TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) - Arizona's head of education, Tom Horne, visited Wheeler Elementary School on Thursday to celebrate its academic improvements. Wheeler is one of 108 schools in the state that have moved out of federal "School Improvement" status.

More than a dozen students welcomed Horne with a violin performance Thursday afternoon. Principal Kari Baltes described the difference the state’s “ Project Momentum ” has made in her classrooms.

"Our kiddos are continuously talking to one another, solving problems together, and so when you walk into a classroom it’s lively, using that academic rich conversation," Baltes said.

“Project Momentum” is an initiative by Arizona's Department of Education designed to support schools in "School Improvement” status. Schools with this status are

See Full Page