Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed her landmark education reform legislation into law Wednesday, ushering in the largest overhaul of the state's education system in decades. The Arkansas LEARNS Act, which Sanders had championed since its inception, will provide a number of changes to the state's public school system, including increasing funding for private and religious schools, guaranteeing a minimum teacher salary of $50,000, and banning Critical Race Theory.
The bill was passed in the Senate by a margin of 26-8, with Sanders in attendance. After the bill was passed, Sanders stressed that the Arkansas LEARNS Act was necessary to ensure that the state's education system remains competitive with other states.
"Our children deserve a 21st century education, and this bill is a significant step forward for Arkansas," Sanders said. "The Arkansas LEARNS Act will provide critical investments in our education system, from early childhood through college and career readiness."
The legislation provides a number of changes to the state's education system. It includes a $100 million increase in the state's education budget, which will go towards increasing teacher salaries, expanding access to private and religious schools, and providing more resources for students with special needs. The bill also provides grants to low-income families to help them afford tuition at private and religious schools, and requires public schools to ban Critical Race Theory from their curriculum.
In addition to the funding and policy changes, the Arkansas LEARNS Act also creates a new accountability system for public schools, which will measure student performance and provide rewards for schools that excel. The legislation also sets new standards for teacher evaluations and creates an advisory board to oversee the implementation of the act.
The Arkansas LEARNS Act is one of the most ambitious education reform bills to pass in the state in recent years, and many education advocates have praised the bill for its commitment to improving the quality of education for all students. While there are still some details to be ironed out, the bill is expected to have a significant impact on the way education is delivered in Arkansas.
