AR HB1336

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may establish a pilot program beginning in the 2025-2026 school year to provide agricultural education in Arkansas elementary schools, consulting with the Department of Agriculture and Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.

A minimum of 6 elementary schools will be selected via application process to participate in the pilot program for at least 3 years, with local school district boards agreeing to continue the program until statewide implementation or division termination.

The curriculum must be based on a nationally recognized three-component model including classroom/laboratory instruction, hands-on real-world learning, and leadership opportunities through Future Farmers of America and 4-H Foundation programs, with equal portions of each component.

Local school district boards may employ an agricultural education teacher to provide the program at their selected school.

The division must conduct a program evaluation upon completion of the third year and report results to the House Committee on Education, Senate Committee on Education, and State Board of Education.