Cesar Chavez Elementary in South Phoenix triumphs in raising testing scores in reading, writing, and math in a culturally diverse, dual-language environment

Chinle Elementary receives National Blue Ribbon Achievement award for most improved progress in reading and math. Chinle's outstanding efforts from tests in reading, writing, and math were up 40% in reading, writing and comprehension and 32% up in math--one of the highest gains in the state.

We are thrilled to announce that professional registration is now open for Arizona’s 2026 IDEA Conference: Stronger Systems, Better Outcomes—for Every Student.

PHOENIX – Governor Hobbs’ veto of legislation that would give parents access to a new federal school tax credit that is usable in public and private schools is drawing disappointment from state schools chief Tom Horne.

The ADE/ESS Special Education Program Approval system for the 2026–2027 school year will open on April 13, 2026.

PHOENIX – State school superintendent Tom Horne is urging Governor Hobbs to sign legislation currently on her desk that would add more money to the classroom for students in public district, charter and other school settings. The bill would include Arizona in a new federal school tax credit opportunity.

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne says the governor’s veto of a bi-partisan bill to allow the public to see the salaries of district superintendents and other executive staff is outrageous and a slap against accountability for tax dollars.

As of March 30, 2026, a new special education (SPED) data integrity rule was implemented to validate and capture student exits from SPED services. Under IDEA, students are eligible for SPED services through 21 years of age unless they have graduated with a regular high school diploma. Students who turn 22 years of age during the school year are eligible to complete the year with services; however, they have effectively reached the maximum age allowable for services.

Section 618 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public education agencies (PEAs) to report specific data each year, including discipline incidents for students receiving special education services, expulsions of students not receiving special education services, and students who exited special education during the reporting year. PEAs review, validate, and certify these data using the Special Education Data Dashboard (SEDD).

The Exceptional Student Services Data Management team will host the next live Special Education Data Updates webinar on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.