AZ Compass Prep Schools have been nominated for the Copper Apple because of the work of Principal Dr. Pamela Chandler and her team. School leadership at AZ Compass schools worked quickly to implement the state Navvy assessment system into their teaching and learning cycle and to incorporate the benchmarks across both of their schools. Additionally, Dr. Chandler was able to lead her staff through professional development for all 3-8 teachers to prepare them for Navvy data analysis.

As a result of that work the staff were able to adapt their January-March instructional planning. Using data offered by Navvy, school leaders and staff created a blueprint for standards including components, question number, and depth of knowledge levels by question. They used this information to outline what was on the benchmark to better prepare their students for what would be on AASA.

Dr. Chandler and her team worked quickly as well as thoroughly with teachers to make the testing and data purposeful.  AZ Compass Prep schools have not wasted a single moment in utilizing the resources provided to drive next steps and improve outcomes for their students. As the school looks forward to the upcoming year, they are already seeing progress in their preliminary data. For their dedication and prompt implementation of Navvy’s tools, AZ Compass Prep Schools are well deserving of this Copper Apple Award. 

Students and volunteers (with assistance and donations from ADE) join together to stuff school supplies, backpacks, and other classroom essentials to be delivered to schools all over the valley. The event is co-sponsored by CW-61 television on a yearly basis

Arizona Principals Are Leveling Up. So Are Their Schools. Students Are Achieving.

The Arizona Department of Education’s Principals’ Leadership Academy (PLA), powered by the Effective Teachers & Leaders (ETL) Unit, is helping Arizona principals lead stronger schools and drive measurable student growth.

Serving more than 300 principals across 14 of Arizona’s 15 counties, PLA equips school leaders to strengthen culture, retain great teachers, build trust with families, lead difficult conversations, and create data-driven systems focused on student success.

Recent feedback from PLA alumni whose schools demonstrated significant gains affirms a powerful truth: strong leadership drives stronger schools.

For many participants, PLA provided more than professional development -it provided a community of Arizona school leaders committed to helping one another succeed on behalf of Arizona students.

PLA and every ETL academy, training, and leadership pathway is designed, facilitated, and continuously improved by veteran Arizona educators who understand Arizona schools, Arizona students, and Arizona communities. All ETL professional learning opportunities keep Arizona expertise at the center while saving taxpayer dollars from costly outside programs

With more than 9,000 Arizona educators trained and a 99% recommendation rate, ETL continues to Equip, Encourage, and Empower educators across the state.

Level Up. Lead Today. Impact Tomorrow.

Video tour of Prescott Valley Business and Equine Center and presentation of National Blue Ribbon Award presentation

Campus tour and award presentation by Superintendent Horne.

Extolling the virtues and correlation of character training and its impact on student development and future opportunity.

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.

When the National Blue Ribbon Awards Ceremony in Washington D.C. was cancelled in 2026, the Arizona Department of Education brought all the Arizona recipients of this prestigious achievement award in this honors ceremony.