Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-702 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-18-702
Immunization
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, no infant or child shall be admitted to a public or private school or childcare facility of this state who has not been age-appropriately immunized from poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, red (rubeola) measles, rubella, and other diseases as designated by the State Board of Health, as evidenced by a certificate of a licensed physician or a public health department acknowledging the immunization. (b) (1) The responsibility for the enforcement of this section rests equally with each school district of this state and the parent or guardian of the child or pupil, and each of them shall be separately and individually liable for permitting any violation of this section. (2) (A) The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education shall be responsible for enforcing this section with respect to childcare facilities. (B) The division may promulgate appropriate rules, to be approved by the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission, for the enforcement of this section. (C) The owners or managers of those facilities and any parent or guardian violating the rules shall be subject to the penalties provided in the Childcare Facility Licensing Act, § 20-78-201 et seq. (3) (A) A public or private school shall create and maintain a report that provides information regarding the: (i) Number of students within the public or private school who have been granted from the Department of Health under subsection (d) of this section an exemption from the requirement to obtain one (1) or more vaccinations as required under this section; and (ii) Percentage of students within the public or private school who have been granted from the Department of Health under subsection (d) of this section an exemption from the requirement to obtain one (1) or more vaccinations as required under this section. (B) The report required under subdivision (b)(3)(A) of this section shall: (i) Be updated by December 1 of each year; (ii) Be posted and available to the public online; (iii) Include the number of students within the public or private school who have: (a) Failed to provide to the public or private school proof of the vaccinations required under this section; and (b) Not obtained an exemption from the Department of Health under this section; and (iv) Include the percentage of students within the public or private school who have: (a) Failed to provide to the public or private school proof of the vaccinations required under this section; and (b) Not obtained an exemption from the Department of Health under this section. (c) (1) (A) (i) The division shall be responsible for enforcing this section with respect to childcare facilities. (ii) The division may promulgate appropriate rules for the enforcement of this section. (B) The owners or managers of those facilities and any parent or guardian violating the rules shall be subject to the penalties provided in the Childcare Facility Licensing Act, § 20-78-201 et seq. (2) (A) Regarding kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), the State Board of Education, after having consulted with the State Board of Health, shall promulgate appropriate rules for the enforcement of this section by school district boards of directors, superintendents, and principals. (B) Any school official, parent, or guardian violating the rules shall be subject to the penalties imposed in this section. (d) (1) (A) The State Board of Health shall promulgate rules to ensure that all exemptions provided by this section shall have a minimal effect on the health and safety of all children attending day care or kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12). (B) The rules shall provide for, but are not limited to, the tracking of those children with exemptions so that appropriate steps may be taken in the event of an outbreak or epidemic. (2) The Department of Health, and no other department or entity, shall grant exemptions provided by this section. (3) If in the discretion of the health authority having jurisdiction or of any physician licensed to practice by the Arkansas State Medical Board any person to whom this section applies shall be deemed to have a physical disability that may contraindicate vaccination, a certificate to that effect issued by the health officer may be accepted in lieu of a certificate of vaccination, provided that the exemption shall not apply when the disability shall have been removed. (4) (A) This section shall not apply if the parents or legal guardian of that child object thereto on the grounds that immunization conflicts with the religious or philosophical beliefs of the parent or guardian. (B) The parents or legal guardian of the child shall complete an annual application process developed in the rules of the Department of Health for medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions. (C) The rules developed by the Department of Health for medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions shall include, but not be limited to: (i) A notarized statement requesting a religious, philosophical, or medical exemption from the Department of Health by the parents or legal guardian of the child regarding the objection; (ii) Completion of an educational component developed by the Department of Health that includes information on the risks and benefits of vaccination; (iii) An informed consent from the parents or guardian that shall include a signed statement of refusal to vaccinate based on the Department of Health's refusal-to-vaccinate form; and (iv) A signed statement of understanding that: (a) At the discretion of the Department of Health, the unimmunized child or individual may be removed from day care or school during an outbreak if the child or individual is not fully vaccinated; and (b) The child or individual shall not return to school until the outbreak has been resolved and the Department of Health approves the return to school. (D) No exemptions may be granted under this subdivision (d)(4) until the application process has been implemented by the Department of Health and completed by the applicant. (5) Furthermore, the provisions of this section requiring pertussis vaccination shall not apply to any child with a sibling, either whole blood or half blood, who has had a serious adverse reaction to the pertussis antigen, which reaction resulted in a total permanent disability. (e) Any person found guilty of violating this section or the rules promulgated by the State Board of Education or the division for the enforcement of this section shall be guilty of a violation and upon conviction shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 259, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 258, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 257, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 256, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 255, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 254, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 253, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 676,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1967, No. 244, §§ 1-3; 1973, No. 633, § 1; 1983, No. 150, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1548 -- 80-1550; Acts 1997, No. 871, § 1; 1999, No. 1222, §§ 1, 2; 2003, No. 999, § 1; 2005, No. 1994, § 185.

