction, not pushing families towards unaccountable private voucher options.
What else is Mr. Horne up to? This week, he’s been fighting to block kids from playing sports with their friends and threatening public schools that offer dual-language models for students learning English.
Attacks on Trans Youth. On Monday, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Horne’s attempt to block two transgender girls from playing on their school’s sports teams. Horne is currently in court defending a 2022 law that bans transgender students from competing on the team that matches their gender identity after Attorney General Kris Mayes declined the case. On Thursday, Horne doubled down, issuing a press release instructing schools to ignore the court ruling.
Attacks on Bilingual Learners. Supt. Horne is feuding with Attorney General Mayes over whether Arizona schools can use dual-language models. Last month, Mayes issued an opinion that Horne had no authority to punish schools using dual-language instruction (since the State Board of Education had approved it) and that parents did not need to sign the waivers Horne was demanding for their children to participate in dual-language instruction. Horne fired back that he felt the Attorney General was incorrect, announced he had no plans to stop requiring the waivers, and threatened legal action and loss of funding against schools that failed to comply.
Perhaps Supt. Horne seems unaware he’s no longer the Attorney General and that he must defer to AG Mayes’ legal opinions. But it’s painfully obvious that he must — and painfully obvious that Horne’s fight to reverse course on dual-language instruction would be moving Arizona students in the wrong direction.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it a million times more — money matters for K-12 education! It matters in a big way. Every dollar invested in local public schools unlocks a better future for a child, helps families and the local community, and improves the state economy. K-12 education is dollar for dollar the absolute best investment a state can make.
Mississippi schools have been in the news this year because their student achievement is skyrocketing. In fact, their success is being hailed nationally as the “Mississippi Miracle” – dramatic improvements in Mississippi’s national ranking in 4th grade reading.
What’s the cause of this great success? It’s not vouchers (MS only has one tiny voucher program for students with special needs), and it’s not charters (which serve only about 0.6% of students). It’s funding.
According to the Mississippi Parents Campaign, increased funding has led to teacher pay raises, increased student supports, and adequate resources that directly correlate to student success.
When we elect a pro-public education legislature in Arizona, we too will see the direct results of fully funding our incredible public schools. 🔥 Fuel our fight at sosarizona.org/donate!
Your voice matters. A simple phone call or email to your lawmaker asking them to prioritize funding for schools and responsible policies for education goes a long way. In order for Arizona to move forward and thrive, these critical discussions need to take place. Find your legislative district here. Email and phone information for your representatives is here and your senator is here.
Check out some incredible pictures and stories from across the state that make us #PublicSchoolProud!
In Sedona-Oak Creek Unified School District, Mrs. Johnson’s 3rd-grade class put their science and math skills to use by making applesauce and measuring the peels. Students also practiced their exposition skills by writing short pieces explaining the applesauce-making process.
Tempe Elementary School District’s Kindergarten Prep program is in full swing. Young learners at Rover Elementary spent a recent class learning about patterns by matching things in the garden to shapes on their papers.
Congratulations to Molly Goldsberry for starting her 50th year teaching at Le Pera Elementary School, as well as being named Teacher of the Year by VFW Post 7061. Mrs. Goldsberry has taught the 2nd and 3rd graders of Poston, Arizona since 1974, and plans to keep teaching as long as she can.
Know an incredible Arizona teacher, staff member or school leader? Nominate them for our Public Education Champions award today at bit.ly/CAPSaward. Awards will be given out at the Celebration of AZ’s Public Schools on Sept. 23 — don’t forget to buy your tickets @ bit.ly/SOSAZtix
Are you ready to learn more and harness your power to be a parent advocate? Join us for any one of these dates to hear our BRAND NEW, short, engaging presentation for parents about how schools are funded, why PTOs and PTAs have to do so much fundraising, and what we can do about it! Sign up HERE:
Sierra Vista Rural Action Summit – Next Saturday, August 26th – Register here!
Make sure you’re signed up for our important text alerts. We won’t text you often, only when it’s really important! Click on bit.ly/JOINSOS or text JOINSOS to (520) 779-4568.
Don’t forget to join us on social media. Pick your favorite(s) and join us for fun, engaging content!! This is where we post important updates, key news articles, and informative graphics and videos you can’t get anywhere else.
Make sure you’re signed up for our important text alerts. We won’t text you often, only when it’s really important! Click on bit.ly/JOINSOS or text JOINSOS to (520) 779-4568.
Don’t forget to join us on social media. Pick your favorite(s) and join us for fun, engaging content!! This is where we post important updates, key news articles, and informative graphics and videos you can’t get anywhere else.
AZ Loves Public Schools Car Magnets & Yard Signs!
Be the first to order HERE!
Note: Yard signs are currently available only in Maricopa, Pima, and Yavapai Counties where our field team can personally deliver. Check back for more counties soon!
Order AZ Loves Public Schools Tees, Tanks & Sweatshirts on AMAZON!
Be the first to order HERE!
Don’t forget your red #PublicSchoolProud shirt – order HERE. While we get ready to change suppliers, we’re offering 2 shirts for your donation of $30, or one for an $18 donation. Wear Public School Proud gear to show your dedication to well-funded public education in Arizona!
Sign up for a Community Action Team: East Valley, West Valley & North Phoenix, Scottsdale & Paradise Valley, Central & South Phoenix, Northern Arizona, and Southern Arizona! Your local coordinators will help you with using Request to Speak and contacting your lawmakers.
Request an SOSAZ Education Roadshow presentation HERE
Sign up to automatically receive the SOSAZ Legislative Weekly Report HERE
