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Why is the business community so interested in influencing and changing the educational system?
There is an enormous need for more involvement by the business community in Arkansas' educational system. Education is fundamental to the state’s economic health and opportunity, and every child deserves the opportunity to reach their maximum potential. The state’s future depends on the quality of its Pre K-12 educational system. We believe businesses can and will have an effect on the direction and quality of our state’s education policies, if we use our collective influence to impact them.
Why are we supportive of open enrollment public charter schools and choice?
Open enrollment public charter schools are a matter of providing choice for children and parents, as well as providing competition to the traditional public school system. Most Arkansans don’t have the financial resources necessary to move their child if they are being underserved in their current school. Choice enables families to weigh their options and make a decision in their best interest. By supporting the choice that comes with more open enrollment public charter schools, Arkansans are addressing the issue of equity. Additionally, competition prompts traditional school systems to make measurable improvements.
Why are accountability, transparency, choice and incentives the four core elements of your education reform agenda?
Accountability, transparency, choice and incentives are the four essential elements to a high-quality educational system. These core principles are the framework for Act 35, our state’s educational accountability system. Previous to Act 35, Arkansas school districts had no consistency regarding curriculum delivery, assessment systems and expectations for student achievement.
What is the traditional educational system doing to improve student outcomes for the children they are charged with serving?
Arkansas has made remarkable progress since the passage of Act 35 and the subsequent Omnibus Education Act. For example, Arkansas has ranked No. 6 on Education Week’s 2011 Quality Counts Report.
From the time Act 35 was created to date, Arkansas’ public school system has climbed from 49th to 6th in the nation on Education Week’s annual Quality Counts Report. This is truly a remarkable improvement and we continue to work to raise the bar even higher.
Have school district leaders embraced the increased accountability requirements of Act 35?
Initially, the traditional educational system was extremely resistant to the mandates of accountability, transparency and choice. As Act 35 was implemented and administrative leadership witnessed the dramatic improvement being made in educational outcomes, acceptance has grown. The result has been continuous and tremendous growth. The tenants of educational reform are still not universally embraced.
Why is it so hard to initiate reforms in the traditional educational system?
The traditional educational system is entrenched in bureaucracy. There’s incredible resistance to change the status quo of the K-12 delivery system, but colleges are also so rigid in their curriculums that most are decades behind in teacher and administrative education preparation. Substantive changes require a systemic overhaul of the entire educational system.
Are we making progress in improving the educational outcomes for Arkansas school children?
Absolutely. Arkansas has made remarkable progress over the past seven years. We have been recognized as a national leader in education reform and improvement. We have proven it can be done. We cannot rest until we have assured every child in Arkansas will receive a first-class education that will prepare them for success in higher education and/or the work world.
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