Arizona’s Education Priorities

Education Issues to Discuss with Candidates and Elected Officials

Education plays a critical role in Arizona’s future. When meeting with candidates and elected officials, consider asking questions about the issues that matter most to Arizona students, families, educators, communities, and employers.

Key education priorities often include ensuring students have access to excellent teachers, increasing educational attainment, strengthening workforce pathways, improving student achievement, and expanding opportunities from early learning through postsecondary education and training.

Suggested Questions to Ask Candidates Running for Office and Elected Officials

Teacher Workforce & School Leadership

• How will you ensure every Arizona student has access to highly qualified teachers and school leaders?
• What steps will you take to strengthen Arizona’s teacher workforce and improve educator retention?
• How will you support competitive teacher compensation and retaining quality teachers?

Education Funding

• How will you support sustainable funding for education, including early learning, K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities?
• What investments will you prioritize to improve educational outcomes for Arizona students?
• How will you support students from low-income families and other underserved populations?

Early Learning

• What would you do to expand access to quality early learning opportunities for Arizona’s young children?
• Do you support increasing access to Pre-K and full-day Kindergarten programs?

Student Achievement

• What strategies will you support to improve reading and math proficiency?
• How will you help close opportunity and achievement gaps for students who face barriers to success?
• What ideas do you have to improve high school graduation rates??

College, Career & Workforce Readiness

• How will you expand access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) and other workforce development opportunities?
• How can we get more students involved in dual enrollment while in high school?
• What policies would you support to help more students earn certificates, credentials, and degrees that lead to high-demand careers?
• How would you strengthen Arizona’s community colleges and universities to meet workforce needs?

College Affordability & Student Support

• How will you make postsecondary education and workforce training more affordable and accessible?
• What role should scholarships, financial aid, and state investment play in helping students continue their education after high school?
• How will you support access to school counselors and student support services that help students succeed?

Thoughtful conversations about these issues can help voters better understand how candidates plan to support Arizona’s students, workforce, and future prosperity.