Bill > HB1696

This bill establishes the Strengthening Arkansas Education Act, which aims to create a standardized core curriculum for state-supported higher education institutions. Beginning in fall 2027, the Division of Higher Education will implement a 15-semester credit hour core curriculum designed to provide students with a comprehensive educational foundation. The curriculum will include two hours of communication skills, a course focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving, and two three-hour courses in American history and government that specifically cover the U.S. Constitution and American institutions and ideals. The bill repeals several existing higher education curriculum regulations and mandates that this core curriculum be fully transferable among all state-supported institutions. The legislation emphasizes the goal of producing informed, self-reliant, and civic-minded citizens by ensuring a shared educational experience across Arkansas's public colleges and universities. The Division of Higher Education will have the authority to establish reporting requirements, potentially exempt certain applied science degrees, and allow for some course substitutions while maintaining the core requirements of American history and government courses for all students.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1696&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R