Office of Education Ombudsmen

The office of the Education Ombudsman was developed in compliance with Ark. Code Ann. 6-17-429 to assist and support the Right to Read and associated literacy legislation. The Education Ombudsman acts as a liaison between schools, parents, and DESE to promote the effective implementation of the science of reading. 

The office of the Education Ombudsman can:

  • Provide parents, guardians, school district personnel an opportunity to share concerns about pertinent literacy legislation.
  • Review and issue or concern related to the literacy education of a public school student enrolled in a public or open-enrollment public charter school.
  • Listen to and facilitate solutions solutions to concerns pertaining to reading education in Arkansas.
  • Recommend training and resources to a public school or district.
  • Request support and assistance from DESE to be provided to a public school or district.

For more information, please contact:

Carol Heringer,  Education Ombudsman
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Four Capitol Mall, Room 202-B
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Phone: (501) 682-3702
Email: Carol.Heringer@ade.arkansas.gov



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