Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB571

Introduced
3/31/23  
Refer
3/31/23  
Report Pass
4/3/23  
Engrossed
4/4/23  
Refer
4/4/23  
Report Pass
4/6/23  
Enrolled
4/7/23  
Chaptered
4/12/23  

Caption

To Amend The Arkansas Code To Clarify Which Individuals Are Required To Demonstrate Proficiency In Knowledge And Practices Of Scientific Reading Instruction.

Impact

The enactment of SB571 is likely to significantly impact educational standards and teacher qualifications in Arkansas. By mandating specific proficiency in reading instruction, the bill aims to enhance literacy outcomes among students in early education. However, such a requirement also raises questions about the adequacy of support and resources available to teachers who may struggle to meet these new standards within the designated time period. The law aims to harmonize teacher qualifications across the state, thereby potentially improving the overall quality of education in Arkansas schools.

Summary

Senate Bill 571 aims to amend the Arkansas Code regarding the proficiency requirements in scientific reading instruction for educators. The bill stipulates that all teachers working in licensed classroom positions for grades K-6, and special education courses related to literacy for K-12, must demonstrate proficiency in scientific reading practices by the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. Those who do not meet this requirement will have the opportunity to enter an intensive support status, allowing them to demonstrate their proficiency within a specified time frame as determined by their evaluators.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB571 seems largely supportive among legislators who prioritize educational reform and improved literacy outcomes. The bill received unanimous support in voting, indicating a consensus on the importance of scientific literacy practices in teaching. However, there might be concerns among some educators regarding the feasibility of meeting this proficiency requirement, particularly for those who may not have had prior training or exposure to these scientific reading instruction methodologies.

Contention

One point of contention lies in the support measures for teachers required to demonstrate proficiency. Critics may question whether sufficient resources and training opportunities will be made available to assist educators in complying with the new standards. There may also be discussions around the implications for teachers already in the system who may need to rapidly adapt to these new requirements. This raises broader questions about the balance between setting rigorous educational standards and providing adequate support for educators to meet these expectations effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB37

An Act For The Department Of Education - Arkansas School For The Blind And Arkansas School For The Deaf Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB51

An Act For The University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB40

An Act For The University Of Arkansas - Fayetteville Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.