Dual language programs in preschools promote bilingual education

Dual language programs in preschools around the Valley teach students to speak English and Spanish. Experts say bilingual education helps students develop problem solving and listening skills.

Community college launches club to encourage Arizona’s future teachers

Paradise Valley Community College creates a new club to support Arizona teachers and future teachers. They say low pay contributes to the increasing teacher shortage across the state.

ASU program integrates engineering and Navajo culture

Students at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic School have created a program designed to integrate engineering skills with traditional Navajo culture. Part of their program aims to encourage middle school Navajo students to take an interest in engineering.

Nature-based preschool emphasizes outdoor learning

Greenhouse Montessori in Gilbert brings environmental education to its students through hands-on, outdoor activities. Parents and teachers say they appreciate the interactive elements of the unique classroom.

Special needs students in Arizona struggle to get quality education

Access to special needs education can be expensive, sometimes costing thousands of dollars in private school tuition. Parents argue they just want what’s best for their children.

Mixed reactions from Nogales on Trump’s border wall order

President Trump says his measures will improve relations with Mexico. But Nogales Mayor John Doyle and other Arizona officials offer mixed reactions.

Live: Reporter Kassidy McDonald Interviews Nogales Mayor

President Trump announces his plans to move forward with wall construction along the U.S.-Mexico border. Cronkite News reports on the reactions of residents of Nogales, Arizona and Gov. Doug Ducey.

Diane Douglas: State of Education 2017

Superintendent Diane Douglas discusses the future of education in her annual State of Education speech. Her plans include a five percent pay raise for all Arizona teachers.

Downtown Phoenix Art Culture

The once white washed walls in Downtown Phoenix have quickly gone from bland hues of light and dark beige to a neighborhood with thriving street art culture that have quickly progressed in the past several years.
Specifically this street art culture can be seen almost everywhere on Roosevelt Row arts district near 5th street and Roosevelt. The Roosevelt Row arts district is home to impressive murals as well as award-winning galleries with rotating exhibits from artists. The arts district also hosts quaint local restaurants & Boutiques, such as Jobot, which also hosts local musicians on their patio.
Downtown Phoenix started a Mural Match Program in 2008, which is a part of a Roosevelt Row CDC initiative to eradicate graffiti and promote neighborhood community engagement. The public art program works with communities, schools, businesses and philanthropies.
The program has encouraged people to take pride in where they live; it helps revitalize the city and use graffiti as art and not just to deface or tag property.
Just behind the local businesses on 5th St and Roosevelt there is a Graffiti Alley with all types of beautiful murals and graffiti art as well as an old bus, which has art covering it as well. Many of the graffiti art in the alley were put up during Paint PHX 2015, a four- day mural painting event organized by local artists.
Other notable art pieces nearby include the Peritoneum, which serves as a rotating pop-up park, created by ASU students.
Other murals and artwork nearby are located around 2nd street and Roosevelt, mostly in the back alleys off Roosevelt or on sides of building.
According to AZ Central’s Molly Billker, art like this in downtown phoenix is so powerful because it engages with community issues and realistically reflects the natural environment.
Looking towards the future, with all of the art initiatives that Downtown Phoenix has in store, it seems that Phoenix is set to become a leader in the art scene. Roosevelt Row offers maps online at http://www.rooseveltrow.com that will take visitors on a self-guided tour of all of the art culture Downtown Phoenix has to offer.

Sincerely Becca: A mom’s Journey, Raising a Son with Autism

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention about 1 in 6 children in the United States have a developmental disability, and 1 in 68 children are identified with autism spectrum disorder.
Xia is a young boy diagnosed with Autism among other disabilities, his mom, Rebecca Masterson, is a Phoenix based lawyer in Arizona who is currently writing a guide for parents on the special education/IEP process in public schools. Masterson has also had articles featured on Huffington Post, Autism Speaks and several others. Additionally, she writes a personal blog at SincerelyBecca.com.

To find out more visit:
Masterson’s website, “Sincerely, Becca”: http://www.sincerelybecca.com
Art Play: http://artplayhealing.com