Current developments in Arizona education policy and legislation include:

■ Early Graduation Scholarships

Eligible high school students who graduate early will receive scholarships to qualifying colleges and universities under Senate Bill 1069, which was recently signed into law. Center for the Future of Arizona Executive Director Sybil Francis provided testimony in support of the bill.

Students who graduate at least one year early may receive up to $1,250 the first year and $750 the second year of their post-secondary education. Those who graduate one semester early may receive up to $1,000 the first year and $500 the second year. The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education will oversee the scholarship program.

■ Increase in Arizona High School Graduation Requirements Proposed

The Arizona State Board of Education recently approved a change to the high school graduation requirements to include three years of math for the class of 2012 and four years of math and three years of science for the class of 2013. The Center for the Future of Arizona fully supports the change which will better align high school graduation requirements with Arizona university admission requirements. More information is available on the Arizona Department of Education website: http://www.azed.gov/stateboard/Gradrequirements.asp

■ Education Bills in the Arizona Legislature

For legislative updates and information, visit the websites of our Beat the Odds Program Partners, the Arizona Education Association and the Arizona School Boards Association: www.arizonaea.org and www.azsba.org