Reform Strategies
These ten steps create a broad plan for educational reform. This plan is based on the research that was utilized for the "elementary education", "secondary education", and "higher education" pages of this website. Many of the links to that research can be accessed on the "about" page. Links to relevant resources associated with this ten step plan are included here to provide additional information in this section.
1) Allocate funding for programs to improve the mental and physical health of students
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/student-mental-health-education-factsheet
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-youth/mental-health/mental-health-education.html
2) Create a more engaging environment in the classroom to improve student comprehension and overall performance
3)Provide additional resources for schools in rural areas
https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/rural-education-resource-center
https://nrea.net/tactics-and-resources-to-support-rural-students/
https://www.arkansasruraled.com/page/mission-statement
4)Address school safety concerns through enhanced security, mental health support, and further training/resources
https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov/resourcecenter/content.ashx/cops-w0900-pub.pdf
https://www.ed.gov/teaching-and-administration/safe-learning-environments/school-safety-and-security
5)Provide greater incentives for instructors to address teacher shortage
https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/blog/addressing-teacher-shortages-insights-four-states
6)Expand internet access for students
https://forwardarkansas.org/news/bridgingthedigitaldividearkansasconnectivitycoalition/
https://learns.ade.arkansas.gov/Learns/Networking
7) Continue to invest more resources into academic programs that bolster proficiency in literacy and math
8)Push lawmakers to implement policies that improve education
9)Improve student retention in higher education programs
https://www.explorance.com/blog/10-student-retention-strategies-for-higher-education-institutions/
10)Increase funding for student housing on college campuses
https://econsultsolutions.com/solutions-for-student-housing-crisis/
Educational Comparison
Understanding the academic success of other states will provide clarity for Arkansans who want to improve our own system of education. The following websites describe the ways in which these states have achieved this educational success and where they rank on the national level.
https://wallethub.com/edu/e/states-with-the-best-schools/5335
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education