(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, no infant or child shall be admitted to a public or private school or childcare facility of this state who has not been age-appropriately immunized from poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, red (rubeola) measles, rubella, and other diseases as designated by the State Board of Health, as evidenced by a certificate of a licensed physician or a public health department acknowledging the immunization.

(b) (1) The responsibility for the enforcement of this section rests equally with each school district of this state and the parent or guardian of the child or pupil, and each of them shall be separately and individually liable for permitting any violation of this section. (2) (A) The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education shall be responsible for enforcing this section with respect to childcare facilities. (B) The division may promulgate appropriate rules, to be approved by the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission, for the enforcement of this section. (C) The owners or managers of those facilities and any parent or guardian violating the rules shall be subject to the penalties provided in the Childcare Facility Licensing Act, § 20-78-201 et seq. (3) (A) A public or private school shall create and maintain a report that provides information regarding the: (i) Number of students within the public or private school who have been granted from the Department of Health under subsection (d) of this section an exemption from the requirement to obtain one (1) or more vaccinations as required under this section; and (ii) Percentage of students within the public or private school who have been granted from the Department of Health under subsection (d) of this section an exemption from the requirement to obtain one (1) or more vaccinations as required under this section. (B) The report required under subdivision (b)(3)(A) of this section shall: (i) Be updated by December 1 of each year; (ii) Be posted and available to the public online; (iii) Include the number of students within the public or private school who have: (a) Failed to provide to the public or private school proof of the vaccinations required under this section; and (b) Not obtained an exemption from the Department of Health under this section; and (iv) Include the percentage of students within the public or private school who have: (a) Failed to provide to the public or private school proof of the vaccinations required under this section; and (b) Not obtained an exemption from the Department of Health under this section.

(1) The responsibility for the enforcement of this section rests equally with each school district of this state and the parent or guardian of the child or pupil, and each of them shall be separately and individually liable for permitting any violation of this section.

(2) (A) The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education shall be responsible for enforcing this section with respect to childcare facilities. (B) The division may promulgate appropriate rules, to be approved by the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission, for the enforcement of this section. (C) The owners or managers of those facilities and any parent or guardian violating the rules shall be subject to the penalties provided in the Childcare Facility Licensing Act, § 20-78-201 et seq.

(A) The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education shall be responsible for enforcing this section with respect to childcare facilities.

(B) The division may promulgate appropriate rules, to be approved by the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission, for the enforcement of this section.

(C) The owners or managers of those facilities and any parent or guardian violating the rules shall be subject to the penalties provided in the Childcare Facility Licensing Act, § 20-78-201 et seq.

(3) (A) A public or private school shall create and maintain a report that provides information regarding the: (i) Number of students within the public or private school who have been granted from the Department of Health under subsection (d) of this section an exemption from the requirement to obtain one (1) or more vaccinations as required under this section; and (ii) Percentage of students within the public or private school who have been granted from the Department of Health under subsection (d) of this section an exemption from the requirement to obtain one (1) or more vaccinations as required under this section. (B) The report required under subdivision (b)(3)(A) of this section shall: (i) Be updated by December 1 of each year; (ii) Be posted and available to the public online; (iii) Include the number of students within the public or private school who have: (a) Failed to provide to the public or private school proof of the vaccinations required under this section; and (b) Not obtained an exemption from the Department of Health under this section; and (iv) Include the percentage of students within the public or private school who have: (a) Failed to provide to the public or private school proof of the vaccinations required under this section; and (b) Not obtained an exemption from the Department of Health under this section.

(A) A public or private school shall create and maintain a report that provides information regarding the: (i) Number of students within the public or private school who have been granted from the Department of Health under subsection (d) of this section an exemption from the requirement to obtain one (1) or more vaccinations as required under this section; and (ii) Percentage of students within the public or private school who have been granted from the Department of Health under subsection (d) of this section an exemption from the requirement to obtain one (1) or more vaccinations as required under this section.

(i) Number of students within the public or private school who have been granted from the Department of Health under subsection (d) of this section an exemption from the requirement to obtain one (1) or more vaccinations as required under this section; and

(ii) Percentage of students within the public or private school who have been granted from the Department of Health under subsection (d) of this section an exemption from the requirement to obtain one (1) or more vaccinations as required under this section.

