The math education for K-12 students in Arizona is not as effective as in the other states of the U.S. According to a 2021 survey, Arizona ranks as having one of the worst school systems in the United States. Poverty, school closure amid the pandemic, and insufficient funding for public schools are some reasons why schools in Arizona are not performing to their full potential. The K-12 students in Arizona deserve high-quality math education, essential support services, and opportunities to succeed and thrive academically.
K-12 Math Performance: Why Arizona’s K-12 Students are Failing in Math Education
Arizona has the Third-Worst Public Education System in the U.S. K-12 students in Arizona are struggling to get quality education. Recently, a website known as WalletHub compared the school systems of all 50 states of the U.S. based on test scores, pupil-teacher ratios, dropout rates, and certified or licensed teachers. Arizona was ranked as the third-worst public education system for having the highest pupil-to-teacher ratio and the third-worst dropout rate across the U.S. A recent statewide assessment, known as AzM2, evaluated the math proficiency of students in Grades 3-8 and witnessed an 11% drop in mathematics scores.
Arizona’s Failing Math Education: Some Possible Reasons
1. Poverty
Poverty and academic performance are correlated. Latinos make up 46% of all K-12 public school students in Arizona. Unfortunately, there is a high poverty rate among Latino students. Therefore, they continue to underperform in academics and often miss the opportunity to take advanced math classes at school.
2. The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on K-12 Math Education
With the onset of COVID-19, Arizona moved K-12 classes to online distance learning. According Census Household Pulse Survey, the students from underprivileged families lack computers and internet access. Moreover, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that more than 10% of children had no live contact with a teacher throughout the state of Arizona. These problems widened the gulf in achievement between the high-achievers and low-performing students.
3. Insufficient Funding for Arizona’s Schools
When it comes to school funding systems in the 50 states, Arizona ranks dead last, and inadequate funding is the root cause of Arizona’s severe teacher shortage and students’ underperformance. According to ELC’s National Report Card on school funding, Arizona ranks last on the level of investment in K-12 public schools across the U.S.
The Top 50 School Districts in Arizona
Here is a 2022 list of the top 50 school districts in Arizona. These rankings are based on graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, quality of teaching, and public ratings.
Arizona’s dysfunctional math education system requires a broad overhaul, but an after-school math program can improve the math aptitude of the students.
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Citations
Arizona has third worst school system in the United States, per WalletHub — www.ktar.com
Arizona education experts concerned Latino students still lag in classroom — www.ktar.com
Household Pulse Survey Data Tables — www.census.gov
Arizona Department of Education releases statewide assessment results from school year 2020/2021 — www.azednews.com
Distance Learning: How COVID-19 Impacts Arizona Students — https://mapazdashboard.arizona.edu
How to improve Arizona’s worst in the nation school funding system — www.edlawcenter.org
Making the Grade — www.edlawcenter.org
2022 Best School Districts in Arizona — www.niche.com