Feeling mixed on governor’s education plan
Kevin Bonneville
On Jan. 14, Arizona Governor Janet Napalitano issued her sixth State of the State address to the Arizona Legislature and to the entire state of Arizona. As in most of her past State of the State addresses, she touched base on health care, the economy, and illegal immigration, but this time made some real in noise in terms of a new education proposal.
Under her new proposal high school students, beginning with the Class of 2012, would get free tuition to any of the state colleges or universities if they keep a B average and stay out of trouble throughout their four years of school.
This has come about because higher standards have been raised for the students. Higher standards are now required in both math and science.
Students now have to take four math classes instead of three and science is a requirement to pass the AIMS program.
“We’ve added rigor to the curriculum and raised expectations,” Napalitano said in her speech.
“But high standards must come with strong support, which you should provide; and we must also reward our students when they succeed.”
Educators agree for the most part that the governor’s plan is a step in the right direction.
“If she has some practical measures for it than it would be good,” said MCC English professor Diane Svoboda.
“Education prevents crime and it gives people hope.”
“I think it’s a good idea if we have a means for paying for it,” MCC science professor
Kevin Healy said.
Thats exactly where the problem lies though.
According to Napalitano, “Given our budget constraints, we cannot do as much immediately as we like.”
However, she also later said, “Let’s make a contract with these Centennial Scholars, and with all classes that follow.”
Some however are upset that this plan comes too late and some even question whether or not it will even work.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for the kids in Arizona, but I wish that it was implemented when it could have helped me,” MCC freshman Brandon Sharp said.
“To guarantee tuition for kids who maintain a B average and stay out of trouble does not really change much.
“The students who want to go to college in the first place won’t fall below that GPA and the students who can’t afford higher education have financial aide and scholarship opportunities,” MCC student Kevon O’Rear said.
This new plan certainly raises some questions especially in terms of what colleges and universities think of this.
Only time will tell whether this proposal will come into fruition.
