Hi, I’m Dr. Ken James, Commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Education.  Welcome to the Next Step for Arkansas’ Future website for educators.  This is a place for teachers from all across the state to come to understand High School Redesign.  To understand why it’s so important if we are going to fulfill our responsibility to prepare the youth of Arkansas for their next step…whatever it may be.  The days of a two-track system are in the past; all students need the same skills and that’s exactly why we have the Smart Core curriculum.  When you expect more from your students, you get more out them; and more importantly, they get more out of their future.  So, go ahead, take a look around the place.  I thank you for stopping by.

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