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Bureau of Legislative Research: course offerings have shifted since 2015 changes; smaller and higher-poverty schools less likely to teach some courses
Summary
Julie Holt presented adequacy-study findings showing Arkansas course offerings have changed after statutory waivers and policy shifts; chemistry and core courses remain widespread but courses such as physics and journalism show declines, with smaller and higher-poverty schools disproportionately lacking some offerings.
Julie Holt of the Bureau of Legislative Research told the Senate Education Committee that the adequacy study's review of learning expectations shows statutory definitions, practice and course offerings have diverged since major policy changes in 2015.
Holt said changes in state law and State Board practice — including Act 1240 (which broadened waiver access) and Act 853 (which treated demonstrating an offer of courses as sufficient for accreditation) — have given districts greater flexibility, and the effect shows up in enrollment data. "There's a clause in [the adequacy definition] that talks about the mandatory 38 classes being taught at the high school level," she said, "and as we just talked about, in law,…
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