Doug Ducey on Education

Push for education savings accounts on November ballot

A top priority for 2018 is in Arizona, where a measure allowing education savings accounts for all students goes on the ballot in November. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey pushed the idea and attended the Koch network's weekend seminar to chat with donors about it. A similar bill is moving through the New Hampshire Legislature and is supported by Americans for Prosperity [another Koch-funded organization].

Lead the nation on school choice and charters

And the robotics class at Carl Hayden High School is so renowned, Hollywood didn't just make one movie about it--they made two. It needs to be said. We can advocate for more resources, and also admit we have so many great schools, and great teachers.

But too many people have fallen into the trap set by the pundits, dumping on Arizona schools. I'll admit: There was a time I didn't know the full picture. But after spending the last three years inside dozens of classrooms I have a new appreciation for the excellence occurring in our school system. And what has been most striking are the teachers. They've shared with me--It's more than a job. It's a calling. Especially in our low-income communities, they've told me: "I'm not here because I have to be. I'm here because I want to be."

Invest in public school teachers with tuition & bonuses

• Step 4: Resources. I have a commitment our educators can take to the bank: I will call for an increased investment in our public schools--above and beyond inflation--every single year I am governor.
• Step 5: Teacher pay. Let's take these new dollars and put them where they will have the greatest impact on students. It's time for a raise for Arizona's teachers.
• And Step 6: Student debt. I'm asking Arizona's three public universities to design an Arizona Teachers' Academy. If you teach in Arizona public schools, your education will be paid for.
• Step 7: Low-income schools. For the teachers willing to make a commitment to these neighborhoods: A $1,000 signing bonus.
• Step 8: Teacher shortage. It's time to fix the teacher certification process. Let's remove the obstacles.
• Step 10: Tribal Nations and Rural Schools: Let's connect these rural schools to high-speed internet.

Coordinate with banks to finance school expansion

Reward high achievement and low income schools

Partner with third sector in education

Give foster kids a `fast pass' to best schools

American Civics Bill: pass civics test like new citizens

This is an issue that can and should unite us. These are our children. How can we expect them to protect the principles on which this country was founded, if we are not preparing them for that task right now? It's time to make this right and there's a bipartisan bill--the American Civics Bill. Send it to my desk, and I'll sign it immediately.

Classrooms First Initiative: end one-size-fits-all model

In Arizona, educational excellence is a priority. For the next four years, I intend to lead under a "Classrooms First Initiative." Our goal is simple: To improve outcomes in the classroom for all our children. That's why I propose to spend not less in the classroom than last year, but more.

Right now we spend far too much on administrative costs--on overhead--and that's got to change. We know where education happens, between a teacher and a student. In my administration, we will honor teachers and the good work they do.

Option to get kids out of failing schools

Principals need to be allowed to run their schools, and teachers need to be able to control their classrooms. And if they don't measure up, then someone else should take their place. Schools should be graded and parents should be informed about the quality of the schools.

I will resist over-reach from the federal government, including Common Core, and protect our schools from federal intrusion into the state and local responsibility of public education.