State seeks federal approval to support local decision making and implement a common sense approach to improve learning
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Education today submitted a unified education plan to the U.S. Department of Education that would replace overlapping state and federal requirements with a single Arkansas-led system for funding, accountability, and assessment. The “Reclaiming Arkansas Education” plan is designed to reduce unnecessary federal reporting and administrative burdens so school districts can focus more time, resources, and attention on better supporting students.
The plan, which builds on the state’s landmark LEARNS Act, includes components that would allow Arkansas to operate under one coherent statewide framework instead of maintaining separate state and federal systems that often measure and report the same information in different ways. Read Arkansas’ state plan here.
“When I signed Arkansas LEARNS three years ago, our state committed to putting students first, empowering parents, and supporting teachers so that Arkansas’ kids had every opportunity to succeed,” said Governor Sanders. “We have made incredible progress so far, and the Reclaiming Arkansas Education plan will make sure we can keep moving forward. Thanks to the incredible leadership of President Trump and Secretary McMahon, we are returning education to the states - where it belongs.”
(See RECLAIMING page 3) (Continued from page 1) 'For too long, Arkansas districts have spent valuable time and resources navigating overlapping, burdensome compliance requirements instead of focusing directly on students,” said Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva. 'Reclaiming Arkansas Education creates one clear system for funding, accountability, and assessment that reflects Arkansas’ priorities, responds to stakeholder feedback, and keeps the focus where it belongs: on improving student outcomes.”
Reclaiming Arkansas Education
The plan, which was made available for public review and comment, seeks to: Give districts greater flexibility to invest in student needs. Districts would gain more freedom to direct federal dollars toward student needs rather than administrative compliance. Dr. Mickey McFetridge, director of finance for Fayetteville Public Schools, said in public comment it would be beneficial if “the funding could remain the same, but the district would have latitude to focus on student needs as opposed to red tape' and Chris Nail, Superintendent of Benton School District, said that the funding flexibility “would allow the district to better meet student needs and expand opportunities for success.”
Expand access to accelerated coursework, while eliminating duplicative testing. The plan would expand access to accelerated coursework without requiring extra tests that do not add value for students. For example, an eighth grader who is advanced enough to take Algebra I shouldn't have to take both the eighth-grade math test and the Algebra I exam. They take one test, it counts, and it reflects where they actually are academically. Jim Ford, director of Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative (GFESC), commented this is 'a very common sense approach.'
Replace dua l accountability with one clear framework. Arkansas would use its newly overhauled accountability and support system as the single measure for both state and federal purposes, eliminating the need for schools, families, and communities to navigate two separate reporting systems. Claire Wilkinson, general counsel for Fayetteville Public Schools, commented, “I love the idea of one way of assessing student achievement and school performance,” noting that different assessments can become confusing.
“Decisions about education should be made by those closest to the students, and this Unified Statewide Accountability and Support Plan makes that possible,” said Governor Sanders. “Systems that prioritize processes over people only lead to more frustration and fewer opportunities. That’s why I signed Arkansas LEARNS three years ago, to overhaul a broken system, empower parents, and support teachers. This new plan will open the door for us to build on those objectives and continue putting students first.”
“By reclaiming Arkansas’ education system, we will continue to strengthen our state’s education agenda by reducing unnecessary federal compliance requirements to ensure our educators can spend more time where it matters most: helping every student learn,” said Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva. “Instead of supporting distant, disconnected federal systems, we need to support individual students and educators on the front line to ensure we offer the diamondstate standard education in every single classroom and bolster student readiness and success. Thanks to the Arkansas LEARNS Act, the foundation for a studentfirst education has already been laid.”
In 2023, Governor Sanders signed Arkansas LEARNS into law. LEARNS expanded access to early childhood education, provided highimpact tutoring and literacy coaches, and enabled Arkansas to lead the nation in starting pay for educators. In just two years, Arkansas has achieved notable progress working with over 3,000 educators to advance each aspect of LEARNS: The plan has drawn broad support from educators and district leaders. Becky Rosburg, assistant superintendent of human capital and federal programs for Hot Springs School District, said it 'represents an opportunity to address unique challenges, promote innovation, and ensure that educational outcomes remain strong.'
The plan also addresses concerns raised in public comment. The plan does not seek to reduce civil rights protections, funding requirements for highneed students, or support for struggling schools. The flexibilities extend options already available in federal law to a broader set of districts while maintaining all existing protections. English learners will continue to receive highquality instruction and appropriate supports, and the state will continue to monitor their progress and outcomes. Arkansas’ system will go above and beyond to ensure our most vulnerable students get the support they need.
After submission, the plan is subject to a 120-day federal review period. If approved, Arkansas will move forward in implementing a unified, state-led education system focused on improving student outcomes, empowering local decision-making, and preparing every graduate to enroll in college, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce.
