An article in EdSurge addresses a new Arizona law that makes it easier for people to work in schools as educators before they are certified. The law has drawn fire from many quarters. Opponents argue that it lowers standards in a state already known for low per-pupil spending and poor educational outcomes. Proponents argue that it is necessary in a state suffering from a severe teacher shortage. 

Brazil is a country with many parallels to Arizona. 

Both border Spanish-speaking countries. Both were influenced by the Jesuit missions. And even Arizona’s iconic cowboy has a Brazilian equivalent — the gaucho.

But bring up Brazil in most Arizona schools and there may be a whole lot of head-scratching going on.

While Arizona lawmakers recently approved an expansion of the private school voucher system, a newly released book edited by two Arizona State University faculty members stresses the importance of preserving taxpayer funds for public education. 

The collection of essays by education scholars and practitioners explores the vital role of public education in promoting and maintaining democratic ideals.

Subscribe to