Remember the fines imposed on AZ for not meeting the deadline to fund ELL programs? Fines amounting to $21 Million were wiped clean by a federal appeals court according to the AZ Republic - reported by Chip Scutari.The fate of 160,000 students struggling to learn English are at risk because of a ruling that English-learner students must pass the AIMS test in order to graduate high school.The $21 M goes back into the general fund and a new evedentiary hearing must be scheduled for a ruling. It started in 1992 with a lawsuit filed by a Nogales family, Flores vs. Arizona, in 2000 - then federal Judge Alfredo Marquez found the level of funding for ELL was not adequate. Since then the Legislature nearly tripled revenue for ELL above the funding formula. Tom Horne, Superintendent for Public Instruction says the Nogales Unified School District has improved; all 10 schools are performing under the AZ learns grading system.Year 2000, Proposition 301 was approved - sales-tax increases set aside $660 M a year to fund teacher salaries and increases, smaller classrooms, extra school days, and school repairs. A program called ‘Students First’ put more than $1 billion into fixing old schools and building new ones.Year 2000 also brought Prop 203 - voters approved a restriction on bilingual education and required public schools to help students by immersion.HB Bill 2064 passed earlier this year was rejected by Judge Raner Collins, who initially ruled in January 2005, the Legislature fix the problem. A bill vetoed in May 2005, a fine imposed, an unsigned bill went into effect, and from there it’s been what seems to be a tug-of-war.In the meantime ELL children receive $358 per student, more than the original $155 per student, and must pass the AIMS test to get a diploma.I know nothing is simple when it comes to legislation, its far-reaching effects, the consideration of programs and their impact on education. It seems though, that all involved could come to a sensible resolution and begin by looking through the eyes of the student. The one struggling to understand, to grow intellectually, to become a well informed contributor in our society. Sometimes it is the child who speaks the loudest and brings us profound understanding.
Archive for August 28th, 2006Traves #1 in Law EnforcementAugust 28th, 2006, 1:45 am by SharonDenise Traves, Crime Prevention Unit Supervisor, City of Mesa Police Department was recently named as number one in law enforcement by the Optimist Club in Mesa. This award was especially significant since her peers nominated her. Traves began as a volunteer with Mesa Police in 1994, was hired as a Crime Prevention Specialist in 1996, then promoted to Supervisor in 2000. She is an Internationally Certified Crime Prevention Specialist, member of the International Society of Crime Prevention, Certified Practitioner of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, Treasurer of the AZ Crime Prevention Association, AZ Peace Officer Standards in training certified instructor, career advisor for those in the MPD, a MAHC board member, and currently a Mesa Chamber LTD Program, Class of 2007 member. Quite an accomplished person that well deserves this award!The Crime Prevention Unit has provided the much-needed personal safety sessions lately at the various district headquarters. I attended mine last week. Terri Teten, Crime Prevention Specialist, provided important information for personal safety and when to report suspicious activity. The Mesa PD C.A.T. (Community Action Team) shared their role and how we can help. Sgt. Sherwood, Officers Vaughn and Essenburg spoke with us and answered questions. Commander Kirby of the Superstition District spoke to us as well, briefing us on the recent district boundary changes, growth, crime, and the importance of citizens participating by calling in tips of suspicious activity, becoming part of the solution in our own neighborhoods. Commander Kirby has served in law enforcement for 27 years, a valuable employee with the police department and an asset to our district.The Mesa Citizen Police Academy is an excellent program offered, helping citizens understand how the department, staff, and officers are equipped to "Protect and Serve" our community. The next academy starts in September led by Karen McBride Training Specialist. An application is available on-line at the City of Mesa web site. There is a different program in place for teens; Explorers for those interested in law enforcement as a career.Mesa’s successful Narcotics Hotline was started a few years back in order to report drug activity citizens might see in their neighborhoods. A recent change added the option to also hear the message in Spanish, which will reach a wider audience. You can call without identifying yourself, 480-644-6272.Commander Kirby spoke about positive change forthcoming and citizens being encouraged to approach the Police Department with any questions. Terri Teten also advised us that the community rooms at each police district station are available to the public, at no cost, to have meetings. Simply call and schedule the day and time needed.I’ve noticed banners in downtown Mesa recently asking people to seek employment with the police department. A friendly approach encouraging those interested to apply. |