The Arizona Education Association, the union representing the state's public school employees, released a report Wednesday for its vision for schools going forward during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report includes funding requests for the Arizona Legislature and policy recommendations to ensure that students and staff can return safety to school and be prepared for potential interruptions. 

One of the biggest requests is a two-year moratorium on statewide standardized testing as well as a repeal of any funding tied to those tests.

“Any testing we give to our students over the next year, if not two, is just mainly going to assess the level of trauma that parents have been living through during this pandemic," said the association's Vice President Marisol Garcia.

Other recommendations include hazard pay for positions with increased exposure to the public, computer access for all students, access to personal protective equipment and professional development opportunities.

While most schools are planning for some type of in-person instructions, some students and staff may need to continue distance learning. Because of that, the association also requests funding to ensure that both students and staff have access to technology and internet. 

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