Natural State News

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Arkansas secured the eleventh position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 77.3%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

Arkansas scored a 75% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored a 78%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, Arkansas earned an 82%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

"Hovering just over the top 10, Arkansas made historical gains on the PPI by enacting the LEARNs Act in 2023, improving everything from parent power to teacher pay to better reading instruction. The state's various web portals are parent-friendly and accessible. Parents feel powerful when they know what's happening and have the power to use information to their child's advantage," the Parent Power Index notes.

"The Governor wasted no time upon taking office in leading the charge for groundbreaking changes in law that resulted in parent power winning a major victory in 2023. With passage of a comprehensive act which addresses everything from funding to teachers to choices for parents, Huckabee Sanders showed herself to be a true champion of educational opportunities for families," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”