01-05-2025
Central Arkansas schools prepare for laws going into effect next year
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Summer break is right around the corner for students, but it won't be a break for the state's school districts, which received plenty of homework from the state legislature.
Of all the law changes coming in the 2025-2026 school year, Pulaski County Special School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janice Warren said 'Bell to Bell, No Cell' is the most challenging. The law requires students' phones to be stored during school hours.
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Warren said all changes made by new laws are among her biggest responsibilities this time of year.
'Whenever the session closes, you are trying to figure out, okay, what law impacts what,' Warren said. 'What laws have to do with registration? Which ones are the academic pieces?'
She also categorizes changes by when they are coming which is usually one of three ways.
They could take many years, like the full implementation of school choice vouchers. Some laws require adjustments over one summer, like 'Bell to Bell, No Cell' and free breakfast for all. Others are implemented immediately, such as a law passed this Spring requiring donated copies of the Ten Commandments to be hung in every classroom.
New laws going into effect in Arkansas from the 95th General Assembly
Some laws require curriculum changes and guidance from the Department of Education. Among them is a law requiring annual firearm safety instruction for students starting with the 2025-2026 school year.
'The big thing about that is figuring out what grade level, what subject area are you going to add this new law if it's gun safety or whatever,' Dr. Warren explained.
Communication with staff and parents is a big part of preparation. PCSSD will be doing a trial phase of 'Bell to Bell, No Cell' within middle schools starting May 5, which has generated much feedback.
'It's just a task keeping up with all of them and making sure that we're implementing them correctly,' Warren said.
Another law going into effect next school year requires all schools to offer accelerated learning courses.
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A few laws are set to be implemented in the 2026-2027 school year. Act 478 requires the Founding Fathers' religious beliefs be taught. Act 134 requires education on communism and autocratic governments. Act 908 requires public schools to place audio recording devices in school locker rooms.
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