Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

HELPING STUDENTS GET INTO COLLEGE

As a graduate of an Arkansas public school system, Rep. Allen firmly believes we should invest in our children. He sponsored Act 730, which creates the Arkansas College and Career Readiness Planning Program Act. Many Arkansas students enter college unprepared for the academic rigors of college and require non-credit remedial courses to attain skills and knowledge needed for regular coursework. This Act establishes a pre-college readiness assessment program in public high schools using pre-ACT or pre-SAT assessments to provide early benchmarks for student performance on college readiness exams. Students, parents, and schools will benefit through the provision of reportable statewide data and program development to assist students with college and workforce readiness skills, course selection in high school and improved academic achievement. Consistent use of pre-college assessments will increase the number of successful student transitions into post-secondary education.
INCREASE IN PER-PUPIL FUNDING

Providing our children with educational opportunities is of the utmost importance. An educated workforce results in vibrant communities and economic prosperity. Per-pupil funding will increase to $5,905 for the next school year and to $6023 for the 2010-2011 school year.
HELP FOR TEACHERS

The legislature demonstrated its commitment to teachers by providing $15 million to assist them with the cost of their health insurance.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FROM LOTTERY PROCEEDS

Arkansans voted to have a state-run lottery, with net proceeds to fund college scholarships. The majority of the scholarship money will allow non-traditional students to obtain a college degree.
The basic qualifications to receive a lottery scholarship will include graduating from an Arkansas high school with a 2.5 GPA or better, or receiving a 19 or better on the ACT.

The first lottery-funded scholarships should be available for the 2010-2011 school year.

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