Hundreds of books challenged each year by those who want them banned

In an era when children can see just about anything on their cellphones, there are still hundreds of attempts to ban books each year. According to the American Library Association, 275 books were challenged in 2015 and 11,000 books have been challenged since the inception of Banned Books Week in 1982. “Challenged” means that someone made a attempt to remove or restrict a book from school and public libraries across the country.


AZ educators get creative in finding solutions to growing teacher shortage

GILBERT – Suzanne Zentner stood in front of the high school students and their parents gathered in the library of Gilbert High School on a recent evening and got right to the point.


Phoenix Rescue Mission cooks up jobs for unemployed moms

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Rescue Mission is changing the lives of unemployed mothers “one cookie at a time.”


Navajo, feds sign agreement giving tribe greater control over schools

WASHINGTON - Federal officials signed an agreement with Navajo leaders Tuesday giving the tribe the authority to implement a single set of standards, assessments and accountability measures for tribal schools that are scattered over three states.

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A game without borders: Suns’ Bledsoe helps grow basketball overseas

The presence of international players in the NBA has boomed since the original USA Basketball “Dream Team” won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. At the start of last season there were 100 foreign-born players in the NBA, representing 37 countries, according to the league.


Former MLB catcher Chad Moeller finds passion in teaching

SCOTTSDALE - Seven jerseys hang on the wall of the Scottsdale Batting Cages, home to Chad Moeller Baseball.

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Ducey: College, trade school education improves Arizona economy

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey wants high-school graduates to attend traditional colleges or trade schools, saying nearly 70 percent of jobs in less than five years will require more than a high-school diploma.


Not shop class: Vocational education classes now focused on technology

PEORIA – Vocational education programs in Arizona now teach students everything from aerospace to medical technology to culinary arts.

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Confused by elections? Ask a kid. Report lauds state civics program

WASHINGTON - Arizona got high marks Thursday in a national study of how well states educate students on voting, parties and the political process, early training that analysts say leads to greater voter participation later on.


Glendale schools closed for repairs, lead to half-day classes

GLENDALE – Two Glendale elementary schools are shut down for weeks-long repairs, leading to a leaner academic day for students not only from the closed schools but two other schools that have to take them in.


Changes loom for grading Arizona schools

PHOENIX - Arizona's letter-grading system to measure how well schools are teaching students is on hold while the state school board makes changes.


Arizona teachers: What matters to you right now?

With the new school year commencing, education is on the minds of lots of Arizona residents — parents, students and teachers.