Page 42 - The EDGE Winter 2022

New Education Group Identifies Proud Supporter of
Progressive Goals AASBO and the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40
Future of Education

Nickel told attendees his organization will be
working with great partners like AASBO to improve
the quality of life for all now and in the future.

Under this combined organization, it will be able
to make a difference and take on bigger challenges,
working with bigger partners.

There will be a strong focus on closing the equity and
achievement gaps across the state. In cooperation
with the Center for the Future of Arizona a few
years ago, the state put together a list of simple
metrics Nickel’s organization intends to use. They
include early learning, 3rd grade reading, 8th grade
math, high school graduation, post high school
enrollment, and teacher pay.

“We don’t have in the state concrete steps to improve
each of these metrics.

Nickel said. “That is something we think we can He said the ratio of counselors to students in Arizona is
help – give students a fair shot at success. Some the worst in country. “We’re last by a lot,” Nickel said.
students need additional support. You (AASBO Another issue is workforce shortages. Nickel said
members) see this every day.” East Valley school superintendents are worried
about having enough teachers and bus drivers and
To move Arizona forward, his organization will be having enough money to pay for overtime. He also
focusing on voice, programs and policy. “On voice, stressed the importance of a need-based financial aid
we will work with folks like you on creating this program for colleges, making a college education
agreed-upon narrative for education,” he said. more affordable.

Nickel re-emphasized t he need to talk about what On its website, Education Forward Arizona says
the schools are doing, not what they’re not doing, it will champion efforts that prioritize closing
and creating a narrative that is compelling. “Get achievement gaps and ensure state-level funding is
people to work with us, not against us,” he said. allocated more intentionally to those who are most
in need of additional resources.
He told of working with local action groups in
Douglas, Kingman, Flagstaff and Tucson. He Rich Nickel can be reached at: dfigueroa@
mentioned a Program by Americorps Arizona, educationforwardarizona.org
working with counselors to complement and
supplement their work, talking with high school
students about career and college choices.

|
42 THE EDGE WINTER 2022