his week, the House and Senate Education Committees took a deep look at how Arkansas schools are preparing students not just for tests, but for life after graduation.

On Tuesday, members reviewed statewide assessment results and updates on the new school accountability system. After two years of consistent testing, Arkansas students are showing steady gains. Math proficiency is up nearly three percent, science more than two percent, and reading continues to improve. Leaders emphasized that while scores have not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, Arkansas is holding firm on rigorous expectations rather than lowering the bar. The return to end-of-course exams in algebra, geometry, and biology is also helping ensure assessments align directly with what students are learning.

Just as imp

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