Arkansas
Arkansas is a Launch Years Initiative state. They are working across multiple Key Actions at the same time, including developing new ways to measure the effectiveness and success across math pathways.
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Systemic Approach
Arkansas knows that aligning math pathways requires working on many different yet connected strategies at once.
Governing authority: Arkansas State Board of Education
State education agency: Arkansas Department of Education (ADE)
Operating division: Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
Chief state school officer: Secretary of Education
Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE)
Arkansas Math Policy Highlights
Explore key Arkansas policies and guidance shaping math pathways, placement, transfer, graduation, and college readiness.
Students earn four math credits with Algebra II or Quantitative Reasoning.
See Arkansas Graduation Requirements from DESE. Students earn four math credits: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or Quantitative Reasoning, and an approved math or Computer Science Flex credit.
Schools must offer a non-STEM math pathway aligned with postsecondary study.
See DESE's Quantitative Reasoning (Transitional) guidance. Beginning in 2026-27, districts must offer the course as a third-math option preparing students for non-STEM careers and college quantitative reasoning.
Arkansas colleges use multiple measures for general education math placement.
See AHECB's Student Placement into General Education Core Courses, under A.C.A. §6-61-110. Institutions use multiple measures and success data and may use corequisite, fast-track, or developmental math support.
Arkansas Math Pathways for Success aligns courses with student goals.
See ADHE's Arkansas Math Pathways for Success (AMPS). The initiative promotes equitable access to relevant, program-aligned math pathways and provides a statewide Mathematics Pathways Transfer Guide.
Arkansas Course Transfer System guarantees transfer of designated math courses.
See the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS), established under Act 672 of 2005. Comparable courses, including approved math courses, are guaranteed to transfer for full credit among Arkansas public institutions.
Launch Years Initiative
States across the country are building math pathways that align student goals, classroom learning, and career opportunities.
Capture and Report Progress
of LYI states have K–12 and higher ed data systems that are linked to longitudinally track math pathway participation and outcomes.
Arkansas Data Science
LYI states that is actively working to develop a Data Science pathway.