NOVEMBER PUBLIC EDUCATION PRESENTATION

We had a lively discussion on public education at this month's member meeting.  Donna Davis from Education Forward Arizona gave an excellent overview of P-20 education in Arizona, focusing on the early childhood crisis and post-secondary attainment in Arizona.  View Donna's excellent presentation here.

One of the questions asked was national reading/math proficiency levels in comparison to Arizona levels.  According to the National Assesment of Education Progress, in 2022, the percentage of fourth-grade public school students performing at or above the NAEP Proficient level in reading was 32% nationally (compared to a 41% 3rd grade reading profieciency level in Arizona).  In 2022, 26% of eighth-grade students performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level on the mathematics assessment (compared to 27% 8th grade math proficiency in Arizona).  Keep in mind that these numbers are based on different tests.  You can read more about the NAEP Nation's Report card here.

Next, the NWMC LWV Education Team gave an update on the LWVAZ Ed Study, including a discussion the current state of universal Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA).  Slides can be viewed here   Watch these videos to learn more about ESAs: SOSAZ Video on ESAs, ABC News Investigation on ESAs.

Finally, our annual book drive is under way. 

We will again be collecting books for the Dysart Community Center in El Mirage. Books should be purchased by 12/31/23, so we can deliver them in January. Members can contribute in three ways:

• Order books through the Amazon link, 2024 NWMC Annual Book Drive List.  They will be delivered directly to Tina Mollica. 
• Purchase books from the list at your favorite bookstore and bring to the December meeting. 
• Donate money and the NWMC Education Team will purchase the books for you.

Thank you to all who attended our November member meeting Saturday. We had a great turnout!  November Member Meeting Photos

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