From the Desk of Superintendent Joe Quintana

At the beginning of the school year we made a commitment to be “All In” to increase student academic performance in our District. As most of you know, on Nov. 3 the Arizona Department of Education announced the new student performance assessment for the state.  The American Institutes for Research (AIR) was selected and will deliver Arizona’s Measurement of Educational Readiness to Inform Teaching (AzMERIT). 

In addition, the state elected a new Superintendent of Public Instruction. She is known for not supporting the Common Core movement, leaving many to wonder what is going to happen.

We cannot and should not allow the recent developments to distract us from the work we are doing to close the gaps in learning some of our students are experiencing. The selection of the new assessment tool, election results or other issues or events cannot detract from the work we do to increase student learning.  We cannot take our eye off the ball.  Most of these issues are beyond our control; therefore, we need to devote our time and energy to those things within our control.

On another note, I wish to thank everyone for all of your dedication and hard work on behalf of our students. Know that the work you do changes lives. As families gather next week to celebrate Thanksgiving, many of them will give thanks for your work. I know I will. Happy Thanksgiving.