(B) The report required under subdivision (b)(3)(A) of this section shall: (i) Be updated by December 1 of each year; (ii) Be posted and available to the public online; (iii) Include the number of students within the public or private school who have: (a) Failed to provide to the public or private school proof of the vaccinations required under this section; and (b) Not obtained an exemption from the Department of Health under this section; and (iv) Include the percentage of students within the public or private school who have: (a) Failed to provide to the public or private school proof of the vaccinations required under this section; and (b) Not obtained an exemption from the Department of Health under this section.

(i) Be updated by December 1 of each year;

(ii) Be posted and available to the public online;

(iii) Include the number of students within the public or private school who have: (a) Failed to provide to the public or private school proof of the vaccinations required under this section; and (b) Not obtained an exemption from the Department of Health under this section; and

(a) Failed to provide to the public or private school proof of the vaccinations required under this section; and

(b) Not obtained an exemption from the Department of Health under this section; and

(iv) Include the percentage of students within the public or private school who have: (a) Failed to provide to the public or private school proof of the vaccinations required under this section; and (b) Not obtained an exemption from the Department of Health under this section.

(a) Failed to provide to the public or private school proof of the vaccinations required under this section; and

(b) Not obtained an exemption from the Department of Health under this section.

(c) (1) (A) (i) The division shall be responsible for enforcing this section with respect to childcare facilities. (ii) The division may promulgate appropriate rules for the enforcement of this section. (B) The owners or managers of those facilities and any parent or guardian violating the rules shall be subject to the penalties provided in the Childcare Facility Licensing Act, § 20-78-201 et seq. (2) (A) Regarding kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), the State Board of Education, after having consulted with the State Board of Health, shall promulgate appropriate rules for the enforcement of this section by school district boards of directors, superintendents, and principals. (B) Any school official, parent, or guardian violating the rules shall be subject to the penalties imposed in this section.

(1) (A) (i) The division shall be responsible for enforcing this section with respect to childcare facilities. (ii) The division may promulgate appropriate rules for the enforcement of this section. (B) The owners or managers of those facilities and any parent or guardian violating the rules shall be subject to the penalties provided in the Childcare Facility Licensing Act, § 20-78-201 et seq.

(A) (i) The division shall be responsible for enforcing this section with respect to childcare facilities. (ii) The division may promulgate appropriate rules for the enforcement of this section.

(i) The division shall be responsible for enforcing this section with respect to childcare facilities.

(ii) The division may promulgate appropriate rules for the enforcement of this section.

(B) The owners or managers of those facilities and any parent or guardian violating the rules shall be subject to the penalties provided in the Childcare Facility Licensing Act, § 20-78-201 et seq.

(2) (A) Regarding kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), the State Board of Education, after having consulted with the State Board of Health, shall promulgate appropriate rules for the enforcement of this section by school district boards of directors, superintendents, and principals. (B) Any school official, parent, or guardian violating the rules shall be subject to the penalties imposed in this section.

(A) Regarding kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), the State Board of Education, after having consulted with the State Board of Health, shall promulgate appropriate rules for the enforcement of this section by school district boards of directors, superintendents, and principals.

(B) Any school official, parent, or guardian violating the rules shall be subject to the penalties imposed in this section.

(d) (1) (A) The State Board of Health shall promulgate rules to ensure that all exemptions provided by this section shall have a minimal effect on the health and safety of all children attending day care or kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12). (B) The rules shall provide for, but are not limited to, the tracking of those children with exemptions so that appropriate steps may be taken in the event of an outbreak or epidemic. (2) The Department of Health, and no other department or entity, shall grant exemptions provided by this section. (3) If in the discretion of the health authority having jurisdiction or of any physician licensed to practice by the Arkansas State Medical Board any person to whom this section applies shall be deemed to have a physical disability that may contraindicate vaccination, a certificate to that effect issued by the health officer may be accepted in lieu of a certificate of vaccination, provided that the exemption shall not apply when the disability shall have been removed. (4) (A) This section shall not apply if the parents or legal guardian of that child object thereto on the grounds that immunization conflicts with the religious or philosophical beliefs of the parent or guardian. (B) The parents or legal guardian of the child shall complete an annual application process developed in the rules of the Department of Health for medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions. (C) The rules developed by the Department of Health for medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions shall include, but not be limited to: (i) A notarized statement requesting a religious, philosophical, or medical exemption from the Department of Health by the parents or legal guardian of the child regarding the objection; (ii) Completion of an educational component developed by the Department of Health that includes information on the risks and benefits of vaccination; (iii) An informed consent from the parents or guardian that shall include a signed statement of refusal to vaccinate based on the Department of Health's refusal-to-vaccinate form; and (iv) A signed statement of understanding that: (a) At the discretion of the Department of Health, the unimmunized child or individual may be removed from day care or school during an outbreak if the child or individual is not fully vaccinated; and (b) The child or individual shall not return to school until the outbreak has been resolved and the Department of Health approves the return to school. (D) No exemptions may be granted under this subdivision (d)(4) until the application process has been implemented by the Department of Health and completed by the applicant. (5) Furthermore, the provisions of this section requiring pertussis vaccination shall not apply to any child with a sibling, either whole blood or half blood, who has had a serious adverse reaction to the pertussis antigen, which reaction resulted in a total permanent disability.

