‘Arizona Horizon’ features education stories in Arizona
Education in Arizona is at a critical crossroads, and our public affairs program “Arizona Horizon” is showcasing all the issues, diving into what’s working, what’s failing and what’s next. Learn more below to stay informed and be part of the conversation shaping the future of education in our state.
Watch “Arizona Horizon” weeknights at 5 or 10 p.m. on air, or on our YouTube news channel, AZPBS Now, or catch full episodes online later or on the PBS app.
Proposition 320 states school districts must spend on instructional expenses
Proposition 320 will require school districts to spend at least 60% of their budget on direct instructional expenses if it passes this November.
Schools with more than 7,500 students, or in counties with a population greater than 500,000, would be subject to this requirement.
Matt Beienburg, Director of Education Policy at the Goldwater Institute, and Jimmy Arwood, Director of Governmental Relations for the Arizona School Boards Association, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the pros and cons of Proposition 320.
Arizona students graduate despite struggling on state proficiency tests
A majority of students in some Arizona school districts are struggling to meet state proficiency standards in math and English language arts.
The latest project from The BEAM, an investigative newsroom at ASU’s Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, analyzed why graduation rates do not reflect state standardized test results.
Katie Wilcox and Evan Wyloge, both professors of practice at the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the findings of the BEAM project.
ASU Prep Tempe’s Levitt Lab shows promising success rates
ASU Preparatory Academy in Tempe, powered by the Levitt Lab, recently charted results of an academic assessment. The assessment showed students significantly outperforming national scores in core academic areas, including Math, English Language Arts and Reading.
ASU Prep’s hybrid learning model utilizes a mastery-based approach, allowing students to accelerate and personalize their learning.
Betsy Fowler, ASU Preparatory Academy Chief of Staff, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss how the Levitt Lab is reshaping education.
Arizona Attorney General settles lawsuit over school voucher reimbursement rules
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes settled a lawsuit that will erase a school voucher oversight requirement. Parents will no longer need to link school supplies to a specific curriculum for reimbursement.
Instead of having to upload curriculum documents, parents will only need to select a subject area from a dropdown menu, which will include options such as history, math and art.
Jon Riches, Vice President for Litigation and General Counsel at the Goldwater Institute’s Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss how the settlement was reached with the Goldwater Institute to avoid a lengthy trial.
Arizona education data shows drop in postsecondary enrollment
Arizona education leaders set a goal in 2016 for 70% of high school graduates to pursue further schooling by 2030, but new data shows the state moving in the opposite direction.
Only about half of graduates continue their education within a year, a decline seen across most counties and demographic groups.
Molly Bohannon, Higher Education Reporter for the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the state’s declining college‑going rates.
Life lessons take center field in ‘Coach Shirley’s Soccer Team’
Cherry Praileau is the author of the book “Coach Shirley’s Soccer Team: Winning the Game of Life,” which introduces young readers to core values such as teamwork, confidence and self‑belief.
The book highlights Shirley’s Laws, a set of clear principles that guide children in how to show up and work together.
Prailleau and Coach Shirley herself joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the values at the center of this new children’s book.
The Arizona Cardinals empower students off the field
The Arizona Cardinals are empowering young leaders on and off the field. Their Civics Matter program cultivates year-round civic education for Title I high school students.
The program connects civil knowledge to real-world decision-making and leadership, aimed at shaping future leaders.
Shaun Mayo, Arizona Cardinals Chief People Officer, discussed how the initiative is shaping the state’s next generation of leaders.
Meet Mychal Threets, new host of ‘Reading Rainbow’
Launched in July 1983, the popular children’s show is returning nearly two decades after ending its original run on PBS, hosted previously by actor LeVar Burton. “Reading Rainbow” was created to motivate children to find joy in reading during summer recess from school, according to ReadingRainbow.org.
Watch the story online where Mychal Threets, the new host of “Reading Rainbow” discussed the next chapter of the show.
Arizona Teacher of the Year 2026
The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) announced Tiffani Jaseph from Copper View Elementary School in the Sahuarita Unified School District as the 2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year. She began her career in general education before discovering her true passion in special education.
Watch Joseph discuss the award and the inspiration behind her work as a teacher.
