School Choice Week in Arkansas - Four Special Events

"We have a moral and societal obligation to give our children the opportunity to succeed in school, at work, and in life. We cannot meet that obligation unless parents are empowered to select the best schools of their children. I encourage everyone who wants to see a transformation of American education to get involved in National School Choice Week." ~ Bill Cosby

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by Laurie L M Lee:  We need a "regime change" in Arkansas Education. While Arkansas spends over $3 billion per year  on education and we have the most amazing teachers and best school facilities, Arkansas  is ranked 50th by Heartland Inst. for progress in learning and 37th in Academic Standards. WE NEED OPTIONS.

Arkansas' education system specifically its structures, its policies and its operational guidelines are failing our children. According to the U of A Ed Policy more than 25% of our students are NOT proficient in reading or math upon completion of the 8th grade and it gets worse from there.  Over 50% of Arkansas high school graduates have to go through remediation before taking their first college level course.

Education Week published a report last week grading states on educational policy and performance, Arkansas received a (D) in over all achievement K-12; (F) in spending and a (C-) in chance for success.

As of June 30,2011 Arkansas public school districts and ESC had outstanding loans and bonded indebtedness totaling over $3.5 BILLION, and increase of over $1billion in just 4 years. Arkansans spend the lions share of our general budget on education and the results are dreadful.

I am asked frequently how people can become more involved and help with issues in our state.
There are four events planned next week, Jan 23rd-28th, around Arkansas to shine a light on the need for options, giving ALL children a chance at excellence in education.

Parents should have a range of options, including great public schools, public charter schools, and access to high-quality private schools through school vouchers or scholarship tax credit programs. It's about a fundamental right for parents to have access to whichever quality schools serve their children and family best.

Education will be a focal issue of the 2013 session, the more INFORMED and ENGAGED Arkansas voters become the more EMPOWERED we all become.   Please attend an event and help spread the word by forwarding this article to your contacts.

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Event Locations:

• Monday Jan 23rd 6pm - Fayetteville- Prism Education Center, 2190 Razorback Road, Fayetteville, AR
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  Tuesday Jan 24th 7pm- El Dorado- City Hall  204 N West Ave, El Dorado, AR
• Thursday Jan 26th 6pm- Searcy- Harding Academy -  1529 E Park Ave. Harding Univ. Searcy, AR
• Friday Jan 27th 11am- Little Rock- Peabody- 3 Statehouse Plaza, Little Rock, AR 

Register Here

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