Parent Power!

Arkansas

U.S.
Rank
#7 B
Overall PPI Score: 83%
Arkansas Overview
Opportunity
Innovation
Policy Environment

Charter Schools

Score
78%
Grade: C
Rank: #21

The growth of Arkansas' charters has been hindered by a historically restrictive law, which has only recently evolved to offer more charter options. This year, the state took a significant step in removing the cap on the number of open-enrollment charter schools that can be approved, sending it 9 spaces ahead in the national charter law rankings!

Fast Facts:

Law enacted: 1995

Most recently amended: 2023

Law passed: 1995

Number of charter schools: 110

Number of charter students: 45,800

Cap on the number of schools allowed: No.

Virtual charters allowed: Yes, if they serve multiple districts and are state-authorized only.

Charter Law Analysis:

AUTHORIZERS: The state department of education is the statewide authorizer. Conversion charters must be authorized by both the local district and the state department. Open-enrollment charter schools are only authorized by the state department of education, but can be reviewed by the local district and/or the state board. There is no appeals process, but applicants can ask the state board to review decisions by authorizers.

GROWTH: The 2023 L.E.A.R.N.S Act removes the limit on charter schools in the state, which has already spurred charter school growth. 18 open-enrollment charter schools are planned for the 2024-25 school year, which would double the number of charter schools in the state. Charters exhibiting exceptional academic growth, above-average ratings, and meeting financial requirements may benefit from an expedited renewal process.

OPERATIONS: There is no blanket waiver from operational rules. Charters must negotiate with the state for all waivers. All safety, standards, health, etc. policies still apply like in other charter states.

EQUITY: Charter schools are to receive the same funding as traditional district schools, but are not eligible for local revenue from property taxes, which makes up more than a third of district school budgets. While there is no per-pupil facilities funding for any charter, the state's Department of Education has the authority to provide facilities funding for open-enrollment public charter schools, starting in 2023. School districts are required to report unused or underutilized facilities to the state and allow nearby charter schools the rights to buy or lease those facilities at market value.

Choice Programs (Scholarships, Vouchers, Tax Credits, etc.)

Score
88%
Grade: B
Rank: #5

Enacting one of the three most expansive education freedom laws in 2023, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas are setting a bold vision for the future. The state and governor's dedication to expanding education freedom initiatives generates opportunities, exemplified by the 2023 Yass Prize Education Freedom cohort, to support hundreds of students.

Fast Facts:

Number of programs: 2

Statewide participation: 15,400

Types of programs: Education savings account, tax-credit scholarship

Choice Laws & Analysis:

Education Savings Account
L.E.A.R.N.S. Act - Education Freedom Account Program
Law Enacted: 2023
Most Recently Amended: N/A
The Arkansas L.E.A.R.N.S. Act creates the Children's Educational Freedom Account program, open to all students after a three-year phased period that prioritized low-income students and students in failing schools. The account value is set at 90% of the previous year's statewide foundation funding per student, which is approximately $7,000 in 2024-25. In the initial phases of implementation, the program's funding capped at 1.5% of total public school enrollment in the first year (2023-24 school year), 3% in the second year (2024-25 school year), and removes the cap entirely thereafter, yet availability is dependent on budget determinations. As one of the nation's most expansive programs, Arkansas should be recognized for its bold initiatives to empower parents!

Tax-Credit Summary
Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Program
Law Enacted: 2015
Most Recently Amended: 2023
In 2022, a new tax-credit scholarship program with a $2 million cap and limited to 250 students per year was established. To be eligible, families must have an annual income less than or equal to 200% federal poverty level, and students must have previously attended a public school in Arkansas. In 2023, the state increased the cap for a tax-credit scholarship program from $2 million to $6 million, significantly expanding its capacity to serve just under 1,000 students.


Teacher Quality

USE OF STUDENT DATA IN EVALUATING TEACHER PREP

"Arkansas does not use student achievement or growth data to hold teacher education programs accountable. Instead, the accountability focus is on program approval rather than outcomes."

This is just one indicator from The National Council on Teacher Quality, which collects and analyzes states on how well their policies and practices lead to well-prepared teachers. They collect data on state laws and regulations concerning the preparation of teachers, the policies that govern their oversight and the contracts that guide their employment. Learn more about your state here.