Ark. Code Ann. § 6-41-217 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 41 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-41-217
Individualized education program - Definition
Status: in_force

(a) Before any action is taken with respect to the initial placement of a child with disabilities in a special education program, a full and individual evaluation of the child's educational needs must be conducted. (b) (1) Before placement in special education services, each child must have an individualized education program. (2) The term "individualized education program" or "IEP" means a written statement for each child with disabilities that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq. (3) The individualized education program shall include: (A) A statement of the child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, including: (i) How the child's disability affects the child's involvement and progress in the general education curriculum; (ii) For preschool children, as appropriate, how the disability affects the child's participation in appropriate activities; and (iii) For children with disabilities who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate achievement standards, a description of benchmarks or short-term objectives; (B) A statement of measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals, designed to: (i) Meet the child's needs that result from the child's disability in order to enable the child to be involved in and to make progress in the general education curriculum; and (ii) Meet each of the child's other educational needs that result from the child's disability; (C) A description of how the child's progress toward meeting the annual goals described in subdivision (b)(3)(B) of this section will be measured and when periodic reports will be provided on the progress the child is making toward meeting the annual goals, including, but not limited to, the use of quarterly or other periodic reports, concurrent with the issuance of report cards; (D) A statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided for the child: (i) To advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals; (ii) To be involved in and to make progress in the general education curriculum in accordance with this section and to participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities; and (iii) To be educated and to participate with other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities described in this section; (E) An explanation of the extent, if any, to which the child will not participate with nondisabled children in the regular class and in the activities described in this section; (F) (i) A statement of any individual-appropriate accommodations that are necessary to measure the academic achievement and functional performance of the child on statewide and districtwide assessments consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, regarding participation in assessments of students with disabilities in all general statewide and districtwide assessment programs. (ii) If the individualized education program team determines that the child shall take an alternative assessment on a particular statewide or districtwide assessment of student achievement, a statement of why: (a) The child cannot participate in the regular assessment; and (b) The particular alternate assessment selected is appropriate for the child; (G) The projected date for the beginning of the services and modifications described in this section, and the anticipated frequency, location, and duration of those services and modifications; and (H) (i) (a) Beginning not later than the first individualized education plan to be in effect when the child is sixteen (16) years of age and updated annually thereafter, appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and when appropriate, independent living skills. (b) The individualized education program shall also include the transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist the child in reaching those goals. (ii) Beginning no later than one (1) year before the child reaches the age of majority under state law, a statement that the child has been informed of his or her rights under this title, if any, that will transfer to the child on reaching the age of majority under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the individualized education program team to include information under one (1) component of a child's individualized education program that is already contained under another component of such individualized education program. Acts 1973, No. 102, § 19; 1983, No. 762, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2133; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 14; 1999, No. 391, § 31; 2005, No. 2151, § 30; 2009, No. 376, § 50.

(a) Before any action is taken with respect to the initial placement of a child with disabilities in a special education program, a full and individual evaluation of the child's educational needs must be conducted.

(b) (1) Before placement in special education services, each child must have an individualized education program. (2) The term "individualized education program" or "IEP" means a written statement for each child with disabilities that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq. (3) The individualized education program shall include: (A) A statement of the child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, including: (i) How the child's disability affects the child's involvement and progress in the general education curriculum; (ii) For preschool children, as appropriate, how the disability affects the child's participation in appropriate activities; and (iii) For children with disabilities who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate achievement standards, a description of benchmarks or short-term objectives; (B) A statement of measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals, designed to: (i) Meet the child's needs that result from the child's disability in order to enable the child to be involved in and to make progress in the general education curriculum; and (ii) Meet each of the child's other educational needs that result from the child's disability; (C) A description of how the child's progress toward meeting the annual goals described in subdivision (b)(3)(B) of this section will be measured and when periodic reports will be provided on the progress the child is making toward meeting the annual goals, including, but not limited to, the use of quarterly or other periodic reports, concurrent with the issuance of report cards; (D) A statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided for the child: (i) To advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals; (ii) To be involved in and to make progress in the general education curriculum in accordance with this section and to participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities; and (iii) To be educated and to participate with other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities described in this section; (E) An explanation of the extent, if any, to which the child will not participate with nondisabled children in the regular class and in the activities described in this section; (F) (i) A statement of any individual-appropriate accommodations that are necessary to measure the academic achievement and functional performance of the child on statewide and districtwide assessments consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, regarding participation in assessments of students with disabilities in all general statewide and districtwide assessment programs. (ii) If the individualized education program team determines that the child shall take an alternative assessment on a particular statewide or districtwide assessment of student achievement, a statement of why: (a) The child cannot participate in the regular assessment; and (b) The particular alternate assessment selected is appropriate for the child; (G) The projected date for the beginning of the services and modifications described in this section, and the anticipated frequency, location, and duration of those services and modifications; and (H) (i) (a) Beginning not later than the first individualized education plan to be in effect when the child is sixteen (16) years of age and updated annually thereafter, appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and when appropriate, independent living skills. (b) The individualized education program shall also include the transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist the child in reaching those goals. (ii) Beginning no later than one (1) year before the child reaches the age of majority under state law, a statement that the child has been informed of his or her rights under this title, if any, that will transfer to the child on reaching the age of majority under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(1) Before placement in special education services, each child must have an individualized education program.

(2) The term "individualized education program" or "IEP" means a written statement for each child with disabilities that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.

(3) The individualized education program shall include: (A) A statement of the child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, including: (i) How the child's disability affects the child's involvement and progress in the general education curriculum; (ii) For preschool children, as appropriate, how the disability affects the child's participation in appropriate activities; and (iii) For children with disabilities who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate achievement standards, a description of benchmarks or short-term objectives; (B) A statement of measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals, designed to: (i) Meet the child's needs that result from the child's disability in order to enable the child to be involved in and to make progress in the general education curriculum; and (ii) Meet each of the child's other educational needs that result from the child's disability; (C) A description of how the child's progress toward meeting the annual goals described in subdivision (b)(3)(B) of this section will be measured and when periodic reports will be provided on the progress the child is making toward meeting the annual goals, including, but not limited to, the use of quarterly or other periodic reports, concurrent with the issuance of report cards; (D) A statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided for the child: (i) To advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals; (ii) To be involved in and to make progress in the general education curriculum in accordance with this section and to participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities; and (iii) To be educated and to participate with other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities described in this section; (E) An explanation of the extent, if any, to which the child will not participate with nondisabled children in the regular class and in the activities described in this section; (F) (i) A statement of any individual-appropriate accommodations that are necessary to measure the academic achievement and functional performance of the child on statewide and districtwide assessments consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, regarding participation in assessments of students with disabilities in all general statewide and districtwide assessment programs. (ii) If the individualized education program team determines that the child shall take an alternative assessment on a particular statewide or districtwide assessment of student achievement, a statement of why: (a) The child cannot participate in the regular assessment; and (b) The particular alternate assessment selected is appropriate for the child; (G) The projected date for the beginning of the services and modifications described in this section, and the anticipated frequency, location, and duration of those services and modifications; and (H) (i) (a) Beginning not later than the first individualized education plan to be in effect when the child is sixteen (16) years of age and updated annually thereafter, appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and when appropriate, independent living skills. (b) The individualized education program shall also include the transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist the child in reaching those goals. (ii) Beginning no later than one (1) year before the child reaches the age of majority under state law, a statement that the child has been informed of his or her rights under this title, if any, that will transfer to the child on reaching the age of majority under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(A) A statement of the child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, including: (i) How the child's disability affects the child's involvement and progress in the general education curriculum; (ii) For preschool children, as appropriate, how the disability affects the child's participation in appropriate activities; and (iii) For children with disabilities who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate achievement standards, a description of benchmarks or short-term objectives;

(i) How the child's disability affects the child's involvement and progress in the general education curriculum;

(ii) For preschool children, as appropriate, how the disability affects the child's participation in appropriate activities; and

(iii) For children with disabilities who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate achievement standards, a description of benchmarks or short-term objectives;

(B) A statement of measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals, designed to: (i) Meet the child's needs that result from the child's disability in order to enable the child to be involved in and to make progress in the general education curriculum; and (ii) Meet each of the child's other educational needs that result from the child's disability;

(i) Meet the child's needs that result from the child's disability in order to enable the child to be involved in and to make progress in the general education curriculum; and

(ii) Meet each of the child's other educational needs that result from the child's disability;

(C) A description of how the child's progress toward meeting the annual goals described in subdivision (b)(3)(B) of this section will be measured and when periodic reports will be provided on the progress the child is making toward meeting the annual goals, including, but not limited to, the use of quarterly or other periodic reports, concurrent with the issuance of report cards;

(D) A statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided for the child: (i) To advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals; (ii) To be involved in and to make progress in the general education curriculum in accordance with this section and to participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities; and (iii) To be educated and to participate with other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities described in this section;

(i) To advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals;

(ii) To be involved in and to make progress in the general education curriculum in accordance with this section and to participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities; and

(iii) To be educated and to participate with other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities described in this section;

(E) An explanation of the extent, if any, to which the child will not participate with nondisabled children in the regular class and in the activities described in this section;

(F) (i) A statement of any individual-appropriate accommodations that are necessary to measure the academic achievement and functional performance of the child on statewide and districtwide assessments consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, regarding participation in assessments of students with disabilities in all general statewide and districtwide assessment programs. (ii) If the individualized education program team determines that the child shall take an alternative assessment on a particular statewide or districtwide assessment of student achievement, a statement of why: (a) The child cannot participate in the regular assessment; and (b) The particular alternate assessment selected is appropriate for the child;

(i) A statement of any individual-appropriate accommodations that are necessary to measure the academic achievement and functional performance of the child on statewide and districtwide assessments consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, regarding participation in assessments of students with disabilities in all general statewide and districtwide assessment programs.

(ii) If the individualized education program team determines that the child shall take an alternative assessment on a particular statewide or districtwide assessment of student achievement, a statement of why: (a) The child cannot participate in the regular assessment; and (b) The particular alternate assessment selected is appropriate for the child;

(a) The child cannot participate in the regular assessment; and

(b) The particular alternate assessment selected is appropriate for the child;

(G) The projected date for the beginning of the services and modifications described in this section, and the anticipated frequency, location, and duration of those services and modifications; and

(H) (i) (a) Beginning not later than the first individualized education plan to be in effect when the child is sixteen (16) years of age and updated annually thereafter, appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and when appropriate, independent living skills. (b) The individualized education program shall also include the transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist the child in reaching those goals. (ii) Beginning no later than one (1) year before the child reaches the age of majority under state law, a statement that the child has been informed of his or her rights under this title, if any, that will transfer to the child on reaching the age of majority under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(i) (a) Beginning not later than the first individualized education plan to be in effect when the child is sixteen (16) years of age and updated annually thereafter, appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and when appropriate, independent living skills. (b) The individualized education program shall also include the transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist the child in reaching those goals.

(a) Beginning not later than the first individualized education plan to be in effect when the child is sixteen (16) years of age and updated annually thereafter, appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and when appropriate, independent living skills.

(b) The individualized education program shall also include the transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist the child in reaching those goals.

(ii) Beginning no later than one (1) year before the child reaches the age of majority under state law, a statement that the child has been informed of his or her rights under this title, if any, that will transfer to the child on reaching the age of majority under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the individualized education program team to include information under one (1) component of a child's individualized education program that is already contained under another component of such individualized education program.

Acts 1973, No. 102, § 19; 1983, No. 762, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2133; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 14; 1999, No. 391, § 31; 2005, No. 2151, § 30; 2009, No. 376, § 50.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-1309 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 13 / Section 6-61-1309
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2019, No. 256,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 2007, No. 1592, § 1.

Repealed by Act 2019, No. 256,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 2007, No. 1592, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-906 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 9 / Section 6-20-906
Authority to purchase certificates
Status: in_force

(a) The Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, hereinafter called the "Teacher Retirement Board", is authorized to purchase certificates issued under this subchapter. (b) Payment may be effected in the State Treasury by charging the Teacher Retirement Fund with the purchase price and crediting the Revolving Loan Fund of the State Board of Education. (c) Any certificate so purchased by the Teacher Retirement Board shall be delivered to the custodian of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System. Acts 1967, No. 479, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-963.

(a) The Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, hereinafter called the "Teacher Retirement Board", is authorized to purchase certificates issued under this subchapter.

(b) Payment may be effected in the State Treasury by charging the Teacher Retirement Fund with the purchase price and crediting the Revolving Loan Fund of the State Board of Education.

(c) Any certificate so purchased by the Teacher Retirement Board shall be delivered to the custodian of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System.

Acts 1967, No. 479, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-963.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-85-603 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 85 / Section 6-85-603
Award of scholarship
Status: in_force

(a) An Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship under this subchapter shall be awarded to eligible applicants: (1) In addition to a scholarship awarded under the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; (2) Based on the amount of financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); (3) As determined by the Division of Higher Education if sufficient funds are available; and (4) (A) In increments of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per eligible student per academic year, with a maximum of four thousand dollars ($4,000) per eligible student per academic year, as determined by the division. (B) The sum of an Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship under this subchapter and an Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) total per eligible student per academic year. (C) Scholarship amounts awarded under this subchapter may vary each year depending on the amount of funding available. (b) (1) Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarships under this subchapter shall be funded by available net proceeds remaining from the previous academic year after the Office of the Arkansas Lottery: (A) Transfers the funds requested by the division under § 23-115-801(c)(2) ; and (B) Deposits the amount necessary to maintain the Scholarship Shortfall Reserve Trust Account under § 23-115-802 in an amount equal to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000). (2) However, an Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship under this subchapter shall not be awarded for an academic year if: (A) Less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) is available under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section; or (B) The division received a loan from the account under § 23-115-802 for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program for the previous academic year. (3) The total amount of scholarships awarded under this subchapter shall not exceed twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) for academic year 2023-2024. Added by Act 2023, No. 386,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2023.

(a) An Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship under this subchapter shall be awarded to eligible applicants: (1) In addition to a scholarship awarded under the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; (2) Based on the amount of financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); (3) As determined by the Division of Higher Education if sufficient funds are available; and (4) (A) In increments of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per eligible student per academic year, with a maximum of four thousand dollars ($4,000) per eligible student per academic year, as determined by the division. (B) The sum of an Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship under this subchapter and an Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) total per eligible student per academic year. (C) Scholarship amounts awarded under this subchapter may vary each year depending on the amount of funding available.

(1) In addition to a scholarship awarded under the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program;

(2) Based on the amount of financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);

(3) As determined by the Division of Higher Education if sufficient funds are available; and

(4) (A) In increments of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per eligible student per academic year, with a maximum of four thousand dollars ($4,000) per eligible student per academic year, as determined by the division. (B) The sum of an Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship under this subchapter and an Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) total per eligible student per academic year. (C) Scholarship amounts awarded under this subchapter may vary each year depending on the amount of funding available.

(A) In increments of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per eligible student per academic year, with a maximum of four thousand dollars ($4,000) per eligible student per academic year, as determined by the division.

(B) The sum of an Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship under this subchapter and an Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) total per eligible student per academic year.

(C) Scholarship amounts awarded under this subchapter may vary each year depending on the amount of funding available.

