The University of Arkansas concluded its two-day event, “Education Reform Then and Now: A Policy Conference,” on Oct. 24, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Department of Education Reform. Held at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, the conference brought together educators, policymakers, researchers and advocates to reflect on decades of progress and envision the next 20 years of student-centered education reform.
“Arkansas has become the center of one of America’s most consequential education experiments,” said Dr. Harry Patrinos, head of the Department of Education Reform and conference co-chair. “Arkansas stands at the center of national attention, not just for what has been done, but for what is possible to be achieved.”
Established in 2005, the Department of Education Reform has led research in school choice, school finance, teacher quality, equity initiatives and early childhood education. Its work has influenced policy and positioned the state as a model for student-centered reform through research and landmark initiatives like the Arkansas LEARNS ACT.
Keynote speakers included Eric Hanushek, senior fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, and education reform advocate and Marquette University Distinguished Fellow Howard Fuller.
Conference panels explored timely issues such as artificial intelligence in education, the learning crisis in America, teacher quality and the teacher pipeline, and school choice. Patrinos and other speakers highlighted the urgency of reform in light of recent national trends.
“There is a path which ensures the success for our students and our state,” said Patrinos. “That path is guided by evidence, research, and courage. Experience shows that education systems can recover and thrive when policymakers, educators, and communities work together. Arkansas is an example of just that.”
Conference materials, including released reports and policy recommendations, are available on the department’s website.
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