Arizona’s new school superintendent called on lawmakers and the governor to "stop the madness and put our children first."
Diane Douglas said the state isn’t attracting quality educators. The average teacher salary in Arizona ranks 42nd in the nation.
“Salaries are a major obstacle when recruiting outside Arizona," Douglas said. "Without experienced, highly effective teachers in each Arizona classroom, our students will struggle to succeed.”
But she didn’t ask lawmakers for more money. Douglas also criticized the AZMerit test which the state Board of Education chose to replace the previous standardized exam last November. Douglas said the implementation of the exam is being rushed.
