The Arkansas Senate Education Committee meeting on January 9, 2024, spotlighted significant concerns regarding student achievement across the state, revealing a troubling trend in academic performance. The committee's in-depth analysis of the latest data from various assessments, including the NAEP and ACT, highlighted that Arkansas students are lagging behind national averages in key subjects.

In 2022, only 28% of fourth graders in Arkansas scored at or above proficient in math, compared to 35% nationally. Similarly, fourth-grade reading proficiency stood at 30% in Arkansas, slightly below the national average of 32%. The situation worsened for eighth graders, with just 19% achieving proficiency in math and 26% in reading, both figures trailing behind national benchmarks.

The committee also examined Advanced Placement (AP) exam results, revealing that only 43% of Arkansas students scored a 3 or higher, significantly lower than the national average of 62%. This raises concerns about the preparedness of high school graduates for college-level work, with only 12% of students meeting college readiness benchmarks across all subjects on the ACT.

The discussion further delved into the performance of specific student populations, including those eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, English Language Learners (ELL), and students with disabilities. Alarmingly, only 30% of students from low-income backgrounds were deemed ready or exceeding in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, compared to 56% of their peers.

The committee acknowledged the transition from the ACT Aspire to the new ATLAS assessment, which aims to align more closely with Arkansas's educational standards. However, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of Alternative Learning Environments (ALE), where only 5% of students were ready or exceeding in math and 9% in ELA.

As the committee wrapped up, members expressed a strong desire for further analysis and data collection to better understand these trends and improve educational outcomes. The meeting underscored the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the academic challenges facing Arkansas students and ensure they are equipped for future success.