Arkansas House Bill HB1587

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/23
• Refer: 3/9/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Require Home Schools That Receive Any Form Of Public Funds To Administer An Annual Student Assessment.

Impact

If enacted, HB1587 would amend existing Arkansas education law, specifically targeting the regulations surrounding home schooling. The requirement for regular assessments would alter how homeschooled students are evaluated in relation to their peers in traditional school settings. Advocates of the bill argue that it will raise educational standards and accountability for home school programs, ensuring that students receive a quality education, especially when public funds are involved. It could potentially lead to more uniformity in educational assessments across different schooling methods within the state.

Summary

House Bill 1587 is a legislative proposal that mandates home schools receiving any form of public funding to administer an annual student assessment. The bill aims to ensure that homeschooled students are evaluated via a nationally recognized norm-referenced assessment that is approved by the State Board of Education. This requirement comes with the stipulation that the costs associated with administering such assessments will be the responsibility of the home school. The intention behind this legislation is to establish a standardized method to evaluate the educational progress of homeschooled students, similar to the assessments that public school students undergo.

Contention

There are varying viewpoints regarding HB1587. Supporters believe that this bill provides necessary oversight for home education, stating that it ensures that all students, regardless of their educational settings, meet certain learning benchmarks. Conversely, critics may argue that imposing such requirements infringes on parental rights and autonomy regarding education, suggesting that it could deter families from choosing home schooling due to the additional financial burden and regulatory pressures. This debate touches on larger themes of educational freedom versus the need for accountability in the educational system.