(b) (1) Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarships under this subchapter shall be funded by available net proceeds remaining from the previous academic year after the Office of the Arkansas Lottery: (A) Transfers the funds requested by the division under § 23-115-801(c)(2) ; and (B) Deposits the amount necessary to maintain the Scholarship Shortfall Reserve Trust Account under § 23-115-802 in an amount equal to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000). (2) However, an Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship under this subchapter shall not be awarded for an academic year if: (A) Less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) is available under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section; or (B) The division received a loan from the account under § 23-115-802 for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program for the previous academic year. (3) The total amount of scholarships awarded under this subchapter shall not exceed twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) for academic year 2023-2024.

(1) Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarships under this subchapter shall be funded by available net proceeds remaining from the previous academic year after the Office of the Arkansas Lottery: (A) Transfers the funds requested by the division under § 23-115-801(c)(2) ; and (B) Deposits the amount necessary to maintain the Scholarship Shortfall Reserve Trust Account under § 23-115-802 in an amount equal to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000).

(A) Transfers the funds requested by the division under § 23-115-801(c)(2) ; and

(B) Deposits the amount necessary to maintain the Scholarship Shortfall Reserve Trust Account under § 23-115-802 in an amount equal to twenty million dollars ($20,000,000).

(2) However, an Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship under this subchapter shall not be awarded for an academic year if: (A) Less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) is available under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section; or (B) The division received a loan from the account under § 23-115-802 for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program for the previous academic year.

(A) Less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) is available under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section; or

(B) The division received a loan from the account under § 23-115-802 for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program for the previous academic year.

(3) The total amount of scholarships awarded under this subchapter shall not exceed twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) for academic year 2023-2024.

Added by Act 2023, No. 386,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-513 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 5 / Section 6-61-513
Formation of district - Election - Ballot
Status: in_force

(a) The State Community College Board shall specify the wording of the ballot to be used for each election to create a community college district utilizing appropriate language similar to that provided in subdivision (c)(1) of this section. (b) (1) The ballot for the election shall state the purpose of the election, giving the names of the counties or cities in the proposed district, the proposed rate of ad valorem tax to be voted upon, if any, and the purposes for which such tax shall be used, including the amount thereof which may be pledged for bonded indebtedness purposes. (2) A city shall be listed separately only if the boundaries of the city are used to describe the district separate from the boundaries of the county in which the city is located. (c) (1) The form of the ballot may be as follows: Click here to view form. (2) The material enclosed in parentheses is inserted if a local tax is to be voted on and deleted if no local tax is to be voted on. Acts 1977, No. 560, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4911.

(a) The State Community College Board shall specify the wording of the ballot to be used for each election to create a community college district utilizing appropriate language similar to that provided in subdivision (c)(1) of this section.

(b) (1) The ballot for the election shall state the purpose of the election, giving the names of the counties or cities in the proposed district, the proposed rate of ad valorem tax to be voted upon, if any, and the purposes for which such tax shall be used, including the amount thereof which may be pledged for bonded indebtedness purposes. (2) A city shall be listed separately only if the boundaries of the city are used to describe the district separate from the boundaries of the county in which the city is located.

(1) The ballot for the election shall state the purpose of the election, giving the names of the counties or cities in the proposed district, the proposed rate of ad valorem tax to be voted upon, if any, and the purposes for which such tax shall be used, including the amount thereof which may be pledged for bonded indebtedness purposes.

(2) A city shall be listed separately only if the boundaries of the city are used to describe the district separate from the boundaries of the county in which the city is located.

(c) (1) The form of the ballot may be as follows: Click here to view form. (2) The material enclosed in parentheses is inserted if a local tax is to be voted on and deleted if no local tax is to be voted on.

(1) The form of the ballot may be as follows: Click here to view form.

Click here to view form.

(2) The material enclosed in parentheses is inserted if a local tax is to be voted on and deleted if no local tax is to be voted on.

Acts 1977, No. 560, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4911.

61_513_1 - Attachment
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-62-314 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 62 / Subchapter 3 / Section 6-62-314
Construction project exemption
Status: in_force

The following state-supported institutions of higher education shall be exempt as allowed by § 19-4-1415(b)(5) for construction projects exceeding five million dollars ($5,000,000) if they have adopted policies and procedures in compliance with state law involving the awarding and oversight of the contracts for design and construction services: (1) Henderson State University; (2) Southern Arkansas University; (3) University of Central Arkansas; (4) National Park College; (5) Northwest Arkansas Community College; and (6) Arkansas Tech University. Amended by Act 2021, No. 95,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2017, No. 179,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2017. Amended by Act 2016F, No. 141,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2016. Amended by Act 2016F, No. 140,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2016. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1397,§ 43, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 2011, No. 1065, § 37.

The following state-supported institutions of higher education shall be exempt as allowed by § 19-4-1415(b)(5) for construction projects exceeding five million dollars ($5,000,000) if they have adopted policies and procedures in compliance with state law involving the awarding and oversight of the contracts for design and construction services:

(1) Henderson State University;

(2) Southern Arkansas University;

(3) University of Central Arkansas;

(4) National Park College;

(5) Northwest Arkansas Community College; and

(6) Arkansas Tech University.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 95,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 179,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2016F, No. 141,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2016.

Amended by Act 2016F, No. 140,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2016.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1397,§ 43, eff. 7/1/2013.

Acts 2011, No. 1065, § 37.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-413 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 17 / Subchapter 4 / Section 6-17-413
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification funding - Bonuses - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) (1) (A) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall pay the full amount of the participation fee of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and provide, if determined to be necessary by the division, substitute pay for a maximum of three (3) days of approved paid leave for teachers selected by the State Board of Education to participate in the program of the national board. (B) A teacher shall have completed at least three (3) years of teaching in the Arkansas public school system before applying for the assistance under this section and § 6-17-412 and shall not have previously received state funding for participation in any certification area in the program of the national board. (2) (A) The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules for the selection process of teacher participants in the program of the national board. (B) The number of teacher participants each year will be determined by the amount of funding available for the program. (3) (A) The division shall pay a yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for no more than ten (10) school years or, in the case of a recertification obtained before January 1, 2018, for the life of the recertification to any classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal who: (i) Is selected by the State Board of Education to participate in the program of the national board; (ii) Successfully completes the certification process of the national board; (iii) Has begun the certification process or has received certification or recertification of the national board before January 1, 2018; and (iv) Is, at the time of receiving the bonus: (a) Employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district; or (b) (1) After working a minimum of three (3) years with national board certification as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a public school district, employed full time as a teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education. (2) (A) Only teachers who hold national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, shall be eligible for a bonus for employment as provided under this subdivision (a)(3)(A)(iv) (b) if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section. (B) However, a bonus payment shall not be made retroactive. (B) (i) A teacher certified by the national board who moves into the state on or before January 1, 2017, and is employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district shall be eligible for the yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for every school year the person is employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a local public school district for no more than ten (10) school years. (ii) A teacher who holds national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, who moves into the state on or before January 1, 2017, shall be eligible for the yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for every school year the teacher is employed full time for no more than ten (10) school years if, after working for three (3) years with national board certification as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a public school district in this state, the teacher is employed as a teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section. (C) The increased incentive bonuses provided in this section shall not be retroactive. (D) No person shall receive a starting bonus and a yearly incentive for the same school year. (E) A person shall not receive either a starting bonus or a yearly incentive bonus, irrespective of the person's past participation in the certification of the national board, as a teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district or teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education if the person: (i) Leaves the full-time employment of an Arkansas public school district; (ii) Becomes employed as a school district-level central office administrator; (iii) Is employed by an Arkansas institution of higher education and does not teach in an accredited teacher preparation program; or (iv) Is employed by an education service cooperative and does not teach in a classroom with students. (F) At the time that the national board establishes a certification of the national board for school administrators and an Arkansas school district-level central office administrator becomes certified by the national board, the school district-level central office will be eligible to receive incentive bonuses in the amount awarded to teachers certified by the national board for every year for the life of the administrator certificate of the national board. (4) The State Board of Education is authorized to promulgate rules to establish a support program for teachers selected to participate in the program of the national board. (b) (1) A teacher who receives state moneys for the participation fee of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards but who does not complete the certification process within three (3) years after the teacher's entry into the certification program of the national board or who becomes certified by the national board but does not teach or serve as a building-level principal or building-level assistant principal in the Arkansas public school system for three (3) continuous school years after receiving the certification by the national board shall repay the division the amount it contributed to the participation fee of the national board and the total amount it contributed to any yearly bonus. (2) If the teacher, principal, or assistant principal leaves the employment of a public school district before the three (3) continuous years are completed and is employed by an Arkansas institution of higher education or employed by an education service cooperative and the teacher does not teach in a classroom with students, the teacher, principal, or assistant principal shall repay the division the amount it contributed to the participation fee of the national board and the total amount it contributed to any yearly salary bonus. (3) The State Board of Education may suspend the Arkansas teacher's license of any person that fails, when required to do so, to repay moneys contributed by the division for the certification program of the national board. (4) Repayment of moneys contributed by the division is not required if, due to the death or disability of the teacher or other extenuating circumstances as may be recognized by the State Board of Education, the teacher does not complete the certification process of the national board or does not teach in the Arkansas public school system for three (3) continuous school years after completing the certification process of the national board. (c) (1) Provisions of this section and § 6-17-412 shall apply only to the extent that funds are appropriated to the division to pay for these provisions. (2) (A) For a member of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, the division shall withhold any employee contributions when necessary from the incentive bonus and shall send the employee contributions to the system for credit as a part of the member's salary. (B) The employer contributions shall be provided from funds that are appropriated to the division to pay for the bonuses and shall be sent to the system for credit as employer contributions to match the member's salary. (d) (1) As used in this subsection, "speech-language pathologist" means a speech-language pathologist who: (A) Has a master's degree, which includes medical-based training; (B) Has completed a one-year clinical fellowship; (C) Has passed the specialty area of the National Teacher Examination; and (D) Holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2) By December 1 of each year, the division shall pay a yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) to a speech-language pathologist who: (A) Holds an Arkansas teaching license in speech-language pathology; (B) Is a full-time employee of an Arkansas education service cooperative or public school district as a speech-language pathologist at the time of receiving the bonus; and (C) Is not considered a purchased service contractor but may be employed under a teacher contract subject to renewal under § 6-17-1506 . (3) (A) (i) Bonuses paid to a certified speech-language pathologist under this subsection shall be paid from the funds appropriated and available for bonuses to speech-language pathologists. (ii) If sufficient funds are not available to pay the full amount of the bonus to each certified speech-language pathologist as provided under this section, the division may reduce the amount of the bonus for each qualified recipient proportionately as necessary to provide a bonus to each qualified speech-language pathologist in an equal amount. (B) The cost and expenses related to training for or acquisition of the certificate shall not be funded through the program created under this section and § 6-17-412 but shall be the responsibility of the certified speech-language pathologist. (4) Although a certified speech-language pathologist entitled to a bonus under this subsection will hold a valid Arkansas teaching license in speech-language pathology, references to "teacher" under this section shall mean a classroom teacher as defined under § 6-17-412(a)(1) who is in the program but not a certified speech-language pathologist. (5) (A) (i) If a speech-language pathologist who receives a bonus under this subsection leaves employment in the Arkansas public school system before completing three (3) continuous school years of employment, the speech-language pathologist shall repay the division a prorated portion of the bonus received in the school year based on a daily rate for the remainder of a school year in which the speech-language pathologist leaves employment. (ii) The first year of the three (3) continuous school years is the first year that the speech-language pathologist received a bonus under this subsection (d). (iii) The daily rate is calculated as the amount of the annual bonus paid to the speech-language pathologist divided by the number of days in the speech-language pathologist's contract. (B) The State Board of Education may suspend the Arkansas speech-language pathology license of any person who fails to repay the amount of the bonus required to be repaid under this subdivision (d)(5). (C) Repayment of all or a portion of a bonus under this subdivision (d)(5) is not required if, due to the death or disability of the speech-language pathologist or other extenuating circumstances as may be recognized by the State Board of Education, the speech-language pathologist does not remain employed in the Arkansas public school system for three (3) continuous school years after first receiving the bonus under this subsection. (e) (1) The division shall pay a yearly incentive bonus to a person who: (A) On or after January 1, 2018, began the certification process and received National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification; and (B) At the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a public school, including an open-enrollment public charter school, as a: (i) Classroom teacher; (ii) Instructional facilitator; or (iii) Instructional leader. (2) A yearly incentive bonus under this subsection shall be: (A) Two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for a person who at the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a public school, including an open-enrollment public charter school, that is not a high-poverty school or a high-poverty charter school; (B) Five thousand dollars ($5,000) for a person who at the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a high-poverty school that is not in a high-poverty district; or (C) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for a person who at the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a: (i) High-poverty school in a high-poverty district; or (ii) High-poverty charter school. (3) A yearly incentive bonus under this subsection shall be limited as follows: (A) A person shall not receive a two thousand five hundred dollar ($2,500) bonus under subdivision (e)(2)(A) of this section in more than five (5) school years; (B) A person shall not receive a five thousand dollar ($5,000) bonus under subdivision (e)(2)(B) of this section in more than five (5) school years; (C) A person shall not receive a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) bonus under subdivision (e)(2)(C) of this section in more than ten (10) school years; (D) A person shall not receive any yearly incentive bonus under this subsection in more than ten (10) school years; (E) A person shall not receive in the same school year more than one (1) yearly incentive bonus under subdivision (e)(2) of this section; and (F) (i) A person shall not receive in the same school year both a bonus under this subsection and a bonus under subsection (a) of this section. (ii) A person who, as of December 1, 2017, meets the qualifications for a yearly incentive bonus under both this subsection and subsection (a) of this section may make an irrevocable election to receive future yearly incentive bonuses under this subsection by filing a written election with the division no later than July 1, 2019. (f) As used in this section: (1) "High-poverty charter school" means an Arkansas open-enrollment public charter school in which seventy percent (70%) or greater of the previous school year's enrolled students are national school lunch students as defined in § 6-20-2303 ; (2) "High-poverty district" means an Arkansas public school district in which seventy percent (70%) or greater of the previous school year's enrolled students are national school lunch students as defined in § 6-20-2303 ; (3) "High-poverty school" means an Arkansas public school in which seventy percent (70%) or greater of the previous school year's enrolled students are national school lunch students as defined in § 6-20-2303 ; and (4) (A) "Instructional leader" means a building-level administrator who is responsible for evaluating teachers or instructional staff. (B) "Instructional leader" includes without limitation a building-level administrator who is an evaluator as defined in § 6-17-2803 . Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 230, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 229, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1404, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1403, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1402, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1401, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1400, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1399, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1398, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1397, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 937,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 937,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 937,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Acts 1997, No. 1225, § 2; 1999, No. 58, § 1; 2001, No. 1060, § 2; 2003, No. 1803, § 1; 2005, No. 1187, § 1; 2009, No. 1326, § 1; 2009, No. 1449, §§ 1-4; 2011, No. 1035, §§ 1, 2.

