LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The recent low rankings of Arkansas schools from the Arkansas Department of Education have parents like Tristina McJoy concerned.
"The state took control because the grades were failing," McJoy said. "So, I was like, I'm putting my kids across town."
McJoy has changed between four different school districts over the past few years. She now sends her kids to school in the Jacksonville area with hopes for a better education that includes more programs, opportunities and additional hands-on assistance.
But families like hers have limited options if they want to send their child to a school that passed the state evaluation last year.
In the metro area of the Natural State, two out of every three elementary schools received a D or failing grade.
These low rankings are causing school leaders and the state government to push for change.
"What you do is you work on critical elements of reading, writing, making sure that you have an eligible base curriculum," Superintendent Dr. Charles McNulty of the Pulaski County Special School District said.
McNulty explained that even if a school is failing in the state rankings, it can still have other areas of growth.
"Two schools that are currently failing had outstanding growth with new leadership, and a passionate staff," McNulty said. "I just left a data meeting, we're seeing great results this year."
Individual school districts aren't the only ones discussing possible solutions. State leadership is also hoping for improvement.
"As expected, this year's reports do not reflect a complete recovery from the pandemic's effect on student learning," Education Secretary Johnny Key said. "However, the results do reflect a rebound from the previous year."
Arkansas Governor-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who is taking office on January 10, is also calling for more immediate improvements.
"My biggest priority as governor is on education," Sanders said. "I think it's the place that we have the greatest ability to lean into and bring generational change to our state."
These efforts come as all leaders hope to overcome pandemic struggles.
"I was a principal of a failing school in Illinois and we became a school of excellence," McNulty said. "I know what it takes to get there and I know how it affects the community."
And after pursuing a better education for her children, McJoy also explained the importance of establishing a positive life at home.
"You need to worry about their mental health and if they're eating and getting a good night's sleep," McJoy said. "What can we do to get that? Because if that changes, maybe they can get some better education."