(1) (A) The State Board of Health shall promulgate rules to ensure that all exemptions provided by this section shall have a minimal effect on the health and safety of all children attending day care or kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12). (B) The rules shall provide for, but are not limited to, the tracking of those children with exemptions so that appropriate steps may be taken in the event of an outbreak or epidemic.

(A) The State Board of Health shall promulgate rules to ensure that all exemptions provided by this section shall have a minimal effect on the health and safety of all children attending day care or kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12).

(B) The rules shall provide for, but are not limited to, the tracking of those children with exemptions so that appropriate steps may be taken in the event of an outbreak or epidemic.

(2) The Department of Health, and no other department or entity, shall grant exemptions provided by this section.

(3) If in the discretion of the health authority having jurisdiction or of any physician licensed to practice by the Arkansas State Medical Board any person to whom this section applies shall be deemed to have a physical disability that may contraindicate vaccination, a certificate to that effect issued by the health officer may be accepted in lieu of a certificate of vaccination, provided that the exemption shall not apply when the disability shall have been removed.

(4) (A) This section shall not apply if the parents or legal guardian of that child object thereto on the grounds that immunization conflicts with the religious or philosophical beliefs of the parent or guardian. (B) The parents or legal guardian of the child shall complete an annual application process developed in the rules of the Department of Health for medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions. (C) The rules developed by the Department of Health for medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions shall include, but not be limited to: (i) A notarized statement requesting a religious, philosophical, or medical exemption from the Department of Health by the parents or legal guardian of the child regarding the objection; (ii) Completion of an educational component developed by the Department of Health that includes information on the risks and benefits of vaccination; (iii) An informed consent from the parents or guardian that shall include a signed statement of refusal to vaccinate based on the Department of Health's refusal-to-vaccinate form; and (iv) A signed statement of understanding that: (a) At the discretion of the Department of Health, the unimmunized child or individual may be removed from day care or school during an outbreak if the child or individual is not fully vaccinated; and (b) The child or individual shall not return to school until the outbreak has been resolved and the Department of Health approves the return to school. (D) No exemptions may be granted under this subdivision (d)(4) until the application process has been implemented by the Department of Health and completed by the applicant.

(A) This section shall not apply if the parents or legal guardian of that child object thereto on the grounds that immunization conflicts with the religious or philosophical beliefs of the parent or guardian.

(B) The parents or legal guardian of the child shall complete an annual application process developed in the rules of the Department of Health for medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions.

(C) The rules developed by the Department of Health for medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions shall include, but not be limited to: (i) A notarized statement requesting a religious, philosophical, or medical exemption from the Department of Health by the parents or legal guardian of the child regarding the objection; (ii) Completion of an educational component developed by the Department of Health that includes information on the risks and benefits of vaccination; (iii) An informed consent from the parents or guardian that shall include a signed statement of refusal to vaccinate based on the Department of Health's refusal-to-vaccinate form; and (iv) A signed statement of understanding that: (a) At the discretion of the Department of Health, the unimmunized child or individual may be removed from day care or school during an outbreak if the child or individual is not fully vaccinated; and (b) The child or individual shall not return to school until the outbreak has been resolved and the Department of Health approves the return to school.

(i) A notarized statement requesting a religious, philosophical, or medical exemption from the Department of Health by the parents or legal guardian of the child regarding the objection;

(ii) Completion of an educational component developed by the Department of Health that includes information on the risks and benefits of vaccination;

(iii) An informed consent from the parents or guardian that shall include a signed statement of refusal to vaccinate based on the Department of Health's refusal-to-vaccinate form; and

(iv) A signed statement of understanding that: (a) At the discretion of the Department of Health, the unimmunized child or individual may be removed from day care or school during an outbreak if the child or individual is not fully vaccinated; and (b) The child or individual shall not return to school until the outbreak has been resolved and the Department of Health approves the return to school.