(a) (1) (A) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall pay the full amount of the participation fee of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and provide, if determined to be necessary by the division, substitute pay for a maximum of three (3) days of approved paid leave for teachers selected by the State Board of Education to participate in the program of the national board. (B) A teacher shall have completed at least three (3) years of teaching in the Arkansas public school system before applying for the assistance under this section and § 6-17-412 and shall not have previously received state funding for participation in any certification area in the program of the national board. (2) (A) The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules for the selection process of teacher participants in the program of the national board. (B) The number of teacher participants each year will be determined by the amount of funding available for the program. (3) (A) The division shall pay a yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for no more than ten (10) school years or, in the case of a recertification obtained before January 1, 2018, for the life of the recertification to any classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal who: (i) Is selected by the State Board of Education to participate in the program of the national board; (ii) Successfully completes the certification process of the national board; (iii) Has begun the certification process or has received certification or recertification of the national board before January 1, 2018; and (iv) Is, at the time of receiving the bonus: (a) Employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district; or (b) (1) After working a minimum of three (3) years with national board certification as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a public school district, employed full time as a teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education. (2) (A) Only teachers who hold national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, shall be eligible for a bonus for employment as provided under this subdivision (a)(3)(A)(iv) (b) if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section. (B) However, a bonus payment shall not be made retroactive. (B) (i) A teacher certified by the national board who moves into the state on or before January 1, 2017, and is employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district shall be eligible for the yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for every school year the person is employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a local public school district for no more than ten (10) school years. (ii) A teacher who holds national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, who moves into the state on or before January 1, 2017, shall be eligible for the yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for every school year the teacher is employed full time for no more than ten (10) school years if, after working for three (3) years with national board certification as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a public school district in this state, the teacher is employed as a teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section. (C) The increased incentive bonuses provided in this section shall not be retroactive. (D) No person shall receive a starting bonus and a yearly incentive for the same school year. (E) A person shall not receive either a starting bonus or a yearly incentive bonus, irrespective of the person's past participation in the certification of the national board, as a teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district or teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education if the person: (i) Leaves the full-time employment of an Arkansas public school district; (ii) Becomes employed as a school district-level central office administrator; (iii) Is employed by an Arkansas institution of higher education and does not teach in an accredited teacher preparation program; or (iv) Is employed by an education service cooperative and does not teach in a classroom with students. (F) At the time that the national board establishes a certification of the national board for school administrators and an Arkansas school district-level central office administrator becomes certified by the national board, the school district-level central office will be eligible to receive incentive bonuses in the amount awarded to teachers certified by the national board for every year for the life of the administrator certificate of the national board. (4) The State Board of Education is authorized to promulgate rules to establish a support program for teachers selected to participate in the program of the national board.

(1) (A) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall pay the full amount of the participation fee of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and provide, if determined to be necessary by the division, substitute pay for a maximum of three (3) days of approved paid leave for teachers selected by the State Board of Education to participate in the program of the national board. (B) A teacher shall have completed at least three (3) years of teaching in the Arkansas public school system before applying for the assistance under this section and § 6-17-412 and shall not have previously received state funding for participation in any certification area in the program of the national board.

(A) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall pay the full amount of the participation fee of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and provide, if determined to be necessary by the division, substitute pay for a maximum of three (3) days of approved paid leave for teachers selected by the State Board of Education to participate in the program of the national board.

(B) A teacher shall have completed at least three (3) years of teaching in the Arkansas public school system before applying for the assistance under this section and § 6-17-412 and shall not have previously received state funding for participation in any certification area in the program of the national board.

(2) (A) The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules for the selection process of teacher participants in the program of the national board. (B) The number of teacher participants each year will be determined by the amount of funding available for the program.

(A) The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules for the selection process of teacher participants in the program of the national board.

(B) The number of teacher participants each year will be determined by the amount of funding available for the program.

(3) (A) The division shall pay a yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for no more than ten (10) school years or, in the case of a recertification obtained before January 1, 2018, for the life of the recertification to any classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal who: (i) Is selected by the State Board of Education to participate in the program of the national board; (ii) Successfully completes the certification process of the national board; (iii) Has begun the certification process or has received certification or recertification of the national board before January 1, 2018; and (iv) Is, at the time of receiving the bonus: (a) Employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district; or (b) (1) After working a minimum of three (3) years with national board certification as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a public school district, employed full time as a teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education. (2) (A) Only teachers who hold national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, shall be eligible for a bonus for employment as provided under this subdivision (a)(3)(A)(iv) (b) if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section. (B) However, a bonus payment shall not be made retroactive. (B) (i) A teacher certified by the national board who moves into the state on or before January 1, 2017, and is employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district shall be eligible for the yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for every school year the person is employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a local public school district for no more than ten (10) school years. (ii) A teacher who holds national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, who moves into the state on or before January 1, 2017, shall be eligible for the yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for every school year the teacher is employed full time for no more than ten (10) school years if, after working for three (3) years with national board certification as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a public school district in this state, the teacher is employed as a teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section. (C) The increased incentive bonuses provided in this section shall not be retroactive. (D) No person shall receive a starting bonus and a yearly incentive for the same school year. (E) A person shall not receive either a starting bonus or a yearly incentive bonus, irrespective of the person's past participation in the certification of the national board, as a teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district or teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education if the person: (i) Leaves the full-time employment of an Arkansas public school district; (ii) Becomes employed as a school district-level central office administrator; (iii) Is employed by an Arkansas institution of higher education and does not teach in an accredited teacher preparation program; or (iv) Is employed by an education service cooperative and does not teach in a classroom with students. (F) At the time that the national board establishes a certification of the national board for school administrators and an Arkansas school district-level central office administrator becomes certified by the national board, the school district-level central office will be eligible to receive incentive bonuses in the amount awarded to teachers certified by the national board for every year for the life of the administrator certificate of the national board.

(A) The division shall pay a yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for no more than ten (10) school years or, in the case of a recertification obtained before January 1, 2018, for the life of the recertification to any classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal who: (i) Is selected by the State Board of Education to participate in the program of the national board; (ii) Successfully completes the certification process of the national board; (iii) Has begun the certification process or has received certification or recertification of the national board before January 1, 2018; and (iv) Is, at the time of receiving the bonus: (a) Employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district; or (b) (1) After working a minimum of three (3) years with national board certification as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a public school district, employed full time as a teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education. (2) (A) Only teachers who hold national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, shall be eligible for a bonus for employment as provided under this subdivision (a)(3)(A)(iv) (b) if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section. (B) However, a bonus payment shall not be made retroactive.

(i) Is selected by the State Board of Education to participate in the program of the national board;

(ii) Successfully completes the certification process of the national board;

(iii) Has begun the certification process or has received certification or recertification of the national board before January 1, 2018; and

(iv) Is, at the time of receiving the bonus: (a) Employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district; or (b) (1) After working a minimum of three (3) years with national board certification as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a public school district, employed full time as a teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education. (2) (A) Only teachers who hold national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, shall be eligible for a bonus for employment as provided under this subdivision (a)(3)(A)(iv) (b) if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section. (B) However, a bonus payment shall not be made retroactive.

(a) Employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district; or

(b) (1) After working a minimum of three (3) years with national board certification as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a public school district, employed full time as a teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education. (2) (A) Only teachers who hold national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, shall be eligible for a bonus for employment as provided under this subdivision (a)(3)(A)(iv) (b) if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section. (B) However, a bonus payment shall not be made retroactive.

(1) After working a minimum of three (3) years with national board certification as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a public school district, employed full time as a teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education.

(2) (A) Only teachers who hold national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, shall be eligible for a bonus for employment as provided under this subdivision (a)(3)(A)(iv) (b) if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section. (B) However, a bonus payment shall not be made retroactive.

(A) Only teachers who hold national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, shall be eligible for a bonus for employment as provided under this subdivision (a)(3)(A)(iv) (b) if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section.

(B) However, a bonus payment shall not be made retroactive.

(B) (i) A teacher certified by the national board who moves into the state on or before January 1, 2017, and is employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district shall be eligible for the yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for every school year the person is employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a local public school district for no more than ten (10) school years. (ii) A teacher who holds national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, who moves into the state on or before January 1, 2017, shall be eligible for the yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for every school year the teacher is employed full time for no more than ten (10) school years if, after working for three (3) years with national board certification as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a public school district in this state, the teacher is employed as a teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section.

(i) A teacher certified by the national board who moves into the state on or before January 1, 2017, and is employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district shall be eligible for the yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for every school year the person is employed full time as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a local public school district for no more than ten (10) school years.

(ii) A teacher who holds national board certification on or after August 1, 2009, who moves into the state on or before January 1, 2017, shall be eligible for the yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) for every school year the teacher is employed full time for no more than ten (10) school years if, after working for three (3) years with national board certification as a classroom teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in a public school district in this state, the teacher is employed as a teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education if funds are available after payments are made to those eligible under subdivisions (a)(3)(A)(iv) (a) and (a)(3)(B)(i) of this section.

(C) The increased incentive bonuses provided in this section shall not be retroactive.

(D) No person shall receive a starting bonus and a yearly incentive for the same school year.

(E) A person shall not receive either a starting bonus or a yearly incentive bonus, irrespective of the person's past participation in the certification of the national board, as a teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal in an Arkansas public school district or teacher in an accredited teacher preparation program at a state-supported institution of higher education if the person: (i) Leaves the full-time employment of an Arkansas public school district; (ii) Becomes employed as a school district-level central office administrator; (iii) Is employed by an Arkansas institution of higher education and does not teach in an accredited teacher preparation program; or (iv) Is employed by an education service cooperative and does not teach in a classroom with students.

(i) Leaves the full-time employment of an Arkansas public school district;

(ii) Becomes employed as a school district-level central office administrator;

(iii) Is employed by an Arkansas institution of higher education and does not teach in an accredited teacher preparation program; or

(iv) Is employed by an education service cooperative and does not teach in a classroom with students.

(F) At the time that the national board establishes a certification of the national board for school administrators and an Arkansas school district-level central office administrator becomes certified by the national board, the school district-level central office will be eligible to receive incentive bonuses in the amount awarded to teachers certified by the national board for every year for the life of the administrator certificate of the national board.

(4) The State Board of Education is authorized to promulgate rules to establish a support program for teachers selected to participate in the program of the national board.

(b) (1) A teacher who receives state moneys for the participation fee of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards but who does not complete the certification process within three (3) years after the teacher's entry into the certification program of the national board or who becomes certified by the national board but does not teach or serve as a building-level principal or building-level assistant principal in the Arkansas public school system for three (3) continuous school years after receiving the certification by the national board shall repay the division the amount it contributed to the participation fee of the national board and the total amount it contributed to any yearly bonus. (2) If the teacher, principal, or assistant principal leaves the employment of a public school district before the three (3) continuous years are completed and is employed by an Arkansas institution of higher education or employed by an education service cooperative and the teacher does not teach in a classroom with students, the teacher, principal, or assistant principal shall repay the division the amount it contributed to the participation fee of the national board and the total amount it contributed to any yearly salary bonus. (3) The State Board of Education may suspend the Arkansas teacher's license of any person that fails, when required to do so, to repay moneys contributed by the division for the certification program of the national board. (4) Repayment of moneys contributed by the division is not required if, due to the death or disability of the teacher or other extenuating circumstances as may be recognized by the State Board of Education, the teacher does not complete the certification process of the national board or does not teach in the Arkansas public school system for three (3) continuous school years after completing the certification process of the national board.

(1) A teacher who receives state moneys for the participation fee of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards but who does not complete the certification process within three (3) years after the teacher's entry into the certification program of the national board or who becomes certified by the national board but does not teach or serve as a building-level principal or building-level assistant principal in the Arkansas public school system for three (3) continuous school years after receiving the certification by the national board shall repay the division the amount it contributed to the participation fee of the national board and the total amount it contributed to any yearly bonus.

(2) If the teacher, principal, or assistant principal leaves the employment of a public school district before the three (3) continuous years are completed and is employed by an Arkansas institution of higher education or employed by an education service cooperative and the teacher does not teach in a classroom with students, the teacher, principal, or assistant principal shall repay the division the amount it contributed to the participation fee of the national board and the total amount it contributed to any yearly salary bonus.

(3) The State Board of Education may suspend the Arkansas teacher's license of any person that fails, when required to do so, to repay moneys contributed by the division for the certification program of the national board.

(4) Repayment of moneys contributed by the division is not required if, due to the death or disability of the teacher or other extenuating circumstances as may be recognized by the State Board of Education, the teacher does not complete the certification process of the national board or does not teach in the Arkansas public school system for three (3) continuous school years after completing the certification process of the national board.

(c) (1) Provisions of this section and § 6-17-412 shall apply only to the extent that funds are appropriated to the division to pay for these provisions. (2) (A) For a member of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, the division shall withhold any employee contributions when necessary from the incentive bonus and shall send the employee contributions to the system for credit as a part of the member's salary. (B) The employer contributions shall be provided from funds that are appropriated to the division to pay for the bonuses and shall be sent to the system for credit as employer contributions to match the member's salary.

(1) Provisions of this section and § 6-17-412 shall apply only to the extent that funds are appropriated to the division to pay for these provisions.

(2) (A) For a member of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, the division shall withhold any employee contributions when necessary from the incentive bonus and shall send the employee contributions to the system for credit as a part of the member's salary. (B) The employer contributions shall be provided from funds that are appropriated to the division to pay for the bonuses and shall be sent to the system for credit as employer contributions to match the member's salary.

(A) For a member of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, the division shall withhold any employee contributions when necessary from the incentive bonus and shall send the employee contributions to the system for credit as a part of the member's salary.

(B) The employer contributions shall be provided from funds that are appropriated to the division to pay for the bonuses and shall be sent to the system for credit as employer contributions to match the member's salary.

(d) (1) As used in this subsection, "speech-language pathologist" means a speech-language pathologist who: (A) Has a master's degree, which includes medical-based training; (B) Has completed a one-year clinical fellowship; (C) Has passed the specialty area of the National Teacher Examination; and (D) Holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2) By December 1 of each year, the division shall pay a yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) to a speech-language pathologist who: (A) Holds an Arkansas teaching license in speech-language pathology; (B) Is a full-time employee of an Arkansas education service cooperative or public school district as a speech-language pathologist at the time of receiving the bonus; and (C) Is not considered a purchased service contractor but may be employed under a teacher contract subject to renewal under § 6-17-1506 . (3) (A) (i) Bonuses paid to a certified speech-language pathologist under this subsection shall be paid from the funds appropriated and available for bonuses to speech-language pathologists. (ii) If sufficient funds are not available to pay the full amount of the bonus to each certified speech-language pathologist as provided under this section, the division may reduce the amount of the bonus for each qualified recipient proportionately as necessary to provide a bonus to each qualified speech-language pathologist in an equal amount. (B) The cost and expenses related to training for or acquisition of the certificate shall not be funded through the program created under this section and § 6-17-412 but shall be the responsibility of the certified speech-language pathologist. (4) Although a certified speech-language pathologist entitled to a bonus under this subsection will hold a valid Arkansas teaching license in speech-language pathology, references to "teacher" under this section shall mean a classroom teacher as defined under § 6-17-412(a)(1) who is in the program but not a certified speech-language pathologist. (5) (A) (i) If a speech-language pathologist who receives a bonus under this subsection leaves employment in the Arkansas public school system before completing three (3) continuous school years of employment, the speech-language pathologist shall repay the division a prorated portion of the bonus received in the school year based on a daily rate for the remainder of a school year in which the speech-language pathologist leaves employment. (ii) The first year of the three (3) continuous school years is the first year that the speech-language pathologist received a bonus under this subsection (d). (iii) The daily rate is calculated as the amount of the annual bonus paid to the speech-language pathologist divided by the number of days in the speech-language pathologist's contract. (B) The State Board of Education may suspend the Arkansas speech-language pathology license of any person who fails to repay the amount of the bonus required to be repaid under this subdivision (d)(5). (C) Repayment of all or a portion of a bonus under this subdivision (d)(5) is not required if, due to the death or disability of the speech-language pathologist or other extenuating circumstances as may be recognized by the State Board of Education, the speech-language pathologist does not remain employed in the Arkansas public school system for three (3) continuous school years after first receiving the bonus under this subsection.

