Arkansas House Bill HB1533

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/23
• Refer: 3/2/23
• Report Pass: 3/7/23
• Engrossed: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/8/23
• Report Pass: 3/27/23
• Enrolled: 3/29/23
• Chaptered: 3/30/23
• Passed: 3/30/23

Caption

To Exclude Certain Students From Inclusion In A School's Drop Out Rate For Purposes Of A School Performance Report.

Impact

The impact of HB 1533 on state laws is significant as it alters how schools report their performance regarding dropout rates. By excluding certain groups of students from dropout statistics, the legislation seeks to encourage schools to support students as they transition to alternative educational routes such as GED programs and private education options. Schools that see these student transfers or GED completions can potentially portray themselves in a more favorable light with respect to performance reports, which may affect public funding and perceptions of school efficacy.

Summary

House Bill 1533 aims to amend the School Performance Report Act by introducing specific exclusions from the calculation of dropout rates for schools. The bill proposes that students who pass the General Education Development (GED) test or those who transfer to home, private, or parochial schools should not be counted as dropouts. This legislative change is aimed at providing a more accurate representation of schools' performance metrics by potentially lowering reported dropout rates, thereby benefiting schools in their evaluations and funding considerations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 1533 appears largely supportive, especially among legislators and stakeholders focused on improving educational outcomes. Advocates of the bill argue that it reflects a more nuanced understanding of student mobility and accountability in performance reporting. However, there may be underlying concerns about whether this change could mask underlying issues in schools that might still need to address dropout prevention and support for at-risk students, leading to mixed reactions among certain education advocates and community members.

Contention

While the bill is viewed positively by many, there are contention points regarding its potential to inadvertently underreport genuine dropout rates. Critics may argue that excluding these students does not address the broader issues of student retention and school performance and may create a false narrative regarding school success. The debate may highlight a rift between those who support flexible educational pathways and those who prioritize maintaining rigorous accountability measures within public education systems.