(a) At the discretion of the Department of Health, the unimmunized child or individual may be removed from day care or school during an outbreak if the child or individual is not fully vaccinated; and

(b) The child or individual shall not return to school until the outbreak has been resolved and the Department of Health approves the return to school.

(D) No exemptions may be granted under this subdivision (d)(4) until the application process has been implemented by the Department of Health and completed by the applicant.

(5) Furthermore, the provisions of this section requiring pertussis vaccination shall not apply to any child with a sibling, either whole blood or half blood, who has had a serious adverse reaction to the pertussis antigen, which reaction resulted in a total permanent disability.

(e) Any person found guilty of violating this section or the rules promulgated by the State Board of Education or the division for the enforcement of this section shall be guilty of a violation and upon conviction shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 259, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 258, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 257, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 256, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 255, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 254, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 253, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 676,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 1967, No. 244, §§ 1-3; 1973, No. 633, § 1; 1983, No. 150, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1548 -- 80-1550; Acts 1997, No. 871, § 1; 1999, No. 1222, §§ 1, 2; 2003, No. 999, § 1; 2005, No. 1994, § 185.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-3202 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 32 / Section 6-15-3202
Contract for school transformation
Status: in_force

(a) A school district board of directors or the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education acting as a school district board of directors, with approval from the State Board of Education, may enter into a contract for school transformation if: (1) The entity with which it intends to contract has been approved by the state board under § 6-15-3201 and is determined to be in good standing; (2) The charter of the open-enrollment public charter school has not previously been revoked in the State of Arkansas; (3) For the three (3) school years preceding the school year of the proposed school transformation, the open-enrollment public charter school has: (A) An overall performance rating of "C" or higher according to the school rating system under § 6-15-2101 et seq., or an equivalent performance rating in the accountability system of the state in which it currently operates; and (B) Had no significant findings on the prior year annual financial audit; or (4) The entity considered for a charter has not previously operated an open-enrollment public charter school in which the charter expired or was revoked or surrendered. (b) A contract entered into by a school district board of directors with the governing body of an open-enrollment public charter school shall include without limitation a provision addressing student eligibility for enrollment. (c) A contract for a public school transformation campus that is entered into under subsection (a) of this section shall: (1) Provide that any student residing in the public school zone as it existed before the operation of the public school zone under the contract shall be admitted for enrollment at the public school transformation campus; and (2) Establish the following enrollment preference order for students who do not reside in the public school zone: (A) Other students who reside in the public school district in which the public school transformation campus is located; and (B) Students who reside outside the public school district in which the public school transformation campus is located. (d) (1) A public school district proposing to enter into a contract under this section shall notify the commissioner of the public school district's intent to enter into the contract. (2) The state board shall establish by rule the procedures for a public school district to notify the commissioner as required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section, including without limitation: (A) The time period within which the notification is required before the school year in which the proposed contract would take effect; and (B) If necessary, the entity to which a public school district shall submit information as required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section. (e) (1) The state public charter authorizer, as designated under § 6-23-701 , shall decide whether to authorize a charter to the proposed charter entity if a charter is requested by a public school district, subject to review by the state board. (2) The commissioner shall notify a public school district whether the proposed contract is approved not later than sixty (60) days after the date the state board and the commissioner received notice of the proposed contract and all information required by the commissioner to be submitted has been received. (f) This section does not prohibit a contract between a public school district and another entity for the provision of services for a public school campus within the public school district, including without limitation a contract for food services. Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 14, eff. 3/8/2023.

(a) A school district board of directors or the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education acting as a school district board of directors, with approval from the State Board of Education, may enter into a contract for school transformation if: (1) The entity with which it intends to contract has been approved by the state board under § 6-15-3201 and is determined to be in good standing; (2) The charter of the open-enrollment public charter school has not previously been revoked in the State of Arkansas; (3) For the three (3) school years preceding the school year of the proposed school transformation, the open-enrollment public charter school has: (A) An overall performance rating of "C" or higher according to the school rating system under § 6-15-2101 et seq., or an equivalent performance rating in the accountability system of the state in which it currently operates; and (B) Had no significant findings on the prior year annual financial audit; or (4) The entity considered for a charter has not previously operated an open-enrollment public charter school in which the charter expired or was revoked or surrendered.

