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Arizona is first in the nation for percentage of students using AI as learning tool

  • Thu, Oct 23 2025

(PHOENIX) - Arizona is first in the nation in the percentage of students using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, according to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne. More than 170,000 Arizona students are now using AI-powered tutoring to enhance their academic performance. That figure represents 16 percent of all public school students and it is expected to grow.

FISCAL INFO: FY 2026 High-Cost Child Claims Open

  • Thu, Oct 23 2025  •
    • Data Management

ADE/ESS is pleased to announce that the High-Cost Child Claims have opened for the FY 2026 school year as of October 1, 2025.

DATA INFO: PEA Determinations for FFY 2024 Now Available

  • Thu, Oct 23 2025  •
    • Updates

Under Section 616 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004), State Education Agencies are required to make a determination for all Public Education Agencies (PEAs) on the PEA’s performance in the implementation of special education. Each PEA’s federal fiscal year (FFY) 2024 (FY 2025) determination is now available for review through ADE Connect and posted on the website.

FY 2026 October Expenditure Report (BUDG-25)

  • Wed, Oct 22 2025  •
    • Hot Topics
    • Budget Hot Topics

FY 2026 October Expenditure Report (BUDG-25)

Horne: Federal university compact in line with merit-based philosophy

  • Tue, Oct 21 2025

PHOENIX - State schools chief Tom Horne, who is also a member of the Arizona Board of Regents, says the Trump administration’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education is aligned with his philosophy of fighting against racial entitlements, and he is pleased that the University of Arizona and Arizona State University are in talks about implementing the agreement.

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT: October 1 Data Collection Phase II Trainings for FY 2026

  • Fri, Oct 17 2025  •
    • Updates
    • Data Management

October 1 Data Collection Phase II Trainings for FY 2026

SPECIAL EDUCATION INFO: ADE/ESS Statement on Federal Government Changes

  • Thu, Oct 16 2025  •
    • Updates

The Arizona Department of Education, Exceptional Student Services (ADE/ESS), recognizes the uncertainty that recent federal reductions in force within the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs may bring to education leaders across the state. We want to acknowledge the concern these national changes may cause and provide reassurance and clarity regarding Arizona’s unwavering commitment to children and youth with disabilities.

Horne: Closing schools tied to parents’ anger about woke ideology

  • Tue, Oct 14 2025

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne says promotion of woke ideology is a significant reason behind potential school closures in several school districts. He points to the latest effort by the Scottsdale Unified District to promote the transgender agenda among elementary and middle school students.

INTERNAL PD OPPORTUNITY: “AAC Essentials: What Every Educator Needs to Know” with Rachel Madel

  • Wed, Oct 8 2025  •
    • Updates
    • Assistive Technology Upcoming Events
    • Assistive Technology

The ADE/ESS Assistive Technology (AT) team is pleased to announce our second 2025-26 national presenter: “AAC Essentials: What Every Educator Needs to Know” with Rachel Madel M.A., CCC-SLP.

INTERNAL PD INFO: Professional Learning to Support Arizona Paraeducators

  • Wed, Oct 8 2025  •
    • Updates
    • Professional Learning and Sustainability

The National Resource Center for Paraeducators (NRCP) and the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE), in partnership with the ADE/ESS, are offering monthly, low-cost professional learning webinars for paraeducators, related service providers (RSPs), teachers, administrators, and other educators.