PHOENIX – Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and CEO Glenn Hamer released the following statement on Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards, the subject of a symposium held today at the state Senate:
“A state’s education system is a critical element in its ability to compete economically. Arizona has some outstanding schools, but we can do better, especially if we are going to position ourselves to win the jobs of tomorrow.
“By encouraging critical thinking and a deeper understanding of subject matter, Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards raise the bar for today’s students to help prepare them for success after high school. Our standards allow Arizona to prepare students to adapt and learn new information and new systems in real time at the workplace, in venues for workforce training and in college. These standards will ensure that information isn’t just memorized, but also deployed.
“Arizona employers require a steady pipeline of new workers who can bring innovative thinking and add value to the workplace. Unless Arizonans demand a world-class education system, our future economy will suffer. Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards are ensuring a workforce ready to compete on a global scale, one equipped to respond quickly to advancements and expectations.
“These rigorous standards are supported by the business community in Arizona and nationally, including by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable. In an editorial earlier this year, the CEOs of these two respected organizations, Tom Donohue and John Engler, wrote, ‘Business leaders not only want to see U.S. students poised for personal success, we want to see them equipped with the skills to be productive employees and strong contributors to our economy.’ Chambers of commerce from across Arizona agree.
“Arizona’s business community supports the further deployment of Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards, and we look forward to working with policymakers to adopt an assessment that is aligned with the standards. “
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The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry is committed to advancing Arizona’s competitive position in the global economy by advocating free-market policies that stimulate economic growth and prosperity for all Arizonans.