(1) The entity with which it intends to contract has been approved by the state board under § 6-15-3201 and is determined to be in good standing;

(2) The charter of the open-enrollment public charter school has not previously been revoked in the State of Arkansas;

(3) For the three (3) school years preceding the school year of the proposed school transformation, the open-enrollment public charter school has: (A) An overall performance rating of "C" or higher according to the school rating system under § 6-15-2101 et seq., or an equivalent performance rating in the accountability system of the state in which it currently operates; and (B) Had no significant findings on the prior year annual financial audit; or

(A) An overall performance rating of "C" or higher according to the school rating system under § 6-15-2101 et seq., or an equivalent performance rating in the accountability system of the state in which it currently operates; and

(B) Had no significant findings on the prior year annual financial audit; or

(4) The entity considered for a charter has not previously operated an open-enrollment public charter school in which the charter expired or was revoked or surrendered.

(b) A contract entered into by a school district board of directors with the governing body of an open-enrollment public charter school shall include without limitation a provision addressing student eligibility for enrollment.

(c) A contract for a public school transformation campus that is entered into under subsection (a) of this section shall: (1) Provide that any student residing in the public school zone as it existed before the operation of the public school zone under the contract shall be admitted for enrollment at the public school transformation campus; and (2) Establish the following enrollment preference order for students who do not reside in the public school zone: (A) Other students who reside in the public school district in which the public school transformation campus is located; and (B) Students who reside outside the public school district in which the public school transformation campus is located.

(1) Provide that any student residing in the public school zone as it existed before the operation of the public school zone under the contract shall be admitted for enrollment at the public school transformation campus; and

(2) Establish the following enrollment preference order for students who do not reside in the public school zone: (A) Other students who reside in the public school district in which the public school transformation campus is located; and (B) Students who reside outside the public school district in which the public school transformation campus is located.

(A) Other students who reside in the public school district in which the public school transformation campus is located; and

(B) Students who reside outside the public school district in which the public school transformation campus is located.

(d) (1) A public school district proposing to enter into a contract under this section shall notify the commissioner of the public school district's intent to enter into the contract. (2) The state board shall establish by rule the procedures for a public school district to notify the commissioner as required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section, including without limitation: (A) The time period within which the notification is required before the school year in which the proposed contract would take effect; and (B) If necessary, the entity to which a public school district shall submit information as required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section.

(1) A public school district proposing to enter into a contract under this section shall notify the commissioner of the public school district's intent to enter into the contract.

(2) The state board shall establish by rule the procedures for a public school district to notify the commissioner as required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section, including without limitation: (A) The time period within which the notification is required before the school year in which the proposed contract would take effect; and (B) If necessary, the entity to which a public school district shall submit information as required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section.

(A) The time period within which the notification is required before the school year in which the proposed contract would take effect; and

(B) If necessary, the entity to which a public school district shall submit information as required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section.

(e) (1) The state public charter authorizer, as designated under § 6-23-701 , shall decide whether to authorize a charter to the proposed charter entity if a charter is requested by a public school district, subject to review by the state board. (2) The commissioner shall notify a public school district whether the proposed contract is approved not later than sixty (60) days after the date the state board and the commissioner received notice of the proposed contract and all information required by the commissioner to be submitted has been received.

(1) The state public charter authorizer, as designated under § 6-23-701 , shall decide whether to authorize a charter to the proposed charter entity if a charter is requested by a public school district, subject to review by the state board.

(2) The commissioner shall notify a public school district whether the proposed contract is approved not later than sixty (60) days after the date the state board and the commissioner received notice of the proposed contract and all information required by the commissioner to be submitted has been received.

(f) This section does not prohibit a contract between a public school district and another entity for the provision of services for a public school campus within the public school district, including without limitation a contract for food services.

Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 14, eff. 3/8/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-902 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 9 / Section 6-20-902
Certificates generally
Status: in_force

(a) In order to obtain funds needed for the proper operation of its Revolving Loan Program, the State Board of Education is authorized to issue from time to time certificates of indebtedness. (b) The aggregate principal amount of all certificates outstanding at one time may not exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000). (c) The certificates may be in such form and denominations, may have such date, may mature at such time, may bear interest payable at such times and at such rates, may be payable at such place or places, may be subject to such terms of redemption before maturity at such prices, and may contain such other terms and provisions as the state board shall determine. (d) The certificates shall be negotiable instruments under the laws of the State of Arkansas. Acts 1967, No. 479, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-958.

(a) In order to obtain funds needed for the proper operation of its Revolving Loan Program, the State Board of Education is authorized to issue from time to time certificates of indebtedness.

