Arizona

		REPORT CARD
		NAEP exams		% Scoring proficient
		1996 8th grade math		18%
		1996 4th grade math		15%
		1996 8th grade science		23%
		1994 4th grade reading		24%
		QUALITY COUNTS 1999 grades
		Standards and assessments		B
		Efforts to raise teacher quality		C+
		School climate		D
		Resources (funding):
			Adequacy	F
			Equity	C-
			Allocation	D-

A rizona's final versions of standards for math, English, and science were rated highly by the American Federation of Teachers. But the state's biggest step last year was in testing. Arizona switched from relying on a commercial, norm-referenced test to phasing in exams based on its standards. Sophomores will begin taking the test this year, with 3rd, 5th, and 8th graders to follow. The state delayed a requirement that students pass the test to graduate until the Class of 2002, after teachers and parents complained that they were not informed about the standards. The state's penchant for local control explains why several bills pushing tougher accountability for low-performing districts died in the legislature last year. In 1998, the Arizona Supreme Court also approved a state plan to create a more equitable and adequate finance system for school construction and maintenance.

* NOTE: The equity grade is based on 1994-95 data, the most recent available.

© 1999 Editorial Projects in Education

Vol. 18, number 17, page 128