(1) As used in this subsection, "speech-language pathologist" means a speech-language pathologist who: (A) Has a master's degree, which includes medical-based training; (B) Has completed a one-year clinical fellowship; (C) Has passed the specialty area of the National Teacher Examination; and (D) Holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

(A) Has a master's degree, which includes medical-based training;

(B) Has completed a one-year clinical fellowship;

(C) Has passed the specialty area of the National Teacher Examination; and

(D) Holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

(2) By December 1 of each year, the division shall pay a yearly incentive bonus of five thousand dollars ($5,000) to a speech-language pathologist who: (A) Holds an Arkansas teaching license in speech-language pathology; (B) Is a full-time employee of an Arkansas education service cooperative or public school district as a speech-language pathologist at the time of receiving the bonus; and (C) Is not considered a purchased service contractor but may be employed under a teacher contract subject to renewal under § 6-17-1506 .

(A) Holds an Arkansas teaching license in speech-language pathology;

(B) Is a full-time employee of an Arkansas education service cooperative or public school district as a speech-language pathologist at the time of receiving the bonus; and

(C) Is not considered a purchased service contractor but may be employed under a teacher contract subject to renewal under § 6-17-1506 .

(3) (A) (i) Bonuses paid to a certified speech-language pathologist under this subsection shall be paid from the funds appropriated and available for bonuses to speech-language pathologists. (ii) If sufficient funds are not available to pay the full amount of the bonus to each certified speech-language pathologist as provided under this section, the division may reduce the amount of the bonus for each qualified recipient proportionately as necessary to provide a bonus to each qualified speech-language pathologist in an equal amount. (B) The cost and expenses related to training for or acquisition of the certificate shall not be funded through the program created under this section and § 6-17-412 but shall be the responsibility of the certified speech-language pathologist.

(A) (i) Bonuses paid to a certified speech-language pathologist under this subsection shall be paid from the funds appropriated and available for bonuses to speech-language pathologists. (ii) If sufficient funds are not available to pay the full amount of the bonus to each certified speech-language pathologist as provided under this section, the division may reduce the amount of the bonus for each qualified recipient proportionately as necessary to provide a bonus to each qualified speech-language pathologist in an equal amount.

(i) Bonuses paid to a certified speech-language pathologist under this subsection shall be paid from the funds appropriated and available for bonuses to speech-language pathologists.

(ii) If sufficient funds are not available to pay the full amount of the bonus to each certified speech-language pathologist as provided under this section, the division may reduce the amount of the bonus for each qualified recipient proportionately as necessary to provide a bonus to each qualified speech-language pathologist in an equal amount.

(B) The cost and expenses related to training for or acquisition of the certificate shall not be funded through the program created under this section and § 6-17-412 but shall be the responsibility of the certified speech-language pathologist.

(4) Although a certified speech-language pathologist entitled to a bonus under this subsection will hold a valid Arkansas teaching license in speech-language pathology, references to "teacher" under this section shall mean a classroom teacher as defined under § 6-17-412(a)(1) who is in the program but not a certified speech-language pathologist.

(5) (A) (i) If a speech-language pathologist who receives a bonus under this subsection leaves employment in the Arkansas public school system before completing three (3) continuous school years of employment, the speech-language pathologist shall repay the division a prorated portion of the bonus received in the school year based on a daily rate for the remainder of a school year in which the speech-language pathologist leaves employment. (ii) The first year of the three (3) continuous school years is the first year that the speech-language pathologist received a bonus under this subsection (d). (iii) The daily rate is calculated as the amount of the annual bonus paid to the speech-language pathologist divided by the number of days in the speech-language pathologist's contract. (B) The State Board of Education may suspend the Arkansas speech-language pathology license of any person who fails to repay the amount of the bonus required to be repaid under this subdivision (d)(5). (C) Repayment of all or a portion of a bonus under this subdivision (d)(5) is not required if, due to the death or disability of the speech-language pathologist or other extenuating circumstances as may be recognized by the State Board of Education, the speech-language pathologist does not remain employed in the Arkansas public school system for three (3) continuous school years after first receiving the bonus under this subsection.

(A) (i) If a speech-language pathologist who receives a bonus under this subsection leaves employment in the Arkansas public school system before completing three (3) continuous school years of employment, the speech-language pathologist shall repay the division a prorated portion of the bonus received in the school year based on a daily rate for the remainder of a school year in which the speech-language pathologist leaves employment. (ii) The first year of the three (3) continuous school years is the first year that the speech-language pathologist received a bonus under this subsection (d). (iii) The daily rate is calculated as the amount of the annual bonus paid to the speech-language pathologist divided by the number of days in the speech-language pathologist's contract.

(i) If a speech-language pathologist who receives a bonus under this subsection leaves employment in the Arkansas public school system before completing three (3) continuous school years of employment, the speech-language pathologist shall repay the division a prorated portion of the bonus received in the school year based on a daily rate for the remainder of a school year in which the speech-language pathologist leaves employment.

(ii) The first year of the three (3) continuous school years is the first year that the speech-language pathologist received a bonus under this subsection (d).

(iii) The daily rate is calculated as the amount of the annual bonus paid to the speech-language pathologist divided by the number of days in the speech-language pathologist's contract.

(B) The State Board of Education may suspend the Arkansas speech-language pathology license of any person who fails to repay the amount of the bonus required to be repaid under this subdivision (d)(5).

(C) Repayment of all or a portion of a bonus under this subdivision (d)(5) is not required if, due to the death or disability of the speech-language pathologist or other extenuating circumstances as may be recognized by the State Board of Education, the speech-language pathologist does not remain employed in the Arkansas public school system for three (3) continuous school years after first receiving the bonus under this subsection.

(e) (1) The division shall pay a yearly incentive bonus to a person who: (A) On or after January 1, 2018, began the certification process and received National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification; and (B) At the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a public school, including an open-enrollment public charter school, as a: (i) Classroom teacher; (ii) Instructional facilitator; or (iii) Instructional leader. (2) A yearly incentive bonus under this subsection shall be: (A) Two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for a person who at the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a public school, including an open-enrollment public charter school, that is not a high-poverty school or a high-poverty charter school; (B) Five thousand dollars ($5,000) for a person who at the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a high-poverty school that is not in a high-poverty district; or (C) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for a person who at the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a: (i) High-poverty school in a high-poverty district; or (ii) High-poverty charter school. (3) A yearly incentive bonus under this subsection shall be limited as follows: (A) A person shall not receive a two thousand five hundred dollar ($2,500) bonus under subdivision (e)(2)(A) of this section in more than five (5) school years; (B) A person shall not receive a five thousand dollar ($5,000) bonus under subdivision (e)(2)(B) of this section in more than five (5) school years; (C) A person shall not receive a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) bonus under subdivision (e)(2)(C) of this section in more than ten (10) school years; (D) A person shall not receive any yearly incentive bonus under this subsection in more than ten (10) school years; (E) A person shall not receive in the same school year more than one (1) yearly incentive bonus under subdivision (e)(2) of this section; and (F) (i) A person shall not receive in the same school year both a bonus under this subsection and a bonus under subsection (a) of this section. (ii) A person who, as of December 1, 2017, meets the qualifications for a yearly incentive bonus under both this subsection and subsection (a) of this section may make an irrevocable election to receive future yearly incentive bonuses under this subsection by filing a written election with the division no later than July 1, 2019.

(1) The division shall pay a yearly incentive bonus to a person who: (A) On or after January 1, 2018, began the certification process and received National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification; and (B) At the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a public school, including an open-enrollment public charter school, as a: (i) Classroom teacher; (ii) Instructional facilitator; or (iii) Instructional leader.

(A) On or after January 1, 2018, began the certification process and received National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification; and

(B) At the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a public school, including an open-enrollment public charter school, as a: (i) Classroom teacher; (ii) Instructional facilitator; or (iii) Instructional leader.

(i) Classroom teacher;

(ii) Instructional facilitator; or

(iii) Instructional leader.

(2) A yearly incentive bonus under this subsection shall be: (A) Two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for a person who at the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a public school, including an open-enrollment public charter school, that is not a high-poverty school or a high-poverty charter school; (B) Five thousand dollars ($5,000) for a person who at the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a high-poverty school that is not in a high-poverty district; or (C) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for a person who at the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a: (i) High-poverty school in a high-poverty district; or (ii) High-poverty charter school.

(A) Two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for a person who at the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a public school, including an open-enrollment public charter school, that is not a high-poverty school or a high-poverty charter school;

(B) Five thousand dollars ($5,000) for a person who at the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a high-poverty school that is not in a high-poverty district; or

(C) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for a person who at the time of receiving the bonus is employed full-time in a: (i) High-poverty school in a high-poverty district; or (ii) High-poverty charter school.

(i) High-poverty school in a high-poverty district; or

(ii) High-poverty charter school.

(3) A yearly incentive bonus under this subsection shall be limited as follows: (A) A person shall not receive a two thousand five hundred dollar ($2,500) bonus under subdivision (e)(2)(A) of this section in more than five (5) school years; (B) A person shall not receive a five thousand dollar ($5,000) bonus under subdivision (e)(2)(B) of this section in more than five (5) school years; (C) A person shall not receive a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) bonus under subdivision (e)(2)(C) of this section in more than ten (10) school years; (D) A person shall not receive any yearly incentive bonus under this subsection in more than ten (10) school years; (E) A person shall not receive in the same school year more than one (1) yearly incentive bonus under subdivision (e)(2) of this section; and (F) (i) A person shall not receive in the same school year both a bonus under this subsection and a bonus under subsection (a) of this section. (ii) A person who, as of December 1, 2017, meets the qualifications for a yearly incentive bonus under both this subsection and subsection (a) of this section may make an irrevocable election to receive future yearly incentive bonuses under this subsection by filing a written election with the division no later than July 1, 2019.

(A) A person shall not receive a two thousand five hundred dollar ($2,500) bonus under subdivision (e)(2)(A) of this section in more than five (5) school years;

(B) A person shall not receive a five thousand dollar ($5,000) bonus under subdivision (e)(2)(B) of this section in more than five (5) school years;

(C) A person shall not receive a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) bonus under subdivision (e)(2)(C) of this section in more than ten (10) school years;

(D) A person shall not receive any yearly incentive bonus under this subsection in more than ten (10) school years;

(E) A person shall not receive in the same school year more than one (1) yearly incentive bonus under subdivision (e)(2) of this section; and

(F) (i) A person shall not receive in the same school year both a bonus under this subsection and a bonus under subsection (a) of this section. (ii) A person who, as of December 1, 2017, meets the qualifications for a yearly incentive bonus under both this subsection and subsection (a) of this section may make an irrevocable election to receive future yearly incentive bonuses under this subsection by filing a written election with the division no later than July 1, 2019.

(i) A person shall not receive in the same school year both a bonus under this subsection and a bonus under subsection (a) of this section.

(ii) A person who, as of December 1, 2017, meets the qualifications for a yearly incentive bonus under both this subsection and subsection (a) of this section may make an irrevocable election to receive future yearly incentive bonuses under this subsection by filing a written election with the division no later than July 1, 2019.

(f) As used in this section: (1) "High-poverty charter school" means an Arkansas open-enrollment public charter school in which seventy percent (70%) or greater of the previous school year's enrolled students are national school lunch students as defined in § 6-20-2303 ; (2) "High-poverty district" means an Arkansas public school district in which seventy percent (70%) or greater of the previous school year's enrolled students are national school lunch students as defined in § 6-20-2303 ; (3) "High-poverty school" means an Arkansas public school in which seventy percent (70%) or greater of the previous school year's enrolled students are national school lunch students as defined in § 6-20-2303 ; and (4) (A) "Instructional leader" means a building-level administrator who is responsible for evaluating teachers or instructional staff. (B) "Instructional leader" includes without limitation a building-level administrator who is an evaluator as defined in § 6-17-2803 .

(1) "High-poverty charter school" means an Arkansas open-enrollment public charter school in which seventy percent (70%) or greater of the previous school year's enrolled students are national school lunch students as defined in § 6-20-2303 ;

(2) "High-poverty district" means an Arkansas public school district in which seventy percent (70%) or greater of the previous school year's enrolled students are national school lunch students as defined in § 6-20-2303 ;

(3) "High-poverty school" means an Arkansas public school in which seventy percent (70%) or greater of the previous school year's enrolled students are national school lunch students as defined in § 6-20-2303 ; and

(4) (A) "Instructional leader" means a building-level administrator who is responsible for evaluating teachers or instructional staff. (B) "Instructional leader" includes without limitation a building-level administrator who is an evaluator as defined in § 6-17-2803 .

(A) "Instructional leader" means a building-level administrator who is responsible for evaluating teachers or instructional staff.

(B) "Instructional leader" includes without limitation a building-level administrator who is an evaluator as defined in § 6-17-2803 .

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 230, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 229, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1404, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1403, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1402, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1401, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1400, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1399, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1398, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1397, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 937,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 937,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 937,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.

Acts 1997, No. 1225, § 2; 1999, No. 58, § 1; 2001, No. 1060, § 2; 2003, No. 1803, § 1; 2005, No. 1187, § 1; 2009, No. 1326, § 1; 2009, No. 1449, §§ 1-4; 2011, No. 1035, §§ 1, 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-60-703 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 60 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-60-703
Report
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report shall be submitted by the Division of Higher Education to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Governor no later than December 15, 2011, and each year thereafter. (2) The Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report shall be posted on the division website for public inspection no later than January 1, 2012, and each year thereafter. (b) The Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report shall consist of the following reports: (1) Annually: (A) Scholarship programs, including without limitation the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; (B) Remediation rates, §§ 6-15-2401 and 6-61-221 ; (C) The Universal ACT Assessment Program, § 6-18-1608 ; (D) Military students and families, § 6-61-112 ; (E) Retention rates and graduation rates, § 6-61-220 ; (F) Athletic expenditures, § 6-62-106 ; (G) Student enrollment, § 6-60-209 ; and (H) Affirmative action programs summaries, § 6-63-103 ; (2) Biennially, each even-numbered year: (A) A financial condition report, § 6-61-222 ; (B) Changes to affirmative action program plans, § 6-63-103 ; and (C) Economic development goals and educational efforts, § 6-61-207 ; and (3) Every five (5) years, beginning in 2015: (A) Minority retention plans, § 6-61-122 ; and (B) Affirmative action program plans, § 6-63-103(c) . (c) (1) All deadlines for higher education reports currently required by the General Assembly are superseded by subsection (b) of this section unless otherwise specified in this subchapter. (2) All financial reports provided to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall be included in the report, including the Annual Financial Condition Report. (d) All future higher education reports statutorily required by the General Assembly shall: (1) Be submitted as part of the Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report; and (2) Include a fiscal impact on administrative costs to the division. Amended by Act 2019, No. 256,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1943, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1942, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1462,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2014. Acts 2009, No. 416, § 1; 2011, No. 696, § 1.

(a) (1) The Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report shall be submitted by the Division of Higher Education to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Governor no later than December 15, 2011, and each year thereafter. (2) The Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report shall be posted on the division website for public inspection no later than January 1, 2012, and each year thereafter.

