Arkansas legislators address recess time, teachers' salaries with bills

Bills filed this past week in the state Legislature would require recess time for elementary schools, increase teachers’ salaries and would require that classes begin closer to Labor Day.

House Bill 1145, filed by Republican Representative Bruce Cozart of Hot Springs, would raise Arkansas' minimum teacher salary by $4,000 over the next four years. It was approved by the state House of Representatives 91-0 on Wednesday and is currently under consideration in the Senate’s Education Committee.

House Bill 1409, filed by Republican Rep. Jana Della Rosa of Rogers, would require at least 40 minutes of instructional time each day for recess for students in grades K-5. The bill states that numerous educational mandates have led to a steady decline in time for recess, often a time for learning and social awareness among students.

“Educational leaders cannot allow for a sufficient amount of time in the school day for recess within the current construct of the instructional requirements and time allotted in a school day, which generates decreased focus in class and fewer opportunities to develop social awareness among public school students,” the bill states.

Read more: https://www.baxterbulletin.com/story/news/local/2019/02/11/arkansas-legislature-education-bills-teacher-salaries-recess/2838102002/