Reforming Education: A Look at Arkansas

For years, I’ve followed the downward trend in public education across the U.S. It seems that while schools aim for ideological accomplishments, the influence of teachers’ unions has swelled their budgets without yielding significant student improvements. In fact, major cities continue to see enrollment drop or hover at unsatisfactory levels.

However, Arkansas has provided a glimpse of what can be achieved when education takes precedence. After adopting reforms that many have long championed, the state’s educational scores soared. This also illustrates that it’s state officials—rather than the federal government—who play a crucial role in reversing the decline in educational quality, especially as there’s talk about dismantling the Department of Education.

Arkansas launched a new initiative called the Arkansas Teaching, Learning, and Assessment System (ATLAS). This includes better salaries for teachers, performance-based bonuses, and a voucher scheme for families.

The results? Skill levels surged in key areas from 2024 to 2026: math scores jumped from 36.4% to 44.2%, science from 35.6% to 44%, and English from 33.8% to 39.5%. Overall proficiency also rose from 36.9% last year to 42.2% in 2026.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas has touted the LEARNS Act—a significant 2023 educational overhaul—as a success.

Yet, the voucher system has faced significant backlash from teachers’ unions. Initially, I was doubtful of vouchers, rooted in my family’s commitment to public education. Years ago, my parents were instrumental in establishing an organization aimed at retaining families in public schools and raising academic standards in Chicago. They, like me, believed public schools have an essential role in shaping society through shared experiences.

But, witnessing the ongoing decline in performance changed my outlook. In my view, unions and administrators are undermining public education by prioritizing political agendas, treating families as captive audiences in the process. This sentiment was echoed by Iowa State Education Commissioner Rachel Wall, who stated that public education should focus on societal needs rather than just the preferences of parents.

Some believe that if parents want more control over their children’s education, they should either homeschool or opt for private institutions. This, I believe, is precisely what families seek through the voucher system.

At the same time, education activists remain backed by Democratic leaders. In late May, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger made headlines for appointing an LGBTQ activist to her advisory board, who opposes the prohibition of biological males in women’s restrooms—a clear shift toward progressive ideals.

On another note, the State Board of Education continues to erode programs for gifted students, despite a backdrop of unsatisfactory test outcomes.

To break this cycle of mediocrity, I believe families need alternatives that prioritize genuine education over advocacy. Arkansas exemplifies the possibilities that arise when we focus on creating options for quality education.

Meanwhile, teachers’ unions persist in investing vast sums into supporting Democratic candidates, who readily acquiesce to demands for pension increases and other concerns. Over the past decade, labor unions have reportedly funneled around $1 billion into such campaigns. In places like Chicago, teachers successfully pressed for paid leave to participate in protests, asserting that civic engagement requires more than textbooks.

Also, NEA Secretary Becky Pringle’s candid acknowledgment that unions would “win everything” evidently did not encompass improving student outcomes.

In a previous commentary, I was particularly struck by the experiences of mothers in Baltimore, one of whom shared that her son, despite failing most of his classes, somehow ranked in the top half of his class. Graduating students lacking foundational skills is not merely troubling but detrimental for the students and society at large.

Despite these challenges, many voters in pivotal Democratic cities continue to reelect the same leaders, perpetuating ineffective policies. Until we alter the political and economic dynamics of education—particularly by loosening unions’ grip—we will likely continue condemning generations of urban children to a cycle of poverty. In Arkansas, there’s success to be seen, but it’s the students—not the politicians—who are reaping the benefits.