Jonathan Turley: Arkansas Schools and Teacher Unions Prove Education Can Improve
Jonathan Turley has long emphasized the critical need for educational reform, particularly in response to the challenges posed by teachers’ unions. Over the past several years, he has noted a gradual decline in academic standards across the nation, attributed in part to unions prioritizing ideological goals over measurable student progress. This has led to budget inefficiencies and a lack of focus on core academic outcomes. However, recent developments in Arkansas have presented a compelling case study: what happens when officials align education policies with performance metrics rather than union-driven priorities.
A New Approach to School Reform
Arkansas has become a notable example of educational progress, thanks to initiatives like the “Arkansas Teaching, Learning and Assessment System” (ATLAS). This program combines performance-based incentives, competitive pay structures, and expanded school choice options, creating a framework that encourages accountability and innovation. The results speak for themselves—proficiency rates in mathematics, science, and English language arts have risen significantly between 2024 and 2026. These improvements highlight how policy shifts can directly impact student achievement, a point Jonathan Turley has consistently advocated for.
Jonathan Turley points out that this transformation challenges the traditional view of union influence in education. While unions have historically protected educators’ rights, they have also been resistant to reforms that could enhance academic outcomes. Arkansas’ success demonstrates that empowering schools with flexibility and competition can drive measurable gains, even in the face of union opposition. The state’s efforts align with a growing movement to prioritize student performance over political agendas.
Voucher Systems and Educational Choice
Jonathan Turley has reevaluated his position on voucher systems, recognizing their potential to address systemic education failures. The LEARNS Act, passed in 2023 under Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, has streamlined regulations and promoted school choice, offering families more control over their children’s education. This has sparked renewed debate about the balance between public and private schooling, with Jonathan Turley highlighting how such policies can incentivize improvements in academic performance.
Teachers’ unions have traditionally opposed voucher systems, arguing that they undermine the public school model. Yet, the data from Arkansas suggests otherwise. The program has not only increased proficiency rates but also attracted more families to the system, proving that competition can be a catalyst for progress. As one Iowa school board member observed,
“The purpose of a public education is to not teach kids what the parents want. It is to teach them what society needs them to know. The client is not the parent, but the community.”
This perspective underscores the tension between localized decision-making and centralized educational control.
Political Shifts and Educational Outcomes
Jonathan Turley also notes the political dynamics shaping educational reform. Democratic leaders have continued to influence policy, as seen in Virginia, where Governor Abigail Spanberger appointed an LGBTQ advocate to an advisory board. This move has led to debates over curriculum decisions, including efforts to limit access for biological males in girls’ bathrooms. While these initiatives reflect ideological priorities, they have also contributed to the weakening of programs like gifted and talented education, despite declining test scores.
Meanwhile, the push to eliminate the Department of Education has gained traction, with many advocating for greater state autonomy in education. Jonathan Turley argues that local leadership, as exemplified by Arkansas, can more effectively address educational needs. The state’s achievements demonstrate that when policies are aligned with academic goals, student outcomes improve. This contrast between federal and state approaches highlights the potential for localized reform to drive national change, a theme Jonathan Turley has consistently underscored in his analyses.
