Goldwater Institute

A Response to the Arizona Department of Education Regarding the Credibility of Arizona's Version of the TerraNova Exam

Mark Twain once quipped, No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session. That is often true, but as the lawmaking branch of government, the legislature also has a great capacity to protect life, liberty, and property.

In January 2007, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano proposed expanding the states Medicaid program to cover children in families earning up to $60,000. Although the plan may have laudable goals, it could have negative consequences for the state.

Subsidies for private business activity in various forms have become an increasingly popular use of government power. The federal government has subsidized farming for decades. It has also provided for federally-guaranteed loans to large employers such as Chrysler and airline companies. Favored industries such as those engaged in research and development also receive income tax credits and deductions. State governments have acted similarly, providing in kind benefits such as specifically targeted infrastructure as well as direct subsidies and tax breaks.

The Goldwater Institute's latest policy report, "A Test of Credibility" reveals how Arizona inflates student progress with the AIMS test. The claim that Arizona students test above average does not square with the results on National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). This graph demonstrates the proficiency levels for both tests. Are Arizona's students proficient, or is the Arizona Department of Education full of hot air? You decide.