During a recent meeting of the Arkansas Senate Education Committee, significant discussions centered on the need for improved student-to-teacher ratios in the state’s elementary schools. The committee reviewed findings from the 2020 Arkansas School of Finance study, which highlighted that evidence-based models recommend a ratio of 1 teacher for every 15 students in grades K through 3. This recommendation contrasts sharply with current Arkansas policies, which do not meet these standards.

The committee emphasized the importance of adjusting teacher staffing based on effective class sizes, particularly in elementary education. The evidence-based model suggests that elementary and middle schools should allocate 20% of core teachers for elective or specialist roles, while high schools should increase that percentage to over 33% due to a higher number of elective courses.

Financial considerations were also a key topic. Data from the National Center for Educational Statistics revealed that Arkansas spends approximately $800 less per pupil than the national average, raising concerns about adequate funding for classroom teachers. Feedback from educators indicated a pressing need for more funding, with 69% of superintendents reporting moderate to extreme funding shortages for classroom teachers. Additionally, nearly half of the surveyed teachers expressed dissatisfaction with their planning time, indicating that many do not receive the recommended 200 minutes per week.

The committee also discussed the funding for special education teachers, which accounted for nearly 6% of all foundation funding dollars in 2023. The current matrix funds 2.9 special education teachers per 500 students, amounting to about $424 per student, but this figure has seen a general increase of 24% annually since 2017, with the exception of 2021.

As the committee continues to evaluate these critical issues, the discussions underscore a growing recognition of the need for enhanced educational resources and support for both teachers and students in Arkansas. The outcomes of these deliberations could significantly impact the quality of education and the learning environment for students across the state.