(b) The aggregate principal amount of all certificates outstanding at one time may not exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000).

(c) The certificates may be in such form and denominations, may have such date, may mature at such time, may bear interest payable at such times and at such rates, may be payable at such place or places, may be subject to such terms of redemption before maturity at such prices, and may contain such other terms and provisions as the state board shall determine.

(d) The certificates shall be negotiable instruments under the laws of the State of Arkansas.

Acts 1967, No. 479, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-958.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-202 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-15-202
Accreditation - Development of rules, criteria, and standards
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The State Board of Education is authorized and directed to develop comprehensive rules, criteria, and standards to be used by the state board and the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in the accreditation of school programs in elementary and secondary public schools in this state. (2) In its rules, criteria, and standards promulgated under this subchapter, the state board shall include a provision regarding the attainment of unitary status for school districts that have not been released from court supervision over desegregation obligations. (b) (1) All public schools and school districts shall meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts that shall be adopted by the state board. (2) (A) Except as provided under subdivisions (b)(2)(B)-(E) of this section, upon a showing of just cause, the state board may grant a waiver of any standard for accreditation for a time period of no longer than one (1) school year, except that no curriculum, student performance, school performance, or any standard required by law may be waived for any time period. (B) The state board may grant a waiver of a standard for accreditation for a time period of longer than one (1) school year to a school district for the purpose of combining or embedding the curriculum frameworks from two (2) separate courses into one (1) combined or embedded course if: (i) The school district timely makes an application for approval of the combined or embedded course to the division under the rules adopted by the state board; (ii) The school district certifies in writing to the state board that all of the curriculum frameworks for the two (2) separate courses will be fully taught in the proposed combined or embedded course; (iii) The division verifies in writing to the state board that all of the curriculum frameworks for the two (2) separate courses are included in the proposed combined or embedded course; and (iv) The proposed combined or embedded course meets all requirements for course approval under the rules adopted by the state board. (C) The state board shall grant a waiver of a standard only for accreditation for proposed combined or embedded courses in grades five through twelve (5-12). (D) If the state board subsequently revises the curriculum frameworks for either of the separate courses that are combined or embedded into a single course, a school district must submit a new waiver request for a combined or embedded course as set forth in subdivisions (b)(2)(B) and (C) of this section. (E) It is a violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts for a school to fail to teach the curriculum frameworks for each separate course that is combined or embedded into a single course. (F) The state board shall promulgate rules necessary to administer subdivisions (b)(2)(B)-(E) of this section. (3) A school district is deemed to have failed to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts if on any standard applicable to the general operation of a school district as defined by the state board the school district receives a probationary status. (4) A school is deemed to have failed to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts if on any standard applicable to the specific operation of that school as defined by the state board the school receives a probationary status. (c) The state board shall promulgate rules setting forth: (1) The process for identifying schools and school districts that fail to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts; (2) Enforcement measures the state board may apply to bring a school or school district into compliance with the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts, including, but not limited to, annexation, consolidation, or reconstitution of the school district in accordance with § 6-13-1401 et seq. and this subchapter; and (3) The appeal process available to a school district under this subchapter. (d) After the rules are adopted and implemented by the state board, standards and procedures shall regularly be reviewed by the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education at least one (1) time every two (2) years, and recommendations and advice may be filed by the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education with the state board for its consideration. (e) (1) The division shall conduct a Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts review for each public school or public school district in the state: (A) Identified as being at a high risk of failing to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts; or (B) Whenever the division or state board deems necessary. (2) The review under subdivision (e)(1) of this section may be conducted on-site at the public school or public school district. (f) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education may require that the superintendent of each school district file a written statement with the division as evidence that the school district for which the superintendent is responsible has complied with any or all of the following statutory requirements: (1) Section 6-10-111(d) -(f) concerning the Equity Assistance Center; (2) Section 6-11-129(a)(1) concerning data to be accessible on the district's website; (3) Section 6-13-109 concerning employment of a school superintendent; (4) Section 6-13-620 concerning powers and duties of the local school district board of directors; (5) Section 6-13-801 et seq. concerning educational compacts; (6) Section 6-15-202(b)(1) concerning accreditation; (7) Section 6-15-2901 et seq. concerning the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act; (8) Section 6-15-502 concerning home schools; (9) Section 6-15-902 concerning grading scale; (10) Section 6-15-1004 concerning qualified teachers; (11) Section 