(1) The Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report shall be submitted by the Division of Higher Education to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Governor no later than December 15, 2011, and each year thereafter.

(2) The Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report shall be posted on the division website for public inspection no later than January 1, 2012, and each year thereafter.

(b) The Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report shall consist of the following reports: (1) Annually: (A) Scholarship programs, including without limitation the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; (B) Remediation rates, §§ 6-15-2401 and 6-61-221 ; (C) The Universal ACT Assessment Program, § 6-18-1608 ; (D) Military students and families, § 6-61-112 ; (E) Retention rates and graduation rates, § 6-61-220 ; (F) Athletic expenditures, § 6-62-106 ; (G) Student enrollment, § 6-60-209 ; and (H) Affirmative action programs summaries, § 6-63-103 ; (2) Biennially, each even-numbered year: (A) A financial condition report, § 6-61-222 ; (B) Changes to affirmative action program plans, § 6-63-103 ; and (C) Economic development goals and educational efforts, § 6-61-207 ; and (3) Every five (5) years, beginning in 2015: (A) Minority retention plans, § 6-61-122 ; and (B) Affirmative action program plans, § 6-63-103(c) .

(1) Annually: (A) Scholarship programs, including without limitation the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program; (B) Remediation rates, §§ 6-15-2401 and 6-61-221 ; (C) The Universal ACT Assessment Program, § 6-18-1608 ; (D) Military students and families, § 6-61-112 ; (E) Retention rates and graduation rates, § 6-61-220 ; (F) Athletic expenditures, § 6-62-106 ; (G) Student enrollment, § 6-60-209 ; and (H) Affirmative action programs summaries, § 6-63-103 ;

(A) Scholarship programs, including without limitation the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program;

(B) Remediation rates, §§ 6-15-2401 and 6-61-221 ;

(C) The Universal ACT Assessment Program, § 6-18-1608 ;

(D) Military students and families, § 6-61-112 ;

(E) Retention rates and graduation rates, § 6-61-220 ;

(F) Athletic expenditures, § 6-62-106 ;

(G) Student enrollment, § 6-60-209 ; and

(H) Affirmative action programs summaries, § 6-63-103 ;

(2) Biennially, each even-numbered year: (A) A financial condition report, § 6-61-222 ; (B) Changes to affirmative action program plans, § 6-63-103 ; and (C) Economic development goals and educational efforts, § 6-61-207 ; and

(A) A financial condition report, § 6-61-222 ;

(B) Changes to affirmative action program plans, § 6-63-103 ; and

(C) Economic development goals and educational efforts, § 6-61-207 ; and

(3) Every five (5) years, beginning in 2015: (A) Minority retention plans, § 6-61-122 ; and (B) Affirmative action program plans, § 6-63-103(c) .

(A) Minority retention plans, § 6-61-122 ; and

(B) Affirmative action program plans, § 6-63-103(c) .

(c) (1) All deadlines for higher education reports currently required by the General Assembly are superseded by subsection (b) of this section unless otherwise specified in this subchapter. (2) All financial reports provided to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall be included in the report, including the Annual Financial Condition Report.

(1) All deadlines for higher education reports currently required by the General Assembly are superseded by subsection (b) of this section unless otherwise specified in this subchapter.

(2) All financial reports provided to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall be included in the report, including the Annual Financial Condition Report.

(d) All future higher education reports statutorily required by the General Assembly shall: (1) Be submitted as part of the Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report; and (2) Include a fiscal impact on administrative costs to the division.

(1) Be submitted as part of the Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report; and

(2) Include a fiscal impact on administrative costs to the division.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 256,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1943, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1942, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1462,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2014.

Acts 2009, No. 416, § 1; 2011, No. 696, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-130 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-61-130
Institutional advice for university coursework and degree completion
Status: in_force

(a) The purpose of this section is to ensure that faculty advisors at universities provide students with course selection advice that will enable a full-time student to obtain most bachelor's degrees within eight (8) semesters. (b) Any person assigned by a university to provide course selection advice to incoming freshman students shall provide any student who has declared a major with a written, eight-semester course of study signed by either the institution's chief operating officer, president, or dean that provides a recommended sequence for all course requirements for completion of most bachelor's degrees within eight (8) semesters. (c) (1) (A) Any student who chooses a bachelor's degree designed to be completed within eight (8) semesters may commit to completion of the degree requirements within eight (8) semesters by signing and returning a copy of the written, eight-semester course of study to the university's advising center or the student's assigned academic advisor. (B) If a student does not choose to commit to completion of the degree requirements within eight (8) semesters, the institution shall obtain a signed, written waiver from the student that clearly outlines the student's rights under this section and verifies that the student chooses not to enter into the commitment. If no waiver is obtained, the institution will be deemed to have guaranteed a bachelor's degree as provided by this section. (2) A student shall be guaranteed a bachelor's degree at the end of the eight (8) semesters if the student: (A) Commits to completion of his or her bachelor's degree requirements within eight (8) semesters as set forth under subdivision (c)(1) of this section; (B) Makes satisfactory academic progress; (C) Fulfills all of the course requirements set forth in the signed, written, eight-semester course of study in the recommended sequence; and (D) Does not change his or her declared major. (d) (1) Each university shall publish a recommended course sequence and recommended schedule by semester for each degree offered by the university. (2) The recommended course sequence schedule shall be included in the university's course catalog and departmental publications and on the university's website. (3) Each university shall offer and make available courses in a time, sequence, and manner that will enable students to complete requirements for a degree within the time frame set out in the recommended course sequence schedule. (e) Only universities that implement procedures in compliance with this section shall be approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to receive funding from the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program or the Arkansas Governor's Scholars Program. Acts 2005, No. 1014, § 1.

(a) The purpose of this section is to ensure that faculty advisors at universities provide students with course selection advice that will enable a full-time student to obtain most bachelor's degrees within eight (8) semesters.

(b) Any person assigned by a university to provide course selection advice to incoming freshman students shall provide any student who has declared a major with a written, eight-semester course of study signed by either the institution's chief operating officer, president, or dean that provides a recommended sequence for all course requirements for completion of most bachelor's degrees within eight (8) semesters.

(c) (1) (A) Any student who chooses a bachelor's degree designed to be completed within eight (8) semesters may commit to completion of the degree requirements within eight (8) semesters by signing and returning a copy of the written, eight-semester course of study to the university's advising center or the student's assigned academic advisor. (B) If a student does not choose to commit to completion of the degree requirements within eight (8) semesters, the institution shall obtain a signed, written waiver from the student that clearly outlines the student's rights under this section and verifies that the student chooses not to enter into the commitment. If no waiver is obtained, the institution will be deemed to have guaranteed a bachelor's degree as provided by this section. (2) A student shall be guaranteed a bachelor's degree at the end of the eight (8) semesters if the student: (A) Commits to completion of his or her bachelor's degree requirements within eight (8) semesters as set forth under subdivision (c)(1) of this section; (B) Makes satisfactory academic progress; (C) Fulfills all of the course requirements set forth in the signed, written, eight-semester course of study in the recommended sequence; and (D) Does not change his or her declared major.

(1) (A) Any student who chooses a bachelor's degree designed to be completed within eight (8) semesters may commit to completion of the degree requirements within eight (8) semesters by signing and returning a copy of the written, eight-semester course of study to the university's advising center or the student's assigned academic advisor. (B) If a student does not choose to commit to completion of the degree requirements within eight (8) semesters, the institution shall obtain a signed, written waiver from the student that clearly outlines the student's rights under this section and verifies that the student chooses not to enter into the commitment. If no waiver is obtained, the institution will be deemed to have guaranteed a bachelor's degree as provided by this section.

(A) Any student who chooses a bachelor's degree designed to be completed within eight (8) semesters may commit to completion of the degree requirements within eight (8) semesters by signing and returning a copy of the written, eight-semester course of study to the university's advising center or the student's assigned academic advisor.

(B) If a student does not choose to commit to completion of the degree requirements within eight (8) semesters, the institution shall obtain a signed, written waiver from the student that clearly outlines the student's rights under this section and verifies that the student chooses not to enter into the commitment. If no waiver is obtained, the institution will be deemed to have guaranteed a bachelor's degree as provided by this section.

(2) A student shall be guaranteed a bachelor's degree at the end of the eight (8) semesters if the student: (A) Commits to completion of his or her bachelor's degree requirements within eight (8) semesters as set forth under subdivision (c)(1) of this section; (B) Makes satisfactory academic progress; (C) Fulfills all of the course requirements set forth in the signed, written, eight-semester course of study in the recommended sequence; and (D) Does not change his or her declared major.

(A) Commits to completion of his or her bachelor's degree requirements within eight (8) semesters as set forth under subdivision (c)(1) of this section;

(B) Makes satisfactory academic progress;

(C) Fulfills all of the course requirements set forth in the signed, written, eight-semester course of study in the recommended sequence; and

(D) Does not change his or her declared major.

(d) (1) Each university shall publish a recommended course sequence and recommended schedule by semester for each degree offered by the university. (2) The recommended course sequence schedule shall be included in the university's course catalog and departmental publications and on the university's website. (3) Each university shall offer and make available courses in a time, sequence, and manner that will enable students to complete requirements for a degree within the time frame set out in the recommended course sequence schedule.

(1) Each university shall publish a recommended course sequence and recommended schedule by semester for each degree offered by the university.

(2) The recommended course sequence schedule shall be included in the university's course catalog and departmental publications and on the university's website.

(3) Each university shall offer and make available courses in a time, sequence, and manner that will enable students to complete requirements for a degree within the time frame set out in the recommended course sequence schedule.

(e) Only universities that implement procedures in compliance with this section shall be approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to receive funding from the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program or the Arkansas Governor's Scholars Program.

Acts 2005, No. 1014, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-1702 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 17 / Section 6-15-1702
Parent and family engagement plan
Status: in_force

(a) Each public school district and each public school within its boundaries, in collaboration with parents, shall establish a parental involvement plan, including programs and practices that enhance parent and family engagement and reflect the specific needs of students and their families. (b) The parent and family engagement plan in each school shall: (1) Involve parents of students at all grade levels in a variety of roles; (2) Be comprehensive and coordinated in nature; (3) (A) Recognize that communication between home and school should be consistent, open, and meaningful. (B) To encourage communication with parents, the school shall: (i) Prepare an informational packet to be distributed annually to the parent of each child in the school, appropriate for the age and grade of the child, describing: (a) The school's parent and family engagement plan; (b) The recommended role of the parent, family, student, teacher, and school; (c) Ways for the parent and family to become involved in the school and the student's education; (d) A survey for the parent regarding his or her interests concerning volunteering at the school; (e) Activities planned throughout the school year to encourage parent and family engagement; and (f) A system to allow the parent to communicate in a consistent, open, and meaningful manner with the child's teacher and the school principal; and (ii) Schedule no fewer than two (2) parent-teacher conferences per school year. (C) The school may plan and engage in other activities determined by the school to be beneficial to encourage communication with parents; (4) (A) Promote and support responsible parenting. (B) To promote and support responsible parenting, the school shall, as funds are available: (i) Purchase parenting books, magazines, and other informative material regarding responsible parenting through the school library, advertise the current selection, and give parents an opportunity to borrow the materials for review; (ii) Create parent centers; and (iii) Plan and engage in other activities determined by the school to be beneficial to promoting and supporting responsible parenting; (5) (A) Acknowledge that parents and family play an integral role in assisting student learning. (B) To help parents in assisting students, the school shall: (i) Schedule regular parent involvement meetings at which parents are given a report on the state of the school and an overview of: (a) What students will be learning; (b) How students will be assessed; (c) What a parent should expect for his or her child's education; and (d) How parents and family can assist and make a difference in the student's education; (ii) Provide instruction to a parent on how to incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities in the home environment, including without limitation: (a) Role play and demonstration by trained volunteers; (b) The use of and access to Division of Elementary and Secondary Education website tools for parents; (c) Assistance with nutritional meal planning and preparation; and (d) Other strategies or curricula developed or acquired by the school district for at-home parental instruction approved by the division; and (iii) Engage in other activities determined by the school to help parents and family assist in the student's learning; (6) (A) Welcome parents into the school and seek parental support and assistance. (B) To welcome parents into the school, the school shall: (i) Not have any school policies or procedures that would discourage a parent from visiting the school or from visiting a child's classrooms; (ii) Encourage school staff to use the volunteer surveys to compile a volunteer resource book listing the interests and availability of volunteers so that school staff may: (a) Determine how frequently a volunteer would like to participate, including the option of just one (1) time per year; (b) Include options for those who are available to help at home; and (c) Help match school needs with volunteer interests; and (iii) Engage in other activities determined by the school to welcome parents into the school; (7) (A) Recognize that a parent is a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family. (B) To encourage a parent to participate as a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family, the school shall: (i) Include in the school's policy handbook the school's process for resolving parental concerns, including how to define a problem, whom to approach first, and how to develop solutions; (ii) Sponsor seminars to inform the parents of high school students about how to be involved in the decisions affecting course selection, career planning, and preparation for postsecondary opportunities; and (iii) Engage in other activities that the school determines will encourage a parent to participate as a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family; (8) (A) Recognize that community resources strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning. (B) To take advantage of community resources, the school shall: (i) Consider recruiting alumni from the school to create an alumni advisory commission to provide advice and guidance for school improvement; (ii) (a) Enable the formation of a parent-teacher association or organization that will foster parental and community involvement within the school. (b) Leaders of this organization shall be utilized in appropriate decisions affecting the children and families; and (iii) Engage in other activities that the school determines will use community resources to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning; and (9) Support the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of the program to involve parents in the decisions and practices of the school district, using, to the degree possible, the components listed in this section. (c) (1) The principal of each school in a school district shall designate one (1) licensed staff member who is willing to serve as a parent facilitator to: (A) Help organize meaningful training for staff and parents; (B) Promote and encourage a welcoming atmosphere to foster parent and family engagement in the school; and (C) Undertake efforts to ensure that parental participation is recognized as an asset to the school. (2) The licensed staff member serving as a parental facilitator shall receive supplemental pay for the assigned duties as required by law. Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 16, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 15, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 14, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1234, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1233, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 20, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 2003, No. 603, § 1; 2007, No. 307, § 1; 2009, No. 397, § 1; 2009, No. 1469, § 5.

(a) Each public school district and each public school within its boundaries, in collaboration with parents, shall establish a parental involvement plan, including programs and practices that enhance parent and family engagement and reflect the specific needs of students and their families.

