NOVEMBER
The
LEARNS 101: Breaking Down the Arkansas LEARNS Act
“Every Arkansas child should have access to a quality education, a good-paying job, and a better life right here in Arkansas...”
(Arkansas Exec. Order No. 23-05, 2023)
The Arkansas LEARNS Act is aimed at improving education in our state. Passed in 2023, it introduces many changes to how Arkansas schools operate, like updating curriculum standards, reallocating school funding, and providing more support for teachers As a school employee, it is important to understand the LEARNS Act, as it affects hiring, training, and classroom support.
Under the Arkansas LEARNS Act, funding allocations for schools have shifted to focus on educational equity, flexibility, and accountability Key funding changes include: Student-Based Funding 1 Teacher Pay Raises 2. School Choice Funding 3. Early Literacy and Workforce Development 4. Accountability and Performance Metrics 5.
In this series of articles, we will present an overview of the LEARNS Act , explore various components of the changes LEARNS introduced, and explain what it means for students, staff and the school community in Little Rock School District.
CAREER CATALYSTS: ELEVATE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS A MESSAGE FROM THE CHRCCO
LEARNS AND LRSD
LEARNS 101: BREAKING DOWN THE LEARNS ACT IMPORTANT DATES IN THIS ISSUE LRSD TOWN HALLS
Arkansas State Capitol Building
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHRCCO
Shawn Burgess, Chief Human Resources, Culture & Compliance Officer
A Season of Gratitude and Growth
As the holiday season approaches, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for each of you Your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students and community are the foundation of our district’s success Whether you are in the classroom, on the bus, in the office, or maintaining our facilities, your work changes lives every day
This time of year offers a perfect opportunity to reflect not only on our achievements but also on our personal and professional journeys Each challenge we face and overcome helps us grow stronger and more resilient As we look ahead, I encourage you to set your sights on continued growth both for yourself and for those around you.
Take time to celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small, and know that every effort you make is part of something much larger Together, we are shaping the future of LRSD students.
Seek out opportunities to learn and develop new skills. Growth doesn't happen overnight, but every step you take toward it makes a difference Whether it’s through professional development, collaboration with colleagues, or self-reflection, embrace the journey of lifelong learning
Remember your well-being. In serving others, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Use this holiday season to recharge, connect with loved ones, and find joy in the moments that matter most A wellrested, rejuvenated team is the key to a thriving district.
As you prepare for a well-deserved break, know that your efforts do not go unnoticed You inspire not only our students but also each other. Together, we will continue to make this district a place where everyone can learn, grow, and succeed
shawn burgess@lrsd org
Thank you for your passion, perseverance, and dedication. Let’s finish the year strong and look forward to an exciting and impactful New Year in 2025!
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and restful holiday season
Warm regards,
Shawn Burgess Chief of Human Resources, Culture & Compliance Officer
Career Catalysts: Practical Tips for Professional Growth
3. Develop Soft Skills Alongside Technical Skills
Don’t just focus on technical knowledge practice skills like active listening, empathy, and adaptability. Build these skills by communicating with people from other cultural and economic backgrounds
4. Become More Discoverable
1. Communicate to Make an Impact, Not Just to Impress
Rather than communicating just to sound impressive, focus on making a real impact with your words. Think about how you can connect with others in a meaningful way.
2. Create Fair Exchange
Make your communication a two-way conversation Listen, ask questions, and try to understand others’ views When different values or opinions are involved, work toward solutions that help others reach their goals while also reaching yours.
Become the kind of person that people seek communication with because of the value you consistently demonstrate to the organization.
5. Be Transformational, Not Just Informational
Go beyond simply sharing what you know Explain the ideas and principles behind the information Help others see the value of what you’re sharing so that it empowers them to grow and succeed. These strategies will help you communicate in a way that’s impactful, authentic, and more effective!
LEARNS 101: Breaking Down the Arkansas LEARNS Act
What Does LEARNS Stand For?
