by Taylor Wilson, Graduate Researcher
As Arkansas navigates the evolving educational landscape, the 2024 survey by the Office for Education Policy at the University of Arkansas offers a snapshot of parental opinions on key education issues. The survey, conducted with 450 Arkansas parents of school-aged children, addressed several important topics.
You can find all the details in the Arkansas Education Report, but here are the big takeaways:
Arkansas parents…
1. Have high college aspirations but low interest in teaching careers for their children:
- 88% of parents believe their child will attend college, while the statewide college attendance rate in Arkansas is 41%.
- Only 38% would advise their child to pursue a teaching career, despite recent salary increases under the LEARNS Act.
2. Hold varying opinions on the Four-Day School Week (4DSW):
- 75% of parents in 4DSW districts support the schedule.
- Parents in traditional or year-round schools are evenly split in their opinions.
3. Homeschool due to:
- Safety concerns, academic quality, and alignment with personal values.
- 74% of homeschooling parents cite physical school safety as a top motivator.
- 70% of parents cite emotional school safety as a top motivator.
- 7% of Arkansas students are homeschooled.
4. Underutilize tutoring:
- 89% of parents report that their child does not receive tutoring.
- The main reason is that parents believe their child does not need additional academic support.
5. Strongly support Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs):
- 85% of parents support EFAs
- Republican parents (88%), Independent parents (85%), and Democrat parents (76%) support EFAs.
- 70% of parents are likely to use an EFA, with many interested in homeschooling or private schooling.
6. Underestimate teacher salaries:
- 54% of parents underestimated beginning teacher salaries by more than $10,000.
The 2024 survey reveals diverse perspectives among Arkansas parents on education, reflecting the complexities of meeting student and family needs. As the state continues to implement new policies and explore models like the four-day school week, it is crucial to consider these parental voices to guide informed decision-making.
