Dive Brief:

• The Arkansas House Education Committee approved a bill that would lessen the requirements to become the state's education commissioner.
• The proposal, which is on its way to the full House for a vote, was created so that former state Sen. Johnny Key, who Gov. Asa Hutchinson has thrown support behind, can be eligible for the job. 
• If the bill passes, the education commissioner will no longer have to have a master's degree, 10 years of experience as an educator (half of which must be as an administrator), and a valid teacher's license.

Dive Insight:

A quick Google search of Key's background reveals a dearth of education-related activities. Aside from once sitting on an education committee and working as a University of Arkansas lobbyist in 2014, he has not done much in the realm of education. 

This lack of qualifications is troublesome and prompts questions. Why does Hutchinson think Key is the right person for this job? What knowledge about K-12 will he bring to the table? As more state governments invoke their rights to take over local school districts, the public is going to hope that the person in charge of ed on the state level at least knows a thing or two about the classroom.