The Reform Alliance

"Wouldn't the time to determine how much a constitutional amendment will
cost Arkansas taxpayers be before you ask them to put the measure on the
ballot?"

OPINION | MELANIE FOX: Arkansas can’t afford blank check for public schools | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette They're back.

On the news: You may have seen this article earlier this week, but it's important to note an update. Bureau of Legislative Research (BLR) survey results on teacher job satisfaction actually mirror those found by the UA Office of Education Policy, that 89% of teacher surveyed either agree or strongly agree that they're satisfied. This was not immediately apparent in the meeting or in the initial reporting on it.

However, while the article notes BLR used an NEA report in its salary study, neither it nor BLR acknowledge that NEA's report has been criticized for its lack of transparency and violations of research ethics.

Arkansas lags in average teacher pay despite LEARNS bump to starting salaries | Arkansas Democrat Gazette Teacher pay in Arkansas is increasingly lagging behind dozens of other states when taking the cost of living into account, legislative staff told state lawmakers Monday.

“Changing people’s practices takes time. Building people’s capacity is complicated. But dramatically improving statewide learning outcomes is possible and necessary, and Arkansas is on its way.”

Arkansas is doing the work - Talk Business & Politics Sometimes growth is imperceptible. Think about grass, hair, or our children’s height. They’re all growing, even when we can’t tell. The same thing is happening in our classrooms: Arkansas teachers,...

“If you wanna talk about empowering people and power parents, we love our kids
more than anybody else we know our kids more than anybody else... And so allowing us to be able to have the resources to be able to do what’s best for our kids is huge."

Who Should Decide a Child’s Education—Parents or the System? For decades, the education debate has centered on schools.The LEARNS Act shifts the focus somewhere else entirely: parents.Supporters call it empowerment. Criti

"In the past, state test scores were not like this – they were released into the great void of summer. Students knew they would not be held accountable, and their efforts were mixed."

Arkansas is showing what’s possible when we move faster for students - Talk Business & Politics After 23 years in the classroom, I have learned something simple but powerful: students will rise to the level we set for them. The question is whether the systems around...

“A hands-on STEM program grounded at Little Rock Air Force Base is getting ready for takeoff again, thanks to a renewed partnership.”

Jacksonville schools, DoD team up to relaunch STARBASE STEM program A hands-on STEM program grounded at Little Rock Air Force Base is getting ready for takeoff again, thanks to a renewed partnership.

"After 23 years in the classroom, I have learned something simple but powerful: students will rise to the level we set for them. The question is whether the systems around them rise just as quickly."

Arkansas is showing what’s possible when we move faster for students - Talk Business & Politics After 23 years in the classroom, I have learned something simple but powerful: students will rise to the level we set for them. The question is whether the systems around...

"Every successful application represents another child with another opportunity to learn, grow and thrive." -Emmy Henley, The Reform Alliance

Educational Freedom Account applications total ticks upward, Arkansas Department of Education says | Arkansas Democrat Gazette Arkansans sent a total of 54,442 applications for Educational Freedom Accounts for the upcoming school year, according to the state Department of Education.

As of Monday, Arkansas families can file their Notice of Intent to Homeschool for 2026-27. This is a required process to use the EFA for homeschooling expenses. Most microschool students in Arkansas are also classified as homeschooling (check with your school if you're unsure). Find more information here:

Division of Elementary and Secondary Education - Offices - School Choice & Parent Empowerment - Home Schools - Notice of Intent Parent User Guide: This document explains, step by step, the process needed for first-time or returning parents using the online NOI system, including how to select a PSAT, ACT, or AP testing option. Screenshots and detailed instructions are provided.

"I believe deeply in our students, and we often underestimate them. When we challenge them and support them, they do remarkable things. But we must build systems that match that belief."

Arkansas is showing what’s possible when we move faster for students - Talk Business & Politics After 23 years in the classroom, I have learned something simple but powerful: students will rise to the level we set for them. The question is whether the systems around...