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Senate adopts Miranda substitute narrowing advanced-math placement criteria in HB 24-23
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Summary
The Arizona Senate adopted a Miranda substitute amendment to House Bill 24-23 that narrows advanced-math placement to students who demonstrate high proficiency on statewide or aligned benchmark assessments; supporters called it a targeted fix, while opponents said funding and teacher shortages limit its impact.
The Arizona Senate Committee of the Whole approved House Bill 24-23 as amended after members adopted a substitute floor amendment offered by Senator Miranda that narrows eligibility for placement in advanced-math classes.
Senator Miranda said the substitute was ‘‘a friendly amendment’’ agreed with the sponsor and explained that it would limit placement to students who show high proficiency on the statewide assessment or an aligned benchmark while removing duplicative reporting requirements. She said the change aims to ensure ‘‘we are really only placing students in advanced math who are showing the highest level of proficiency and not just because a parent requests it or because a specific letter grade received in a course.’’
Proponents and supporters described the amendment as focused and helpful to high-achieving students. Senator Kavanaugh said he ‘‘stand[s] in support of HB 24-23 as amended’’ and noted options for students in districts without advanced course offerings, including community-college coursework and online options.
Senator Epstein delivered a floor explanation voicing reservations about the bill’s ability to address systemic problems. ‘‘I’m worried about how this is going to accomplish that,’’ Epstein said, arguing that simply moving students forward does not solve the underlying shortfall of qualified math teachers or the limited availability of advanced courses in some high schools. She pressed for legislative attention to funding and teacher recruitment, saying the real problem is budgetary and staffing capacity.
The committee recommended a do-pass as amended, and a later recorded vote on third reading passed HB 24-23 by a margin recorded in the transcript as 20 ayes, 7 nays, and 3 not voting. The bill will be transmitted to the House.
Why it matters: The amendment changes who becomes eligible for advanced coursework statewide; supporters said it protects the rigor of advanced placements, while opponents warned that without parallel investments in staffing and course availability, the change may not increase access in practice.
What’s next: The bill passed the Senate and was transmitted to the House for further action.
