The proposed legislation, known as the "Strengthening Arkansas Education Act," aims to enhance the educational framework at state-supported institutions of higher education in Arkansas. It establishes a core curriculum that ensures undergraduate students acquire essential knowledge and skills to become informed and civic-minded citizens. The act mandates the implementation of a fully transferrable core curriculum that includes a shared understanding of American history, ideals, and institutions, as well as foundational courses in logic, reasoning, and communication. The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with developing a minimum general education core curriculum that aligns with these objectives.

Additionally, the bill repeals several existing provisions related to exemptions from the state minimum core curriculum under the Building Better Futures Program and the Building Better Futures High School Program. It also removes the requirement for students to pass a course in American history or civil government to obtain a baccalaureate degree. The legislation introduces a new section defining the requisite core curriculum, which includes specific credit hour requirements for introductory survey courses in communication, critical thinking, American history, and government. The act emphasizes the importance of a coordinated system of higher education in Arkansas and allows for the establishment of reporting requirements to ensure compliance with the new curriculum standards.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1696 V2 - 3-19-2025 03:31 PM: 6-41-704(2), 6-41-804(2), 6-61-105, 03-19-2025, 6-61-218, 6-61-231(a)
Old version HB1696 V3 - 3-31-2025 12:07 PM: 6-41-704(2), 6-41-804(2), 6-61-105, 03-31-2025, 6-61-218, 6-61-231(a)
Act 566: 6-41-704(2), 6-41-804(2), 6-61-105, 03-31-2025, 6-61-218, 6-61-231(a)