Giving Arkansas Students a Smart Start

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Smart Start?
• Is there a state law mandating Smart Start?
• Why does Smart Start focus so heavily on reading and mathematics?
• How is Smart Start different from what the Department has done
  in the past?
• Can schools opt not to participate in Smart Start?
• Does Smart Start require that students take standardized tests?
• Are all students in Grades K-4 required to take standardized tests?
• What if students are not scoring at the proficient level in Grades K-4 as demonstrated on the Benchmark Exams or school selected assessments?
• How does Smart Start impact on middle school and high school students?
• How can parents support the Smart Start Initiative?
• How can business people do to support Smart Start?