AZ School Superintendent Diane Douglas
Sedona AZ (March 30, 2016) – Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas completed the first virtual meeting, part of her 2016 statewide outreach campaign targeting parent input about Arizona education, with the well known Arizona parent advocacy group, Mommy Lobby.
“I had a rich and enlightening virtual discussion with the Mommy Lobby to answer their questions about education in Arizona,” said Superintendent Douglas. “I appreciate this advocacy group of engaged parents taking the time to share their questions and listen to my comments about the current state and direction of our education system.”
Topics discussed include AzMERIT, student data privacy, parent’s choice to opt their student out of testing, the standards review process and current bills at the legislature, as well as, various others.
“In my opinion, it is important that our education system is molded around parent’s ideas because they are the strongest advocate for the education of their children,” said Douglas.
Since her inauguration, Superintendent Douglas has focused intently on incorporating parents in developing education policy within the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). Beginning in 2015, Douglas sought to include parental feedback within education decisions, including conducting a statewide listening tour which culminated in the AZ Kids Can’t Afford to Wait! education plan.
The plan, which consists of more than 30 proposals to improve Arizona’s low ranking education system, was heavily influenced by parent and public feedback, suggestions, and recommendations. The plan also included additional proposals for increased parental advocacy and input within ADE.
Douglas plans to visit communities throughout Arizona’s thirty Legislative Districts and to also conduct virtual tours to solicit feedback on the ever-evolving education system to update her AZ Kids Can’t Afford to Wait! plan.
To read the AZ Kids Can’t Afford to Wait! plan, please visit www.azed.gov/weheardyou. A recording of today’s virtual discussion is also available at that site. The public can submit suggestions for consideration at HearingEveryVoice@azed.gov.
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