Thursday, April 8, 2021
Educational freedom benefits all students — even public school students
"The typical objection to educational freedom rests on the supposed negative effect of school choice on public schools. But the weight of the evidence shows that the introduction of school voucher programs has a positive effect on public students’ test scores and other metrics of student wellbeing."
EDUCATION HEADLINES
If you like small classrooms, you will love learning pods
Learning pods, also known as microschools, offer small classrooms and crucially important educational options for students being left behind in their current schools.
States are taking action, and ExcelinEd in Action tracks it all
ExcelinEd in Action’s monthly report on legislative activity gives a quick snapshot of the bills we are monitoring and advocating for across the nation.
As the pandemic takes its toll, school choice is more important than ever
Covid shutdowns have left many students behind in their education.
Freeing education from housing
The use of attendance zones is an extension of segregation, relegating low income students to poor performing schools with little to no options. School choice offers options.
8th Circuit panel to re-hear school choice case
The 8th circuit will re-hear the case which excused various south Arkansas schools from participating in interdistrict school choice.
Arkansas Succeed Scholarship success stories
"His communication skills have exploded. He is starting to write his name and letters. This would not have been possible in a larger classroom at a public school. He is now in 1st grade and continues to thrive thanks to his Succeed Scholarship and Compass Academy."- Sherrie, Succeed Scholarship parent

The legislature established this overwhelming popular program in 2015 without a single dissenting vote.
  • 38 schools across Arkansas participate
  • 665 scholarships have been awarded
  • Scholarship cap for 20-21 is $7,018 per student
  • 97% parent satisfaction rate from survey
We are proud to administer the program for the state with 100% of all state funding going directly to scholarships. All administrative costs of managing the scholarship for the state is paid for through a private philanthropic grant. 
Education bills of interest to our network
  • SB89 - Changes the IEP requirements for the Succeed Scholarship and establishes a lottery program for selection if applications exceed available scholarships.
  • Status: In House Education Committee
  • HB1446 - Opens the Succeed Scholarship to all children of active duty military members.
  • Status: Passed out of Senate Ed committee recommend do pass
  • SB25 - Schools do not have to count a student for the 3% cap of public school choice if a student has gone to the district for preschool.
  • Status: Amended and referred back to Senate Education Committee
  • HB1237 - Schools would have an option to provide virtual options permanently. The school year would be amended to not start before the Monday before Labor Day, and schools would have the option to implement an alternate school calendar. 
  • Status: Returned by Senate Education Committee recommend do pass
  • HB1464: Provides a mechanism for parents to bring their concerns over instructional material and activities in the classroom to the district/school administration.
  • Status: Passed out of Senate Ed committee recommend do pass
  • HB1610: Requires reporting the use of restraints as a manner of discipline and to require training in disciplinary methods. 
  • Status: Passed out of the house. Sent to Senate Education Committee
  • HB1840: Gives income tax credits for donations to a scholarship fund for medical school students
  • Status: In House Revenue & Tax Committee
  • SB630: Creates a tax credit scholarship program for low-income Arkansas students to attend an approved private school of their choosing
  • Status: In Senate Education Committee
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring every K-12 student in Arkansas has equal access to a world class education. Our mission is to create a network of parent and community leaders so every policy decision and every conversation about education starts and ends with how it impacts our kids.