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104th Regular Session Introduced by Jay Hoffman

House Bill 1696 mandates a transferable core curriculum for all undergraduate students in Arkansas, ensuring essential skills and knowledge for graduation by fall 2027.

Referred to Rules Committee

Overview

House Bill 1696, now known as Act 566, aims to establish a core curriculum for undergraduate students at state-supported institutions of higher education in Arkansas. The bill was introduced on March 5, 2025, and has since passed through various legislative stages, culminating in its enactment on April 14, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

The primary goals of the Strengthening Arkansas Education Act are to:
- Ensure that undergraduate students acquire essential knowledge and skills to become informed and civic-minded citizens.
- Implement a fully transferable core curriculum that provides a shared understanding of American history, ideals, and institutions.
- Promote a coordinated system of higher education in Arkansas, facilitating effective development across state-supported institutions.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes to the existing educational framework:

Core Curriculum Establishment:

A minimum general education core curriculum will be established, which all students must complete to earn an associate or baccalaureate degree.
This curriculum will include 15 semester credit hours of introductory survey courses, specifically:
- 2 courses in oral or written communication (3 credit hours each).
- 1 course in critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning (3 credit hours).
- 1 course in American history (3 credit hours).
- 1 course in American government (3 credit hours).

Transferability:

The core curriculum will be fully transferable among all state-supported institutions, ensuring that credits earned in one institution can be applied to another.

Repeal of Exemptions:

The bill repeals previous exemptions from the state minimum core curriculum under the Building Better Futures Program, ensuring that all students adhere to the new requirements.

Implementation Timeline:

The new core curriculum will be effective for students entering in the fall of 2027.

Compliance and Reporting:

The Arkansas Division of Higher Education will oversee compliance and may establish reporting requirements for institutions to detail their implementation of the core curriculum.

Impact

The Strengthening Arkansas Education Act will affect:
- Students: All undergraduate students at state-supported institutions will need to complete the new core curriculum to graduate.
- Educational Institutions: Colleges and universities will need to restructure their degree programs to align with the new requirements, ensuring that all courses meet the established core curriculum standards.

Conclusion

House Bill 1696 represents a significant shift in Arkansas's higher education landscape, aiming to standardize educational outcomes and promote a well-rounded education for all students in state-supported institutions. By establishing a core curriculum, the act seeks to enhance the quality of education and ensure that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to society.

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