Gov. Sanders reveals the design of the Arkansas ACCESS bill to improve the state’s educational system

Little Rock, Arkansas – On Friday morning, Governor Sarah Sanders unveiled Arkansas ACCESS, her bill to transform higher education.

“I’m pleased to announce Arkansas ACCESS, a focused reform of our higher education system that will help every Arkansan get the education they need and prepare for the in-demand careers of the future,” Governor Sanders stated following months of collaboration with stakeholders throughout the state.

Sponsored by Representative Matthew Shepherd (District 97) and Senator Jonathan Dismang (District 18), the bill aims to transform Arkansas’ educational system through LEARNS.

According to the bill’s sponsors, the law would “enact universal education freedom,” deploy 120 literacy coaches around the state, and increase teacher salaries from $36,000 to $50,000 annually.

“Students in Arkansas should graduate with more than simply a degree; they should also have the training, education, and abilities needed to succeed in the real world. I express my gratitude to the Governor for spearheading the ACCESS program. Representative Matthew Shepherd stated, “It will contribute to the development of more robust career pathways, the expansion of our economy, and a more promising future for the next generation.”

“The removal of artificial barriers and bureaucratic red tape that have long hampered student progress in our state’s higher education system is one of the things I am most thrilled about. Senator Jonathan Dismang stated, “ACCESS is firmly centered on the student and prioritizes their individual success, much like the LEARNS Act.”

ACCESS stands for acceleration, common sense, affordability, eligibility, scholarships, and standards, according to lawmakers.

Among the main elements of the Act are:

• Broadening accelerated coursework in Arkansas high schools beyond AP to IB and other programs
• Establishing a process for issuing district grades as well as grades for individual schools
• Removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs
• Allowing institutions of higher education that support servicemembers and military families to earn “Purple Star Campus” designations.
• Preventing students from participating in protests
• Creating a new funding model for higher education
• Creating uniform admissions policies
• Creating new scholarships