The Arkansas Academic Standards are a set of basic expectations for student performance. They are the state’s requirements for what students should know at each grade level in each subject area. These standards provide teachers with an essential framework for building focused lessons, and give parents an overview of what their child should know and be able to do.
However, the state standards only address final outcomes. They do not mandate what teachers must teach (curriculum) or how they teach it (instruction). Individual School Districts are responsible for determining how best to meet these goals, and how to help their students develop the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills they need to be successful.
Note: Disciplinary Literacy (a.k.a. Comprehensive Literacy or Embedded Literacy) is a vital component of implementing state standards in 6th – 12th grade core classes. The Disciplinary Literacy section has details.
Curriculum Support
In the spring of 2019, the Arkansas Department of Education created the Curriculum Support division to increase the level of dedicated support in the field. This new division was comprised of three units: Humanities, Literacy, and STEM. These units replaced what was formerly known as the Curriculum and Instruction division. Then in early 2024, the Curriculum Support division was revised and expanded to include new initiatives implemented by Governor Sanders’ administration.
Note: The Arkansas Legislature may periodically change or revise the Arkansas Curriculum Standards. This section will be updated as needed to reflect the latest laws and regulations.