(b) The parent and family engagement plan in each school shall: (1) Involve parents of students at all grade levels in a variety of roles; (2) Be comprehensive and coordinated in nature; (3) (A) Recognize that communication between home and school should be consistent, open, and meaningful. (B) To encourage communication with parents, the school shall: (i) Prepare an informational packet to be distributed annually to the parent of each child in the school, appropriate for the age and grade of the child, describing: (a) The school's parent and family engagement plan; (b) The recommended role of the parent, family, student, teacher, and school; (c) Ways for the parent and family to become involved in the school and the student's education; (d) A survey for the parent regarding his or her interests concerning volunteering at the school; (e) Activities planned throughout the school year to encourage parent and family engagement; and (f) A system to allow the parent to communicate in a consistent, open, and meaningful manner with the child's teacher and the school principal; and (ii) Schedule no fewer than two (2) parent-teacher conferences per school year. (C) The school may plan and engage in other activities determined by the school to be beneficial to encourage communication with parents; (4) (A) Promote and support responsible parenting. (B) To promote and support responsible parenting, the school shall, as funds are available: (i) Purchase parenting books, magazines, and other informative material regarding responsible parenting through the school library, advertise the current selection, and give parents an opportunity to borrow the materials for review; (ii) Create parent centers; and (iii) Plan and engage in other activities determined by the school to be beneficial to promoting and supporting responsible parenting; (5) (A) Acknowledge that parents and family play an integral role in assisting student learning. (B) To help parents in assisting students, the school shall: (i) Schedule regular parent involvement meetings at which parents are given a report on the state of the school and an overview of: (a) What students will be learning; (b) How students will be assessed; (c) What a parent should expect for his or her child's education; and (d) How parents and family can assist and make a difference in the student's education; (ii) Provide instruction to a parent on how to incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities in the home environment, including without limitation: (a) Role play and demonstration by trained volunteers; (b) The use of and access to Division of Elementary and Secondary Education website tools for parents; (c) Assistance with nutritional meal planning and preparation; and (d) Other strategies or curricula developed or acquired by the school district for at-home parental instruction approved by the division; and (iii) Engage in other activities determined by the school to help parents and family assist in the student's learning; (6) (A) Welcome parents into the school and seek parental support and assistance. (B) To welcome parents into the school, the school shall: (i) Not have any school policies or procedures that would discourage a parent from visiting the school or from visiting a child's classrooms; (ii) Encourage school staff to use the volunteer surveys to compile a volunteer resource book listing the interests and availability of volunteers so that school staff may: (a) Determine how frequently a volunteer would like to participate, including the option of just one (1) time per year; (b) Include options for those who are available to help at home; and (c) Help match school needs with volunteer interests; and (iii) Engage in other activities determined by the school to welcome parents into the school; (7) (A) Recognize that a parent is a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family. (B) To encourage a parent to participate as a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family, the school shall: (i) Include in the school's policy handbook the school's process for resolving parental concerns, including how to define a problem, whom to approach first, and how to develop solutions; (ii) Sponsor seminars to inform the parents of high school students about how to be involved in the decisions affecting course selection, career planning, and preparation for postsecondary opportunities; and (iii) Engage in other activities that the school determines will encourage a parent to participate as a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family; (8) (A) Recognize that community resources strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning. (B) To take advantage of community resources, the school shall: (i) Consider recruiting alumni from the school to create an alumni advisory commission to provide advice and guidance for school improvement; (ii) (a) Enable the formation of a parent-teacher association or organization that will foster parental and community involvement within the school. (b) Leaders of this organization shall be utilized in appropriate decisions affecting the children and families; and (iii) Engage in other activities that the school determines will use community resources to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning; and (9) Support the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of the program to involve parents in the decisions and practices of the school district, using, to the degree possible, the components listed in this section.

(1) Involve parents of students at all grade levels in a variety of roles;

(2) Be comprehensive and coordinated in nature;

(3) (A) Recognize that communication between home and school should be consistent, open, and meaningful. (B) To encourage communication with parents, the school shall: (i) Prepare an informational packet to be distributed annually to the parent of each child in the school, appropriate for the age and grade of the child, describing: (a) The school's parent and family engagement plan; (b) The recommended role of the parent, family, student, teacher, and school; (c) Ways for the parent and family to become involved in the school and the student's education; (d) A survey for the parent regarding his or her interests concerning volunteering at the school; (e) Activities planned throughout the school year to encourage parent and family engagement; and (f) A system to allow the parent to communicate in a consistent, open, and meaningful manner with the child's teacher and the school principal; and (ii) Schedule no fewer than two (2) parent-teacher conferences per school year. (C) The school may plan and engage in other activities determined by the school to be beneficial to encourage communication with parents;

(A) Recognize that communication between home and school should be consistent, open, and meaningful.

(B) To encourage communication with parents, the school shall: (i) Prepare an informational packet to be distributed annually to the parent of each child in the school, appropriate for the age and grade of the child, describing: (a) The school's parent and family engagement plan; (b) The recommended role of the parent, family, student, teacher, and school; (c) Ways for the parent and family to become involved in the school and the student's education; (d) A survey for the parent regarding his or her interests concerning volunteering at the school; (e) Activities planned throughout the school year to encourage parent and family engagement; and (f) A system to allow the parent to communicate in a consistent, open, and meaningful manner with the child's teacher and the school principal; and (ii) Schedule no fewer than two (2) parent-teacher conferences per school year.

(i) Prepare an informational packet to be distributed annually to the parent of each child in the school, appropriate for the age and grade of the child, describing: (a) The school's parent and family engagement plan; (b) The recommended role of the parent, family, student, teacher, and school; (c) Ways for the parent and family to become involved in the school and the student's education; (d) A survey for the parent regarding his or her interests concerning volunteering at the school; (e) Activities planned throughout the school year to encourage parent and family engagement; and (f) A system to allow the parent to communicate in a consistent, open, and meaningful manner with the child's teacher and the school principal; and

(a) The school's parent and family engagement plan;

(b) The recommended role of the parent, family, student, teacher, and school;

(c) Ways for the parent and family to become involved in the school and the student's education;

(d) A survey for the parent regarding his or her interests concerning volunteering at the school;

(e) Activities planned throughout the school year to encourage parent and family engagement; and

(f) A system to allow the parent to communicate in a consistent, open, and meaningful manner with the child's teacher and the school principal; and

(ii) Schedule no fewer than two (2) parent-teacher conferences per school year.

(C) The school may plan and engage in other activities determined by the school to be beneficial to encourage communication with parents;

(4) (A) Promote and support responsible parenting. (B) To promote and support responsible parenting, the school shall, as funds are available: (i) Purchase parenting books, magazines, and other informative material regarding responsible parenting through the school library, advertise the current selection, and give parents an opportunity to borrow the materials for review; (ii) Create parent centers; and (iii) Plan and engage in other activities determined by the school to be beneficial to promoting and supporting responsible parenting;

(A) Promote and support responsible parenting.

(B) To promote and support responsible parenting, the school shall, as funds are available: (i) Purchase parenting books, magazines, and other informative material regarding responsible parenting through the school library, advertise the current selection, and give parents an opportunity to borrow the materials for review; (ii) Create parent centers; and (iii) Plan and engage in other activities determined by the school to be beneficial to promoting and supporting responsible parenting;

(i) Purchase parenting books, magazines, and other informative material regarding responsible parenting through the school library, advertise the current selection, and give parents an opportunity to borrow the materials for review;

(ii) Create parent centers; and

(iii) Plan and engage in other activities determined by the school to be beneficial to promoting and supporting responsible parenting;

(5) (A) Acknowledge that parents and family play an integral role in assisting student learning. (B) To help parents in assisting students, the school shall: (i) Schedule regular parent involvement meetings at which parents are given a report on the state of the school and an overview of: (a) What students will be learning; (b) How students will be assessed; (c) What a parent should expect for his or her child's education; and (d) How parents and family can assist and make a difference in the student's education; (ii) Provide instruction to a parent on how to incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities in the home environment, including without limitation: (a) Role play and demonstration by trained volunteers; (b) The use of and access to Division of Elementary and Secondary Education website tools for parents; (c) Assistance with nutritional meal planning and preparation; and (d) Other strategies or curricula developed or acquired by the school district for at-home parental instruction approved by the division; and (iii) Engage in other activities determined by the school to help parents and family assist in the student's learning;

(A) Acknowledge that parents and family play an integral role in assisting student learning.

(B) To help parents in assisting students, the school shall: (i) Schedule regular parent involvement meetings at which parents are given a report on the state of the school and an overview of: (a) What students will be learning; (b) How students will be assessed; (c) What a parent should expect for his or her child's education; and (d) How parents and family can assist and make a difference in the student's education; (ii) Provide instruction to a parent on how to incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities in the home environment, including without limitation: (a) Role play and demonstration by trained volunteers; (b) The use of and access to Division of Elementary and Secondary Education website tools for parents; (c) Assistance with nutritional meal planning and preparation; and (d) Other strategies or curricula developed or acquired by the school district for at-home parental instruction approved by the division; and (iii) Engage in other activities determined by the school to help parents and family assist in the student's learning;

(i) Schedule regular parent involvement meetings at which parents are given a report on the state of the school and an overview of: (a) What students will be learning; (b) How students will be assessed; (c) What a parent should expect for his or her child's education; and (d) How parents and family can assist and make a difference in the student's education;

(a) What students will be learning;

(b) How students will be assessed;

(c) What a parent should expect for his or her child's education; and

(d) How parents and family can assist and make a difference in the student's education;

(ii) Provide instruction to a parent on how to incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities in the home environment, including without limitation: (a) Role play and demonstration by trained volunteers; (b) The use of and access to Division of Elementary and Secondary Education website tools for parents; (c) Assistance with nutritional meal planning and preparation; and (d) Other strategies or curricula developed or acquired by the school district for at-home parental instruction approved by the division; and

(a) Role play and demonstration by trained volunteers;

(b) The use of and access to Division of Elementary and Secondary Education website tools for parents;

(c) Assistance with nutritional meal planning and preparation; and

(d) Other strategies or curricula developed or acquired by the school district for at-home parental instruction approved by the division; and

(iii) Engage in other activities determined by the school to help parents and family assist in the student's learning;

(6) (A) Welcome parents into the school and seek parental support and assistance. (B) To welcome parents into the school, the school shall: (i) Not have any school policies or procedures that would discourage a parent from visiting the school or from visiting a child's classrooms; (ii) Encourage school staff to use the volunteer surveys to compile a volunteer resource book listing the interests and availability of volunteers so that school staff may: (a) Determine how frequently a volunteer would like to participate, including the option of just one (1) time per year; (b) Include options for those who are available to help at home; and (c) Help match school needs with volunteer interests; and (iii) Engage in other activities determined by the school to welcome parents into the school;

(A) Welcome parents into the school and seek parental support and assistance.

(B) To welcome parents into the school, the school shall: (i) Not have any school policies or procedures that would discourage a parent from visiting the school or from visiting a child's classrooms; (ii) Encourage school staff to use the volunteer surveys to compile a volunteer resource book listing the interests and availability of volunteers so that school staff may: (a) Determine how frequently a volunteer would like to participate, including the option of just one (1) time per year; (b) Include options for those who are available to help at home; and (c) Help match school needs with volunteer interests; and (iii) Engage in other activities determined by the school to welcome parents into the school;

(i) Not have any school policies or procedures that would discourage a parent from visiting the school or from visiting a child's classrooms;

(ii) Encourage school staff to use the volunteer surveys to compile a volunteer resource book listing the interests and availability of volunteers so that school staff may: (a) Determine how frequently a volunteer would like to participate, including the option of just one (1) time per year; (b) Include options for those who are available to help at home; and (c) Help match school needs with volunteer interests; and

(a) Determine how frequently a volunteer would like to participate, including the option of just one (1) time per year;

(b) Include options for those who are available to help at home; and

(c) Help match school needs with volunteer interests; and

(iii) Engage in other activities determined by the school to welcome parents into the school;

(7) (A) Recognize that a parent is a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family. (B) To encourage a parent to participate as a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family, the school shall: (i) Include in the school's policy handbook the school's process for resolving parental concerns, including how to define a problem, whom to approach first, and how to develop solutions; (ii) Sponsor seminars to inform the parents of high school students about how to be involved in the decisions affecting course selection, career planning, and preparation for postsecondary opportunities; and (iii) Engage in other activities that the school determines will encourage a parent to participate as a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family;

(A) Recognize that a parent is a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family.

(B) To encourage a parent to participate as a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family, the school shall: (i) Include in the school's policy handbook the school's process for resolving parental concerns, including how to define a problem, whom to approach first, and how to develop solutions; (ii) Sponsor seminars to inform the parents of high school students about how to be involved in the decisions affecting course selection, career planning, and preparation for postsecondary opportunities; and (iii) Engage in other activities that the school determines will encourage a parent to participate as a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family;

(i) Include in the school's policy handbook the school's process for resolving parental concerns, including how to define a problem, whom to approach first, and how to develop solutions;

(ii) Sponsor seminars to inform the parents of high school students about how to be involved in the decisions affecting course selection, career planning, and preparation for postsecondary opportunities; and

(iii) Engage in other activities that the school determines will encourage a parent to participate as a full partner in the decisions that affect his or her child and family;

(8) (A) Recognize that community resources strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning. (B) To take advantage of community resources, the school shall: (i) Consider recruiting alumni from the school to create an alumni advisory commission to provide advice and guidance for school improvement; (ii) (a) Enable the formation of a parent-teacher association or organization that will foster parental and community involvement within the school. (b) Leaders of this organization shall be utilized in appropriate decisions affecting the children and families; and (iii) Engage in other activities that the school determines will use community resources to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning; and

(A) Recognize that community resources strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.

(B) To take advantage of community resources, the school shall: (i) Consider recruiting alumni from the school to create an alumni advisory commission to provide advice and guidance for school improvement; (ii) (a) Enable the formation of a parent-teacher association or organization that will foster parental and community involvement within the school. (b) Leaders of this organization shall be utilized in appropriate decisions affecting the children and families; and (iii) Engage in other activities that the school determines will use community resources to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning; and

(i) Consider recruiting alumni from the school to create an alumni advisory commission to provide advice and guidance for school improvement;

(ii) (a) Enable the formation of a parent-teacher association or organization that will foster parental and community involvement within the school. (b) Leaders of this organization shall be utilized in appropriate decisions affecting the children and families; and

(a) Enable the formation of a parent-teacher association or organization that will foster parental and community involvement within the school.

(b) Leaders of this organization shall be utilized in appropriate decisions affecting the children and families; and

(iii) Engage in other activities that the school determines will use community resources to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning; and

(9) Support the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of the program to involve parents in the decisions and practices of the school district, using, to the degree possible, the components listed in this section.

(c) (1) The principal of each school in a school district shall designate one (1) licensed staff member who is willing to serve as a parent facilitator to: (A) Help organize meaningful training for staff and parents; (B) Promote and encourage a welcoming atmosphere to foster parent and family engagement in the school; and (C) Undertake efforts to ensure that parental participation is recognized as an asset to the school. (2) The licensed staff member serving as a parental facilitator shall receive supplemental pay for the assigned duties as required by law.

(1) The principal of each school in a school district shall designate one (1) licensed staff member who is willing to serve as a parent facilitator to: (A) Help organize meaningful training for staff and parents; (B) Promote and encourage a welcoming atmosphere to foster parent and family engagement in the school; and (C) Undertake efforts to ensure that parental participation is recognized as an asset to the school.

(A) Help organize meaningful training for staff and parents;

(B) Promote and encourage a welcoming atmosphere to foster parent and family engagement in the school; and

(C) Undertake efforts to ensure that parental participation is recognized as an asset to the school.

