How could the review of the Arkansas Education Freedom Account affect the Arkansas Department of Education?
The Department of Education may need to adjust oversight of the EFA voucher program. The review of the Arkansas Education Freedom Account (EFA) voucher program, which cost the state roughly $307 million last school year, has raised questions about the program's academic accountability. The report noted that while voucher recipients scored at the 62nd percentile for math and 66th for reading, it is difficult to judge the program's effectiveness because voucher recipients do not take the same standardized tests as public school students, and private schools use different accreditation methods.
- Effect
- Mild negative
- How direct
- Stated in the reporting
- When
- Within months
- The story
- Still developing
How it reaches Arkansas Department of Education
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A report by the University of Arkansas' Department of Education Reform reviewed the first school year that the Arkansas Education Freedom Account voucher program was universally available to K-12 students in Arkansas. The report found that students receiving vouchers scored at the 62nd percentile for math and 66th for reading compared to national students. The school year prior, recipients scored at the 57th percentile for math and 59th percentile for English language Arts.
The full event1independent outlet -
The report covered the EFA program, which cost the state roughly $307 million last school year and enrolled 44,000 students. The review questioned the academic outcomes, noting that voucher recipients' test scores were at the 62nd percentile for math and 66th for reading, but that standardized testing and accreditation methods differ between public and private schools, making direct comparison difficult.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- katv.com Yesterday
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government organization in Little Rock, United States
Everything about Arkansas Department of Education
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- The EFA voucher program cost the state roughly $307 million last school year.katv.com
- Last school year, 44,000 students were enrolled in the EFA program.katv.com
- On average, test scores for students receiving vouchers last school year were at the 62nd percentile for math and 66th for reading.katv.com
- Voucher recipients do not have to take the same standardized test public school students have to—the new state-administered ATLAS test.katv.com
Why it matters
The EFA voucher program represents a significant allocation of state funds, costing the state roughly $307 million last school year. Because the Arkansas Department of Education is the state's administrative body for education, the public and academic questions regarding the program's effectiveness and accountability put pressure on the department to ensure the program meets its intended goals and manages public funds responsibly.
This review is part of a broader discussion about educational accountability in Arkansas. While the program has seen enrollment increase, the report noted that only about 26 percent of voucher recipients actually switched from public to private last school year, complicating any assessment of individual student improvement.
What we don't know yet
- What will the results of the study comparing achievement gains of switched versus remaining students show?
- What specific changes, if any, will the Department of Education make to the program's oversight?
What would change this answer
Who else could feel it
Other possible ripples from the same event.
Reporting
- katv.comYesterday
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