Contributed article

United States Representative Ann Kirkpatrick recently invited all eight county school superintendents from District 1, including Donna McGaughey from Graham County, to a roundtable discussion with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

The meeting was at Palo Verde Elementary School in Casa Grande on Oct. 19. Duncan is visiting all the states in a “Listening and Learning Tour” to better understand the challenges of rural schools. He is also gathering input on the reauthorization of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which will be considered in 2010. The county school superintendents, along with district administrators, Arizona legislators, teachers and school board members had the opportunity to explain the unique challenges Arizona faces on a variety of issues. Pima School District Superintendent Joe Farnsworth participated in this meeting.

In the forefront is Arizona's dire financial situation because of the budget shortfall. The group also noted that broadband and connectivity issues hamper the most rural and remote schools.

Dropout rates, teacher attraction and retention, and the need for more rigor in teacher preparation courses were just some of the issues discussed with Duncan.

He was encouraged to hear how Arizona educators get thousands of kids into technical career paths by offering classes through our community colleges and the joint technical education districts, known as JTEDs.

Duncan pointed out that under this administration, there will be more money invested in education than ever before, including $1.1 billion to Arizona. However, the money will go only to the most innovative and data-driven plans that can show how the money is making a difference in graduation rates and in the number of students going on to higher education.

All states and districts are challenged to seek out the programs that have proved to be successful and to continue seeking ways to improve student learning.