(2) The licensed staff member serving as a parental facilitator shall receive supplemental pay for the assigned duties as required by law.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 16, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 15, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 14, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1234, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1233, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 20, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 2003, No. 603, § 1; 2007, No. 307, § 1; 2009, No. 397, § 1; 2009, No. 1469, § 5.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2802 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 28 / Section 6-15-2802
School of innovation designation - Rules
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education may approve a public school's application to become a school of innovation for the purpose of transforming and improving the teaching and learning under § 6-15-2803 . (2) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may designate a public school as a school of innovation under subdivision (a)(1) of this section if the public school has met the objectives outlined in the public school's application to become a school of innovation within the time period established in the public school's application. (b) (1) A school of innovation shall be approved for a period of four (4) years and may be renewed for four-year periods thereafter. (2) The commissioner may revoke a public school's school of innovation designation if the public school fails to substantially fulfill the school of innovation plan as established in the public school's school of innovation application, meet goals and performance targets, or comply with applicable laws or rules. (c) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer this subchapter, including without limitation rules that address the: (1) Rules subject to exemption or modification for a school of innovation application if approved by the commissioner; (2) Application, school of innovation plan review, approval, and amendment process for a public school district to establish a school of innovation; (3) Timeline for initial approval of a school of innovation and subsequent renewal, including any ongoing evaluations of a school of innovation; (4) Documentation required to show meaningful parental, educator, and community engagement and capacity for the changes identified in the school of innovation plan; (5) Approval by the eligible employees of a school of innovation; (6) Evidence of teacher collaboration and shared leadership responsibility within each school seeking to become a school of innovation; (7) Documentation of the understanding and implementation of research-based practices of professional learning communities; (8) Process for revocation of a designation as a district of innovation or school of innovation; (9) Reporting and oversight responsibility of the school of innovation and the division; (10) Budget and financial details of the school of innovation; and (11) Other information necessary as determined by the state board. Amended by Act 2019, No. 815,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 815,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 815,§ 3, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1287, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1286, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 871,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Added by Act 2013, No. 601,§ 1, eff. 4/4/2013.

(a) (1) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education may approve a public school's application to become a school of innovation for the purpose of transforming and improving the teaching and learning under § 6-15-2803 . (2) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may designate a public school as a school of innovation under subdivision (a)(1) of this section if the public school has met the objectives outlined in the public school's application to become a school of innovation within the time period established in the public school's application.

(1) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education may approve a public school's application to become a school of innovation for the purpose of transforming and improving the teaching and learning under § 6-15-2803 .

(2) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may designate a public school as a school of innovation under subdivision (a)(1) of this section if the public school has met the objectives outlined in the public school's application to become a school of innovation within the time period established in the public school's application.

(b) (1) A school of innovation shall be approved for a period of four (4) years and may be renewed for four-year periods thereafter. (2) The commissioner may revoke a public school's school of innovation designation if the public school fails to substantially fulfill the school of innovation plan as established in the public school's school of innovation application, meet goals and performance targets, or comply with applicable laws or rules.

(1) A school of innovation shall be approved for a period of four (4) years and may be renewed for four-year periods thereafter.

(2) The commissioner may revoke a public school's school of innovation designation if the public school fails to substantially fulfill the school of innovation plan as established in the public school's school of innovation application, meet goals and performance targets, or comply with applicable laws or rules.

(c) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer this subchapter, including without limitation rules that address the: (1) Rules subject to exemption or modification for a school of innovation application if approved by the commissioner; (2) Application, school of innovation plan review, approval, and amendment process for a public school district to establish a school of innovation; (3) Timeline for initial approval of a school of innovation and subsequent renewal, including any ongoing evaluations of a school of innovation; (4) Documentation required to show meaningful parental, educator, and community engagement and capacity for the changes identified in the school of innovation plan; (5) Approval by the eligible employees of a school of innovation; (6) Evidence of teacher collaboration and shared leadership responsibility within each school seeking to become a school of innovation; (7) Documentation of the understanding and implementation of research-based practices of professional learning communities; (8) Process for revocation of a designation as a district of innovation or school of innovation; (9) Reporting and oversight responsibility of the school of innovation and the division; (10) Budget and financial details of the school of innovation; and (11) Other information necessary as determined by the state board.

(1) Rules subject to exemption or modification for a school of innovation application if approved by the commissioner;

(2) Application, school of innovation plan review, approval, and amendment process for a public school district to establish a school of innovation;

(3) Timeline for initial approval of a school of innovation and subsequent renewal, including any ongoing evaluations of a school of innovation;

(4) Documentation required to show meaningful parental, educator, and community engagement and capacity for the changes identified in the school of innovation plan;

(5) Approval by the eligible employees of a school of innovation;

(6) Evidence of teacher collaboration and shared leadership responsibility within each school seeking to become a school of innovation;

(7) Documentation of the understanding and implementation of research-based practices of professional learning communities;

(8) Process for revocation of a designation as a district of innovation or school of innovation;

(9) Reporting and oversight responsibility of the school of innovation and the division;

(10) Budget and financial details of the school of innovation; and

(11) Other information necessary as determined by the state board.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 815,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 815,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 815,§ 3, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1287, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1286, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 871,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.

Added by Act 2013, No. 601,§ 1, eff. 4/4/2013.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-53-305 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Subchapter 3 / Section 6-53-305
Transportation
Status: in_force

A technical or community college may establish and operate a transportation system for students within the service area of the institution assigned by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Acts 1991, No. 1244, § 16.

A technical or community college may establish and operate a transportation system for students within the service area of the institution assigned by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Acts 1991, No. 1244, § 16.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-81-702 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 81 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-81-702
Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board
Status: in_force

(a) (1) There is established the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board that shall consist of eight (8) members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms. (2) Vacancies shall be filled in a similar manner. (3) The Governor shall consider a range of practice specialties and geographical areas of practice in making appointments to the board. (4) The Dean of the College of Medicine of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences shall be appointed as a member and chair of the board by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate. (5) Two (2) members shall be duly qualified, licensed, and active medical practitioners and appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Arkansas Medical Society, Inc., and subject to confirmation by the Senate. (6) One (1) member shall be a licensed practicing physician in this state and shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Physician's Section of the Arkansas Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association, Inc., and subject to confirmation by the Senate. (7) Two (2) members shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Dean of the College of Medicine of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and subject to confirmation by the Senate. (8) One (1) member shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership and subject to confirmation by the Senate. (9) One (1) member shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Arkansas Hospital Association, Inc., and subject to confirmation by the Senate. (b) The board shall: (1) Promulgate reasonable rules necessary to execute the provisions of this subchapter, including rules addressing the requirements and in conformance with the requirements of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., and other appropriate state laws in promulgating and placing rules into effect: (A) For a health professions shortage area; (B) To become a qualified rural community eligible to participate in the Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Program or the Community Match Rural Physician Recruitment Program; and (C) For a procedure to resolve disputes arising out of or relating to a rural practice or community match loan or income incentive contract; (2) Prescribe forms for and regulate the submission of loan applications; (3) Determine eligibility of applicants; (4) Allow or disallow loan or income incentive applications; (5) Contract, increase, decrease, terminate, and otherwise regulate all loan and income incentive disbursements for these purposes, receipts for their repayment, and convert loans to scholarships or grants, as applicable; (6) Manage, operate, and control all funds and property appropriated or otherwise contributed for this purpose; (7) Accept gifts, grants, bequests, or devises and apply them as a part of this program; (8) Sue and be sued as the board; and (9) Accept moneys from federal programs that may be used for furtherance of the purposes of this subchapter. (c) The members of the board may receive expense reimbursement and stipends in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq. (d) The board shall administer the Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Program and the Community Match Rural Physician Recruitment Program. Amended by Act 2021, No. 1079,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Acts 1949, No. 131, §§ 1-3; 1971, No. 133, §§ 1-3; 1971, No. 533, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2908 -- 80-2910; Acts 1987, No. 151, § 1; 1995, No. 1114, § 2; 1997, No. 250, § 40; 2007, No. 1058, § 1; 2009, No. 708, § 1.

(a) (1) There is established the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board that shall consist of eight (8) members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms. (2) Vacancies shall be filled in a similar manner. (3) The Governor shall consider a range of practice specialties and geographical areas of practice in making appointments to the board. (4) The Dean of the College of Medicine of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences shall be appointed as a member and chair of the board by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate. (5) Two (2) members shall be duly qualified, licensed, and active medical practitioners and appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Arkansas Medical Society, Inc., and subject to confirmation by the Senate. (6) One (1) member shall be a licensed practicing physician in this state and shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Physician's Section of the Arkansas Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association, Inc., and subject to confirmation by the Senate. (7) Two (2) members shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Dean of the College of Medicine of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and subject to confirmation by the Senate. (8) One (1) member shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership and subject to confirmation by the Senate. (9) One (1) member shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Arkansas Hospital Association, Inc., and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(1) There is established the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board that shall consist of eight (8) members appointed by the Governor for three-year terms.

(2) Vacancies shall be filled in a similar manner.

(3) The Governor shall consider a range of practice specialties and geographical areas of practice in making appointments to the board.

(4) The Dean of the College of Medicine of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences shall be appointed as a member and chair of the board by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(5) Two (2) members shall be duly qualified, licensed, and active medical practitioners and appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Arkansas Medical Society, Inc., and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(6) One (1) member shall be a licensed practicing physician in this state and shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Physician's Section of the Arkansas Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association, Inc., and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(7) Two (2) members shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Dean of the College of Medicine of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(8) One (1) member shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(9) One (1) member shall be appointed by the Governor after consulting with the Arkansas Hospital Association, Inc., and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(b) The board shall: (1) Promulgate reasonable rules necessary to execute the provisions of this subchapter, including rules addressing the requirements and in conformance with the requirements of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., and other appropriate state laws in promulgating and placing rules into effect: (A) For a health professions shortage area; (B) To become a qualified rural community eligible to participate in the Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Program or the Community Match Rural Physician Recruitment Program; and (C) For a procedure to resolve disputes arising out of or relating to a rural practice or community match loan or income incentive contract; (2) Prescribe forms for and regulate the submission of loan applications; (3) Determine eligibility of applicants; (4) Allow or disallow loan or income incentive applications; (5) Contract, increase, decrease, terminate, and otherwise regulate all loan and income incentive disbursements for these purposes, receipts for their repayment, and convert loans to scholarships or grants, as applicable; (6) Manage, operate, and control all funds and property appropriated or otherwise contributed for this purpose; (7) Accept gifts, grants, bequests, or devises and apply them as a part of this program; (8) Sue and be sued as the board; and (9) Accept moneys from federal programs that may be used for furtherance of the purposes of this subchapter.

(1) Promulgate reasonable rules necessary to execute the provisions of this subchapter, including rules addressing the requirements and in conformance with the requirements of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., and other appropriate state laws in promulgating and placing rules into effect: (A) For a health professions shortage area; (B) To become a qualified rural community eligible to participate in the Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Program or the Community Match Rural Physician Recruitment Program; and (C) For a procedure to resolve disputes arising out of or relating to a rural practice or community match loan or income incentive contract;

(A) For a health professions shortage area;

(B) To become a qualified rural community eligible to participate in the Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Program or the Community Match Rural Physician Recruitment Program; and

(C) For a procedure to resolve disputes arising out of or relating to a rural practice or community match loan or income incentive contract;

(2) Prescribe forms for and regulate the submission of loan applications;

(3) Determine eligibility of applicants;

(4) Allow or disallow loan or income incentive applications;

(5) Contract, increase, decrease, terminate, and otherwise regulate all loan and income incentive disbursements for these purposes, receipts for their repayment, and convert loans to scholarships or grants, as applicable;

(6) Manage, operate, and control all funds and property appropriated or otherwise contributed for this purpose;

(7) Accept gifts, grants, bequests, or devises and apply them as a part of this program;

(8) Sue and be sued as the board; and

(9) Accept moneys from federal programs that may be used for furtherance of the purposes of this subchapter.

(c) The members of the board may receive expense reimbursement and stipends in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.

(d) The board shall administer the Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Program and the Community Match Rural Physician Recruitment Program.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 1079,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

Acts 1949, No. 131, §§ 1-3; 1971, No. 133, §§ 1-3; 1971, No. 533, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2908 -- 80-2910; Acts 1987, No. 151, § 1; 1995, No. 1114, § 2; 1997, No. 250, § 40; 2007, No. 1058, § 1; 2009, No. 708, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-1301 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 17 / Subchapter 13 / Section 6-17-1301
Title
Status: in_force

The title of this subchapter is "The School Employees' Minimum Sick Leave Law". Acts 1979, No. 391, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1255.1.

The title of this subchapter is "The School Employees' Minimum Sick Leave Law".

Acts 1979, No. 391, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1255.1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-26-102 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 26 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-26-102
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 3,§ 4, eff. 5/23/2016. Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 2,§ 4, eff. 5/23/2016. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 71, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 39, § 1.

Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 3,§ 4, eff. 5/23/2016.

Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 2,§ 4, eff. 5/23/2016.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 71, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 39, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-23-205 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 23 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-23-205
Teacher hires when charter revoked
Status: in_force

If a licensed teacher employed by a public school district in the school year immediately preceding the effective date of the charter is employed by a conversion public charter school and the charter is revoked, the licensed teacher will receive a priority in hiring for the first available position for which the licensed teacher is qualified in the public school district where the licensed teacher was formerly employed. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 64, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1999, No. 890, § 4; 2007, No. 736, § 9.

If a licensed teacher employed by a public school district in the school year immediately preceding the effective date of the charter is employed by a conversion public charter school and the charter is revoked, the licensed teacher will receive a priority in hiring for the first available position for which the licensed teacher is qualified in the public school district where the licensed teacher was formerly employed.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 64, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 1999, No. 890, § 4; 2007, No. 736, § 9.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-80-106 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 80 / Section 6-80-106
Definitions and limitations on expenditures for academic and performance scholarships
Status: in_force

(a) For the purpose of this section: (1) (A) "Academic scholarships" means scholarships awarded: (i) On a basis of criteria, including entrance exam scores, high school grade point averages, and rank in high school graduating class; or (ii) For merit or academic performance. (B) "Academic scholarships" does not include: (i) Graduate assistantships or fellowships; (ii) Tuition waivers based on age, military service, or occupation and out-of-state tuition waivers for graduate students or students from contiguous states in close proximity to a college or university; (iii) Scholarships for transfers from two-year institutions; and (iv) Scholarships made to a student who qualifies for a Pell Grant; and (2) (A) "Performance scholarships" means scholarships for band, musical performing groups, arts, theater, forensics, and similar activities that are not awarded on the basis of entrance exam scores or high school academic achievement. (B) "Performance scholarships" does not include scholarships made to a student who qualifies for a Pell Grant. (b) (1) A state-supported institution of higher education shall not exceed its unrestricted educational and general tuition and mandatory fee income spending for academic and performance scholarships by more than: (A) Thirty percent (30%); (B) Twenty-five percent (25%) beginning in the 2012-2013 fiscal year; and (C) Twenty percent (20%) beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year. (2) All scholarship expenditures or tuition discounts not specifically excluded in subsection (a) of this section shall be counted toward the percentage of expenditures for academic and performance scholarships. (c) Beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year all expenditures for academic and performance scholarships exceeding twenty percent (20%) of unrestricted educational and general tuition and mandatory fee income in a fiscal year shall be deducted from the state funding recommendations as determined by the appropriate funding formula model for the fiscal year in the following biennium. (d) A state-supported institution of higher education shall report the percentage of unrestricted educational and general tuition and mandatory fee income spent on academic and performance scholarships during the previous fiscal year to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board no later than June 1 each year. Amended by Act 2013, No. 957,§ 3, eff. 8/16/2013. Amended by Act 2013, No. 957,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 2005, No. 1795, § 1; 2009, No. 323, §§ 1-3.

