Reclaiming Arkansas Education
 | Arkansas is seeking a federal approval to implement a unified education plan to prioritize local decision-making, joining other states in the effort to return education to the states, and ultimately, restoring a locally-powered education system best suited for our state's needs. The plan is in step with Governor Sanders' vision outlined by LEARNS, that every child enters kindergarten ready to learn, has access to grade-level instruction with highly trained teachers, and leaves high school with a clear pathway to success while parents are empowered to drive their child's educational pathway. Please click here for an overview of the Waivers and Unified Statewide Accountability and Support Plan. Details on the Revised ESSA Plan, Ed-Flex Waiver, and Returning Education to the States Waiver are below. The public comment period will be open from April 7 through May 7, click here to provide public comment. |
As Arkansas leads through LEARNS to reclaim our education system from USED, a unified education plan will reduce unnecessary federal reporting and red tape so districts can focus on and support students, rather than systems. To do that, the state is requesting flexibility from the federal government to:
- Give school districts more freedom to invest funds on what students need most, with less time spent on burdensome administrative requirements.
- Use a single, clear statewide accountability system to identify and provide targeted support to schools in need, rather than juggling separate state and federal accountability processes that hides true school and student performance from parents and communities.
- Expand access to accelerated coursework without requiring extra tests that don't add value for students.
Arkansas is pursuing a unified plan that aligns funding, accountability, and assessment under one state-led system. | ||
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FUNDING Empower school districts to invest funds in student needs and minimize burdensome administrative requirements. | ACCOUNTABILITY Establish a comprehensive statewide accountability system to streamline state and federal accountability processes. | ASSESSMENT Expand access to accelerated coursework by eliminating redundant testing requirements. |
| Arkansas' plan reduces unnecessary federal compliance so districts can stay focused on student outcomes. | ||
What is ESEA? ESEA is the main federal law governing K-12 education. It directs the use of Title funds (e.g., Title I for low-income schools, Title II for teacher training) and sets accountability and testing requirements. While not all ESEA provisions can be waived, states may request flexibility from certain elements of accountability, assessment, reporting, and school improvement. | Returning Education to the States Waiver Waives specific ESEA funding and assessment provisions that create barriers to scaling Arkansas' unified strategy. Covers AFUA expansion pilot, state set-aside consolidation, and assessment flexibility for accelerated students. |
Allows ADE to waive certain ESEA statutory requirements on behalf of districts. Enables statewide and individual LEA waivers through the AR App process to reduce district-level compliance burden. | |
Allows ADE to update its federal education strategy to reflect evolving priorities and needs. Ensures alignment of funding, accountability, and supports to improve student outcomes while increasing coherence and flexibility for districts. |