LEARNS is an acronym for Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking, and Safety each representing a key focus of the Act Let’s break down what each component means for Arkansas schools
1. Literacy
The LEARNS Act prioritizes literacy by investing in early reading programs and the Science of Reading resources for young students. It aims to ensure that all students have strong reading skills from an early age, providing a solid foundation for academic success By improving literacy rates, the Act supports students’ long-term educational outcomes
2. Empowerment
The Arkansas LEARNS Act empowers parents by expanding school choice options, ensuring children aren’t limited to underperforming schools and helping prevent cycles of poverty. It promotes curriculum transparency through innovative online resources. ADE will align with LEARNS goals, focusing on transparency and continuous improvement This process includes a three-phase timeline for implementing updates
3. Accountability
The Arkansas LEARNS Act seeks to boost accountability by supporting and retaining quality teachers. This includes rewarding effective teachers with incentives, higher pay and strengthening the teacher pipeline through year-long classroom residencies, improved alternative certification paths, and enhanced leadership training
4. Readiness
The LEARNS Act emphasizes career readiness by allowing flexibility for students to engage in internships and apprenticeships during school and aligning career programs with in-demand jobs Recognizing that around 60% of Arkansas jobs require education beyond high school but fewer than half of workers currently meet these requirements, the Act seeks to help students graduate with a clear path to career success.
5. Networking
Networking is also a core component of the LEARNS Act, focusing on expanding high-speed internet to make educational and career opportunities more accessible for students The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) aims to double internet bandwidth to 2 Mbps per student by the 2023-2024 school year, enhancing digital learning and career readiness for students across the state.
6. Safety
School safety is a priority under the LEARNS Act, which provides funding and guidelines to make schools more secure. The Act includes resources to improve school security measures and ensure that students have a safe and supportive learning environment which includes the development of a best-practice crisis response plans
LEARNS and Little Rock School District : How It Affect Us
The Little Rock School District Board of Directors is considering a number of new and revised policies to keep LRSD in compliance with LEARNS Below are LEARNS-related items that have been on the Board’s agenda
LRSD Town Hall and Listening Tours
The Little Rock School District Board of Directors has hosted several town hall-style meetings for the purpose of gathering feedback from parents and other stakeholders in the LRSD Community. Topics discussed were the Little Rock School District Strategic Plan, the possibility of a non-traditional academic calendar, and the cell phone policy You are invited to watch the meetings which are available on YouTube
"Listening Tour” and Town Hall Conversations - Zone 1
Director Michael Mason
"Listening Tour” and Town Hall Conversations - Zone 2
Director Sandrekkia Morning
"Listening Tour” and Town Hall Conversations - Zone 3
Director Evelyn Hemphill Callaway
"Listening Tour” and Town Hall Conversations - Zone 4
Director Leigh Ann Wilson
"Listening Tour” and Town Hall Conversations - Zone 5
Director Anna Strong
"Listening Tour” and Town Hall Conversations - Zone 6
Director Vicki Hatter
"Listening Tour” and Town Hall Conversations - Zone 7
Director Norma Johnson
"Listening Tour” and Town Hall Conversations - Zone 8
Director Greg Adams
"Listening Tour” and Town Hall Conversations - Zone 9
Director Joyce Wesley
Resume Tips To Get You Hired Faster
Focus on These Resume Sections Primarily
Here's where employers and recruiters look first on your resume (two places):
It's not skills. It's not education... unless it's 100% required for a job.
But otherwise... recruiters look at these two areas:
1. Your career intro/summary
This tells me who you are as a professional and some of your key accomplishments, all at a quick glance. It’s very useful for hiring managers and recruiters, and therefore one of the first places they’ll look.
To help you write a good summary, I have 10 examples contributed by various career experts (including professional resume writers) here
2 Your most recent work history
This is the next place I'm looking as a recruiter, and it's where I'll judge whether you're a fit for the job you've applied for. Make sure this appears on the top half of page 1. Don't make employers go "digging" for it.
For 3 examples of real resume work history sections that got job interviews, go here.
Important Dates for Late Fall 2024
November 3 Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 5 National Election Day
November 8 AEA Day (Students Out)
November 11 Veterans Day
November 17 - 21 American Education Week
November 19 ViPS Jane Mendel Reading Day
November 20 Education Support Professionals Day
November 21 National Parent Involvement Day
November 22 National Substitute Educators Day
November 25 - 29 Thanksgiving Holiday (Schools Closed Nov. 25-29; Offices Closed November 27-29)
December 23 - January 3 Winter Vacation (LRSD Closed)
January 6 Record/Work Day (Students Out) January 7 Classes Resume
Welcome totheteam, Greta!
Human Resources Staff left to right: Marcela Copley. David Kizzia, Lisa Muldrew, Denise Smith, Renee Kovach, Shawn Burgess, Maurice Guest, Alexandra Hardage, Jasmine Perry. Top right corner: Jordan Eason. Bottom right corner: Greta Freeman