The Arkansas Department of Education joined Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in celebrating National School Choice Week, recognizing January 25 through 31 as School Choice Week in Arkansas. Because of the state's strong commitment to education freedom, Arkansas ranked among the top three states in the American Legislative Exchange Council’s 2026 Index of State Education Freedom, earning an A grade in Education Freedom Programs, Virtual Schooling, and Open Enrollment.

As we step into a new year, APSRC remains deeply committed to supporting Arkansas educators in building strong, thriving school communities. At the heart of this work is collective efficacy, the shared belief among educators that, together, they can positively impact student learning.

In December, the APSRC Teaching and Learning team traveled across Arkansas, visiting eight schools in the Delta, Central, Northeast, and Southern regions. These visits provided hands-on support for educators, with a focus on data analysis, instructional planning, and coaching to strengthen classroom practices and boost student achievement.