Category: Education Explainer
The Governor’s Proposed FY 2027 Budget – What you need to know
On Friday, January 16th, 2026, Governor Katie Hobbs released her proposed FY 2027 budget. The Governor’s priorities align with Arizona voters’ values and Education Forward Arizona’s advocacy agenda, including ESA accountability, Proposition 123 renewal, K-12 investments and postsecondary education funding...
Arizona Literacy Plan 2030: Building Strong Readers and a Stronger Arizona
Literacy is the foundation of student achievement. When children read with fluency and comprehension, they can fully engage across subjects, including math, science, and social studies. Research consistently shows that students who do not reach reading proficiency by the end of third grade face significant barriers later in life...
GEAR UP, TRIO, and Head Start: Federal Education Programs Serving Arizona Students and Families
Proposed cuts from the federal government for fiscal year 2026 have drawn attention to three long-standing federal programs: GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), TRIO, and Head Start. These programs have long been important in supporting low-income, first-generation, and rural students, particularly in states like Arizona, where underinvestment in education has […]
Understanding Arizona’s Proposition 123: Past, Present, and Future
Understanding Arizona’s Proposition 123: Past, Present, and Future Arizona’s Proposition 123 has played a substantial role in funding K-12 education since its passage in 2016. As the measure nears its expiration in June 2025, discussions about its renewal and potential reforms are at the forefront of state politics...
The Stakes Are High: Why Head Start Matters Now More Than Ever in Arizona
Why Now: Protecting a Critical Resource for Arizona Families As Arizona families continue to face economic pressures and access to early childhood programs remains uneven, especially in rural communities, Head Start has never been more essential. At the same time, recent federal staffing cuts threaten the very support systems that help these programs succeed...
Arizona Education Progress Meter 2025 Updates
Education Forward Arizona, in partnership with Center for the Future of Arizona, recently released its annual update for the Arizona Education Progress Meter. This nonpartisan data tool is used as a guide to show the growth needed to reach our state’s Achieve60AZ goal based on eight key indicators spanning early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary education...
Why Arizona High School Graduation Rates Matter
The Significance of High School Graduation and Its Economic Impact on Arizona Graduating from high school is more than just celebrating four years of learning, making new friends, and trying new experiences. It is a celebration of the skills it takes to graduate high school successfully, namely critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, all of […]
Gov. Hobbs’ Proposed FY2026 Executive Education Budget: What You Need To Know
Gov. Hobbs released her proposed FY26 Budget on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. The Governor’s budget seeks to address the education funding shortfalls in the FY25 budget, by aiming to boost K-12 education, restore some higher education funding, support affordable childcare, and establish income caps for Universal Empowerment Scholarship Accounts...
Understanding Arizona’s Community Colleges and the Importance of Passing Prop 402 & 486
Arizona’s community colleges are vital to our state’s economy and educational system. They offer affordable, high-quality programs that range from vocational training to academic transfer pathways. These colleges provide opportunities for people to gain the skills they need for in-demand jobs, contributing to Arizona’s economic growth and individual upward mobility...
Education Explainer – Understanding the Ballot Measures That Affect Education in Arizona
Education Forward Arizona is committed to ensuring that public education remains a focal point across all levels in the state of Arizona. As a nonpartisan organization, we strive to be a trusted advocate for issues related to education leading to the Achieve60AZ goal...