(a) For the purpose of this section: (1) (A) "Academic scholarships" means scholarships awarded: (i) On a basis of criteria, including entrance exam scores, high school grade point averages, and rank in high school graduating class; or (ii) For merit or academic performance. (B) "Academic scholarships" does not include: (i) Graduate assistantships or fellowships; (ii) Tuition waivers based on age, military service, or occupation and out-of-state tuition waivers for graduate students or students from contiguous states in close proximity to a college or university; (iii) Scholarships for transfers from two-year institutions; and (iv) Scholarships made to a student who qualifies for a Pell Grant; and (2) (A) "Performance scholarships" means scholarships for band, musical performing groups, arts, theater, forensics, and similar activities that are not awarded on the basis of entrance exam scores or high school academic achievement. (B) "Performance scholarships" does not include scholarships made to a student who qualifies for a Pell Grant.

(1) (A) "Academic scholarships" means scholarships awarded: (i) On a basis of criteria, including entrance exam scores, high school grade point averages, and rank in high school graduating class; or (ii) For merit or academic performance. (B) "Academic scholarships" does not include: (i) Graduate assistantships or fellowships; (ii) Tuition waivers based on age, military service, or occupation and out-of-state tuition waivers for graduate students or students from contiguous states in close proximity to a college or university; (iii) Scholarships for transfers from two-year institutions; and (iv) Scholarships made to a student who qualifies for a Pell Grant; and

(A) "Academic scholarships" means scholarships awarded: (i) On a basis of criteria, including entrance exam scores, high school grade point averages, and rank in high school graduating class; or (ii) For merit or academic performance.

(i) On a basis of criteria, including entrance exam scores, high school grade point averages, and rank in high school graduating class; or

(ii) For merit or academic performance.

(B) "Academic scholarships" does not include: (i) Graduate assistantships or fellowships; (ii) Tuition waivers based on age, military service, or occupation and out-of-state tuition waivers for graduate students or students from contiguous states in close proximity to a college or university; (iii) Scholarships for transfers from two-year institutions; and (iv) Scholarships made to a student who qualifies for a Pell Grant; and

(i) Graduate assistantships or fellowships;

(ii) Tuition waivers based on age, military service, or occupation and out-of-state tuition waivers for graduate students or students from contiguous states in close proximity to a college or university;

(iii) Scholarships for transfers from two-year institutions; and

(iv) Scholarships made to a student who qualifies for a Pell Grant; and

(2) (A) "Performance scholarships" means scholarships for band, musical performing groups, arts, theater, forensics, and similar activities that are not awarded on the basis of entrance exam scores or high school academic achievement. (B) "Performance scholarships" does not include scholarships made to a student who qualifies for a Pell Grant.

(A) "Performance scholarships" means scholarships for band, musical performing groups, arts, theater, forensics, and similar activities that are not awarded on the basis of entrance exam scores or high school academic achievement.

(B) "Performance scholarships" does not include scholarships made to a student who qualifies for a Pell Grant.

(b) (1) A state-supported institution of higher education shall not exceed its unrestricted educational and general tuition and mandatory fee income spending for academic and performance scholarships by more than: (A) Thirty percent (30%); (B) Twenty-five percent (25%) beginning in the 2012-2013 fiscal year; and (C) Twenty percent (20%) beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year. (2) All scholarship expenditures or tuition discounts not specifically excluded in subsection (a) of this section shall be counted toward the percentage of expenditures for academic and performance scholarships.

(1) A state-supported institution of higher education shall not exceed its unrestricted educational and general tuition and mandatory fee income spending for academic and performance scholarships by more than: (A) Thirty percent (30%); (B) Twenty-five percent (25%) beginning in the 2012-2013 fiscal year; and (C) Twenty percent (20%) beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

(A) Thirty percent (30%);

(B) Twenty-five percent (25%) beginning in the 2012-2013 fiscal year; and

(C) Twenty percent (20%) beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

(2) All scholarship expenditures or tuition discounts not specifically excluded in subsection (a) of this section shall be counted toward the percentage of expenditures for academic and performance scholarships.

(c) Beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year all expenditures for academic and performance scholarships exceeding twenty percent (20%) of unrestricted educational and general tuition and mandatory fee income in a fiscal year shall be deducted from the state funding recommendations as determined by the appropriate funding formula model for the fiscal year in the following biennium.

(d) A state-supported institution of higher education shall report the percentage of unrestricted educational and general tuition and mandatory fee income spent on academic and performance scholarships during the previous fiscal year to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board no later than June 1 each year.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 957,§ 3, eff. 8/16/2013.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 957,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 2005, No. 1795, § 1; 2009, No. 323, §§ 1-3.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-210 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 17 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-17-210
Right to witness or representative
Status: in_force

An employee shall be entitled to and shall be offered the opportunity to have a witness or representative of the employee's choice present during any disciplinary or grievance matter with any administrator. Acts 2003, No. 869, § 1; 2005, No. 1017, § 1.

An employee shall be entitled to and shall be offered the opportunity to have a witness or representative of the employee's choice present during any disciplinary or grievance matter with any administrator.

Acts 2003, No. 869, § 1; 2005, No. 1017, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-112 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 13 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-13-112
Responsibilities of State Board of Education and Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding school districts under state authority
Status: in_force

(a) Within ten (10) days of the meeting of the State Board of Education at which the state board assumes authority of a school district or within ten (10) days of the date upon which the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education assumes authority of a school district, the commissioner shall provide the following information to the Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Chair of the Senate Committee on Education: (1) A clear statement of the reasons the district has been placed under the authority of the state board or the commissioner; and (2) A clear statement of the steps necessary for the school district to remove itself from the authority of the state board or the commissioner. (b) (1) Each quarter following the assumption of authority by the state board or commissioner, the commissioner shall provide to the Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Chair of the Senate Committee on Education a status report indicating the progress of the school district toward removing itself from the authority of the state board or the commissioner. (2) The commissioner also shall provide a copy of the status report required under subdivision (b)(1) of this section to each member of the General Assembly who represents the area in which the school district is located. (c) A person appointed by the state board or the commissioner to operate a school district under the authority of the state board or the commissioner shall not have previously been an administrator responsible for a school district that was placed in fiscal distress, academic distress, facilities distress, Level 5 - Intensive support, or in violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts. (d) (1) After a school district has been under the authority of the state board or the commissioner for two (2) consecutive school years, the commissioner shall: (A) Conduct a review of each person appointed by the state board or commissioner to operate the school district; (B) Determine whether the person has made satisfactory progress toward removing the school district from the authority of the state board or the commissioner; and (C) Determine whether the person should continue to operate the school district or be replaced. (2) The commissioner shall report the results of this review to the state board and each member of the General Assembly who represents the area in which the school district is located. (3) The report shall include a justification of the determination made under subdivision (d)(1) of this section. Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 6, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 4, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017. Added by Act 2013, No. 1412,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.

(a) Within ten (10) days of the meeting of the State Board of Education at which the state board assumes authority of a school district or within ten (10) days of the date upon which the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education assumes authority of a school district, the commissioner shall provide the following information to the Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Chair of the Senate Committee on Education: (1) A clear statement of the reasons the district has been placed under the authority of the state board or the commissioner; and (2) A clear statement of the steps necessary for the school district to remove itself from the authority of the state board or the commissioner.

(1) A clear statement of the reasons the district has been placed under the authority of the state board or the commissioner; and

(2) A clear statement of the steps necessary for the school district to remove itself from the authority of the state board or the commissioner.

(b) (1) Each quarter following the assumption of authority by the state board or commissioner, the commissioner shall provide to the Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Chair of the Senate Committee on Education a status report indicating the progress of the school district toward removing itself from the authority of the state board or the commissioner. (2) The commissioner also shall provide a copy of the status report required under subdivision (b)(1) of this section to each member of the General Assembly who represents the area in which the school district is located.

(1) Each quarter following the assumption of authority by the state board or commissioner, the commissioner shall provide to the Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Chair of the Senate Committee on Education a status report indicating the progress of the school district toward removing itself from the authority of the state board or the commissioner.

(2) The commissioner also shall provide a copy of the status report required under subdivision (b)(1) of this section to each member of the General Assembly who represents the area in which the school district is located.

(c) A person appointed by the state board or the commissioner to operate a school district under the authority of the state board or the commissioner shall not have previously been an administrator responsible for a school district that was placed in fiscal distress, academic distress, facilities distress, Level 5 - Intensive support, or in violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

(d) (1) After a school district has been under the authority of the state board or the commissioner for two (2) consecutive school years, the commissioner shall: (A) Conduct a review of each person appointed by the state board or commissioner to operate the school district; (B) Determine whether the person has made satisfactory progress toward removing the school district from the authority of the state board or the commissioner; and (C) Determine whether the person should continue to operate the school district or be replaced. (2) The commissioner shall report the results of this review to the state board and each member of the General Assembly who represents the area in which the school district is located. (3) The report shall include a justification of the determination made under subdivision (d)(1) of this section.

(1) After a school district has been under the authority of the state board or the commissioner for two (2) consecutive school years, the commissioner shall: (A) Conduct a review of each person appointed by the state board or commissioner to operate the school district; (B) Determine whether the person has made satisfactory progress toward removing the school district from the authority of the state board or the commissioner; and (C) Determine whether the person should continue to operate the school district or be replaced.

(A) Conduct a review of each person appointed by the state board or commissioner to operate the school district;

(B) Determine whether the person has made satisfactory progress toward removing the school district from the authority of the state board or the commissioner; and

(C) Determine whether the person should continue to operate the school district or be replaced.

(2) The commissioner shall report the results of this review to the state board and each member of the General Assembly who represents the area in which the school district is located.

(3) The report shall include a justification of the determination made under subdivision (d)(1) of this section.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 6, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 4, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.

Added by Act 2013, No. 1412,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-62-705 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 62 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-62-705
Power and duties of Arkansas Development Finance Authority and Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Status: in_force

(a) The Arkansas Development Finance Authority and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, jointly, in addition to powers conferred under other laws, shall have the power under this subchapter to: (1) Provide loans from bond proceeds to state institutions of higher education, including technical colleges, community colleges, or agencies and instrumentalities of the state for payment of project costs; (2) Construct or cause to be constructed with proceeds of the bonds or loans by the authority and the board, lease as lessee, and in any manner acquire, own, hold, maintain, operate, sell, dispose of, lease as lessor, exchange, mortgage, or lend with respect to all or any part of any project; (3) Acquire, own, hold, use, exercise, sell, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, and in any manner to dispose of franchises, rights, privileges, licenses, rights-of-way, and easements necessary, useful, or appropriate for the exercise of the powers or implementation or the purposes set forth in this subchapter; (4) Sell and convey, mortgage, pledge, lease as lessor, and otherwise dispose of all or any part of any project or other properties, tangible or intangible, including, without limitation, franchises, rights, privileges, licenses, rights-of-way, and easements; (5) Have and exercise the right of eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring lands, the fee title thereto or any easement, right-of-way, or other interest or estate therein, for projects or portions thereof, by the procedure now provided for condemnation by railroads by §§ 18-15-1201 - 18-15-1207 ; (6) Make or accept gifts or grants of moneys, services, franchises, rights, privileges, licenses, rights-of-way, easements, or other property, real or personal or mixed; (7) Make any and all contracts necessary or convenient for the exercise of the powers or implementation of the purposes set forth in this subchapter; (8) Fix, regulate, and collect rates, fees, rents, or other charges for the use of any properties or services furnished by the authority or the board; (9) Require audits of any or all accounts related to construction, operation, or maintenance of any project funded by this subchapter; (10) Take reasonable actions necessary to ensure that debt service requirements are met; and (11) Take such other action as may be appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter. (b) The board and the authority are authorized to promulgate rules with respect to their powers and duties pursuant to this subchapter. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 376, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1989, No. 683, §§ 14, 25; 1993, No. 171, § 2.

(a) The Arkansas Development Finance Authority and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, jointly, in addition to powers conferred under other laws, shall have the power under this subchapter to: (1) Provide loans from bond proceeds to state institutions of higher education, including technical colleges, community colleges, or agencies and instrumentalities of the state for payment of project costs; (2) Construct or cause to be constructed with proceeds of the bonds or loans by the authority and the board, lease as lessee, and in any manner acquire, own, hold, maintain, operate, sell, dispose of, lease as lessor, exchange, mortgage, or lend with respect to all or any part of any project; (3) Acquire, own, hold, use, exercise, sell, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, and in any manner to dispose of franchises, rights, privileges, licenses, rights-of-way, and easements necessary, useful, or appropriate for the exercise of the powers or implementation or the purposes set forth in this subchapter; (4) Sell and convey, mortgage, pledge, lease as lessor, and otherwise dispose of all or any part of any project or other properties, tangible or intangible, including, without limitation, franchises, rights, privileges, licenses, rights-of-way, and easements; (5) Have and exercise the right of eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring lands, the fee title thereto or any easement, right-of-way, or other interest or estate therein, for projects or portions thereof, by the procedure now provided for condemnation by railroads by §§ 18-15-1201 - 18-15-1207 ; (6) Make or accept gifts or grants of moneys, services, franchises, rights, privileges, licenses, rights-of-way, easements, or other property, real or personal or mixed; (7) Make any and all contracts necessary or convenient for the exercise of the powers or implementation of the purposes set forth in this subchapter; (8) Fix, regulate, and collect rates, fees, rents, or other charges for the use of any properties or services furnished by the authority or the board; (9) Require audits of any or all accounts related to construction, operation, or maintenance of any project funded by this subchapter; (10) Take reasonable actions necessary to ensure that debt service requirements are met; and (11) Take such other action as may be appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter.

(1) Provide loans from bond proceeds to state institutions of higher education, including technical colleges, community colleges, or agencies and instrumentalities of the state for payment of project costs;

(2) Construct or cause to be constructed with proceeds of the bonds or loans by the authority and the board, lease as lessee, and in any manner acquire, own, hold, maintain, operate, sell, dispose of, lease as lessor, exchange, mortgage, or lend with respect to all or any part of any project;

(3) Acquire, own, hold, use, exercise, sell, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, and in any manner to dispose of franchises, rights, privileges, licenses, rights-of-way, and easements necessary, useful, or appropriate for the exercise of the powers or implementation or the purposes set forth in this subchapter;

(4) Sell and convey, mortgage, pledge, lease as lessor, and otherwise dispose of all or any part of any project or other properties, tangible or intangible, including, without limitation, franchises, rights, privileges, licenses, rights-of-way, and easements;

(5) Have and exercise the right of eminent domain for the purpose of acquiring lands, the fee title thereto or any easement, right-of-way, or other interest or estate therein, for projects or portions thereof, by the procedure now provided for condemnation by railroads by §§ 18-15-1201 - 18-15-1207 ;

(6) Make or accept gifts or grants of moneys, services, franchises, rights, privileges, licenses, rights-of-way, easements, or other property, real or personal or mixed;

(7) Make any and all contracts necessary or convenient for the exercise of the powers or implementation of the purposes set forth in this subchapter;

(8) Fix, regulate, and collect rates, fees, rents, or other charges for the use of any properties or services furnished by the authority or the board;

(9) Require audits of any or all accounts related to construction, operation, or maintenance of any project funded by this subchapter;

(10) Take reasonable actions necessary to ensure that debt service requirements are met; and

(11) Take such other action as may be appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter.

(b) The board and the authority are authorized to promulgate rules with respect to their powers and duties pursuant to this subchapter.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 376, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 1989, No. 683, §§ 14, 25; 1993, No. 171, § 2.