Tell us your #prekstories
AACF is looking for Arkansans to tell us their stories about why pre-K is important to them. If you’re a business leader, a college student, a member of law enforcement, a prosecutor, a teacher, a member of the clergy,...
Celebrating public education
An essential component of the American success story is the value we, as a nation, have placed on education for all citizens. As early as April 23, 1635, the Boston Public Latin School, the first public school in America,...
Pondering equity and education on anniversary of King’s letter
On April 16 we remember and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his call to action in the Letter from a Birmingham Jail. He warned, “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the...
AACF Weekly Legislative Update Vol. 12
JUVENILE JUSTICE: SB982, “An Act to Improve the Effectiveness of the Juvenile Justice System,” passed both chambers and is off to the governor’s desk. This critical piece of legislation seeks to stop the ineffective and costly practice of incarcerating...
AACF statement on increase in pre-K funding
The following is a statement from Rich Huddleston, executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families: Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF) and the Invest Early Coalition would like to thank Governor Hutchinson and the Arkansas General...
No Luck in Improving NSLA Spending This Session
The state of Arkansas gives funding to school districts based on their levels of poverty. The money is intended to support low-income children and help public schools narrow the achievement gap in education. But many would argue that it...
AACF Weekly Legislative Update Vol. 11
There was a flurry of activity at the State Capitol this week as the session nears its end. Next week, perhaps the final one of the session, promises to be busy as well. EDUCATION: Earlier this week, the senate...
Law enforcement group supports pre-K increase
Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, a national, bipartisan, nonprofit anti-crime organization of nearly 5,000 police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors, attorneys general and other law enforcement leaders and violence survivors, has published a letter sent to Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson in support...
AACF Weekly Legislative Summary Vol. 10
It’s been hectic at the State Capitol as the session winds down. Here’s what happened this week and a look at what to expect after the weekend. EDUCATION: Pre-K day at the Capitol was a welcome relief from the...
AACF Weekly Legislative Update Vol. 9
EDUCATION: Be sure to join us Tuesday March 17th for Pre-K Day at the Capitol. It’s going to be a great day with kids everywhere, legislators reading to children, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and lunch with the launch of a...