The primary goal of Governor Janet Napolitano’s P-20 Council, launched on July 8, 2005, is to improve education in Arizona, as well as to ensure more students graduate from high school, succeed in college, and are ready for the modern workforce. The P-20 Council will work to achieve this goal by:
- Striving to align high school, college and work expectations to meet industry-specific skill sets in high-growth, well-paying occupations that will bring economic prosperity and industrial diversity to Arizona;
- Helping students at all levels meet higher standards and prepare for formal education and workforce training beyond high school;
- Giving all students the excellent teachers and leaders they need, particularly in the areas of math, science, and literacy;
- Strengthening high school and postsecondary accountability systems to better prepare students for college and increase enrollment and completion rates;
- Improving middle school and elementary school standards to ensure high school preparedness for math and science; and
- Ensuring clear pathways for all students to obtain college degrees, regardless of point of entry.
The P-20 Council will work to systemically address educational alignment in programs and policies from pre-school, K-12, and post-secondary education into life-long learning opportunities.