Beebe, Teachers Announce Educators Coalition
Conway – Today, surrounded by teachers, Governor Beebe announced the “Educators for Beebe” coalition group. Introduced by 5th grade teacher Brenda Robinson, Governor Beebe encouraged educators around the state to sign up at http://mikebeebe.com/supporter/educators-for-beebe/.
“Arkansas is ranked tenth in the nation overall by Education Week. Our teachers, parents, and students deserve the bulk of the credit for the progress our schools have made,” said Governor Beebe. “I am honored to have the support of these educators and others across the state.”
“Governor Beebe is a product of Arkansas public schools and universities, and wants to provide the world-class education he received in Arkansas public schools to all our young people,” said Robinson. “As the people in classrooms and on campuses, dedicated to preparing our state’s children for the future, we believe Mike Beebe is the best choice for Governor.”
Education and economic development have remained Governor Beebe’s top priorities.
- Governor Beebe made one of the largest investments in our public schools, putting an end to a decades-long dispute over the adequacy of our public schools, and onto a path towards excellence.
- Governor Beebe expanded access to the Arkansas Better Chance program to provide voluntary, top-quality pre-K education for at-risk kids whose families earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level.
- In 2009, for the first time, more than 60 percent of Arkansas students at each grade level scored at or above the proficiency levels on both math and literacy.
- Arkansas ranks number one in the country for increased qualifying scores on math, science and English Advanced Placement tests between 2009 and 2010. This is for both overall student achievement and minority student achievement.
- Governor Beebe established the state’s first purely need-based financial aid with the GO! Opportunities Grant program, established in 2007.
- Giving more adults the opportunity to gain the skills and education needed for higher paying jobs, Governor Beebe expanded the Career Pathways model from 11 community colleges to all 22.
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