Advocates Push Measures To Improve Public Schools

A counter-messaging coalition of public education advocates convened at the state capitol on Wednesday (Jan. 30) to push a different agenda than a pro-school choice group the day before.

From our content partner, the Arkansas News Bureau:

A group of public education supporters touted an agenda for improving public schools Wednesday that contrasted with efforts pushed by charter school advocates a day earlier.

At the state Capitol, the group lauded legislative efforts in recent years to bolster public schools and presented a list of measures intended to enhance the state’s ongoing efforts to improve academic achievement.

The measures include increasing access to preschool and expanding after school and summer programs; improving preparation and professional development of teachers and administrators; strengthening partnerships among parents, students and communities; making career and technical education opportunities more accessible for students; increasing accountability for all schools; and continuing to support high-quality education for students.

“It is absolutely critical that we continue this progress and that we as Arkansans do not allow our momentum to be derailed by distractions from powerful special interests.” said Fannie Fields, a parent from Marvell and member of the Arkansas Opportunity to Learn Campaign.

You can access the full report at this link.