Arkansas leaders are marking three years since the Arkansas LEARNS education overhaul was signed into law, highlighting changes to the state’s education system and proposing additional funding to expand the program.
Signed into law in 2023, Arkansas LEARNS made sweeping changes to education in the state, including increases in teacher pay, new literacy initiatives, expanded school choice options and the creation of Education Freedom Accounts.
State officials say the program has led to improvements in academic support and expanded educational opportunities for students and families across Arkansas.
Education Freedom Accounts allow families to use state education funding for expenses such as private school tuition, homeschooling, tutoring and other educational services.
Participation in the program has grown significantly since its launch. State leaders say approximately 5,000 students participated during the first year, followed by around 14,000 students in the second year. In the program’s third year, it has expanded to all students in Arkansas, with about 44,000 currently enrolled.
Because of that growth, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has proposed additional funding for the program in the state’s upcoming budget. Her proposal includes $122 million in additional funding for Education Freedom Accounts along with $70 million set aside for future expansion.
Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva said the law was designed to give families more options and provide additional resources to support students and educators.
In addition to school choice options, the law also focuses on teacher development and academic support programs. State leaders say efforts are underway to expand initiatives such as high-impact tutoring, including programs aimed at helping students in rural districts.
Despite the changes, the law has faced criticism from some educators and policy groups who argue that programs like Education Freedom Accounts could redirect funding away from traditional public schools.
Supporters of the law say the goal is to improve student outcomes and provide families with more flexibility in how education funding is used.
Lawmakers are expected to review the governor’s proposed education funding as part of the upcoming fiscal session.
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