News Item
February 8, 2023
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is proposing Arkansas LEARNS to the state legislature.
Among the features:
An increase in the current base salary for teachers from $36,000 to $50,000
which would rank Arkansas 4th highest base-salary for teachers as well as 12 weeks paid maternity leave and merit-based bonuses of up to $10,000.
Elimination of any CRT or indoctrination in curriculum
The measure also aims at broadening school choice, with the goal of adopting full universal choice for all Arkansas families by school year 2025-2026.
Current statistics show only 35% of students in third grade can read at grade level. To combat the issue the bill will fund 120 new literacy coaches to be deployed across the state to maximize student learning,and $500 of supplemental education services per year per any student from kindergarten to third grade who is struggling to read at grade level.
Also as part of Arkansas LEARNS, students will be required to complete 75 hours of community service to graduate high school. High school students will be offered dual track diplomas that will benefit students entering the workforce directly after graduation and help them qualify for high-paying jobs.