6-15-1101(b) concerning diplomas; (12) Section 6-15-1402 concerning the school performance report; (13) Section 6-15-1603 concerning closing the achievement gap; (14) Section 6-15-1701 et seq. concerning a parental involvement plan; (15) Section 6-16-102 concerning school day; (16) Section 6-16-103 concerning course of study generally; (17) Section 6-16-124 concerning Arkansas history; (18) Section 6-16-126 concerning food handling safety; (19) Section 6-16-130 concerning visual art and music; (20) Section 6-16-132 concerning physical education; (21) Section 6-16-1201 et seq. concerning advanced placement and concurrent enrollment; (22) Section 6-17-102 concerning emergency first aid personnel; (23) Section 6-17-201 concerning personnel policies; (24) Section 6-17-309 concerning licensure; (25) Section 6-17-401 et seq. concerning teacher's license requirement; (26) Section 6-17-2301 concerning establishment of personnel policies; (27) Section 6-17-2403 concerning teacher compensation; (28) Section 6-18-101 concerning qualifications for valedictorian and salutatorian, if applicable; (29) Section 6-18-201 et seq. concerning compulsory attendance; (30) Section 6-18-202 concerning age and residence for attending public schools; (31) Section 6-18-207 concerning minimum age for enrollment in public school; (32) Section 6-18-213 concerning attendance records and reports generally; (33) Section 6-18-223 concerning credit for college courses; (34) Section 6-18-501 et seq. concerning guidelines for development of school district student discipline policies and written student discipline policies; (35) Section 6-48-101 et seq. concerning alternative learning environments; (36) Section 6-48-103 concerning assessment and intervention in alternative learning environments; (37) Section 6-18-701 et seq. concerning physical examinations; (38) Section 6-18-2003 concerning a comprehensive school counseling program; (39) Section 6-19-101 et seq. concerning transportation; (40) Section 6-20-2202 concerning the budget and expenditure report; (41) Section 6-21-106 concerning fire hazards inspection before closing for breaks; (42) Section 6-21-112 concerning school facilities; (43) Section 6-25-101 et seq. concerning public school library media and technology; (44) Section 6-41-101 et seq. concerning services to children with disabilities in nonpublic schools; (45) Section 6-42-101 et seq. concerning gifted and talented children; (46) Section 6-17-2803(7) and rules promulgated by the state board concerning the required training and credentialing of evaluators under the Teacher Excellence and Support System, § 6-17-2801 et seq.; and (47) Any other statutory mandate for school districts identified by the division as relevant to the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts. (g) In addition to any written statement of assurance required under subsection (f) of this section, the division may conduct an on-site review of a school district to confirm that a school district has complied with any statutory requirements listed in subsection (f) of this section or any other matter related to the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts. (h) The division shall establish a form for the written statement of assurance required under subsection (f) of this section and shall establish a date or dates by which school districts shall submit the written statement of assurance required under subsection (f) of this section. (i) If any superintendent fails to file a written statement of assurance as required by the commissioner under subsection (f) of this section by the date established by the division or knowingly submits false information or if the division determines the information in the statement is inaccurate or incomplete, the division may: (1) Conduct a random on-site visit; (2) Request additional information from the school district; (3) Take licensure action on the license of the superintendent under the procedure of § 6-17-410 ; or (4) Find the school or school district in citation or probationary violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 204, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 203, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 202, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 8, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 11, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 10, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 9, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 190,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1189, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1188, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1187, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1186, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1185, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1184, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1183, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 13, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 869,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1091,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 16, eff. 8/16/2013. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 15, eff. 8/16/2013. Amended by Act 2013, No. 421,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1983, No. 445, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4604; Acts 1997, No. 112, § 3; 2003, No. 1467, § 2; 2005, No. 1684, § 1; 2005, No. 2131, § 26; 2007, No. 54, § 2; 2007, No. 829, § 2; 2011, No. 1118, § 1.

(a) (1) The State Board of Education is authorized and directed to develop comprehensive rules, criteria, and standards to be used by the state board and the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in the accreditation of school programs in elementary and secondary public schools in this state. (2) In its rules, criteria, and standards promulgated under this subchapter, the state board shall include a provision regarding the attainment of unitary status for school districts that have not been released from court supervision over desegregation obligations.

(1) The State Board of Education is authorized and directed to develop comprehensive rules, criteria, and standards to be used by the state board and the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in the accreditation of school programs in elementary and secondary public schools in this state.

(2) In its rules, criteria, and standards promulgated under this subchapter, the state board shall include a provision regarding the attainment of unitary status for school districts that have not been released from court supervision over desegregation obligations.

(b) (1) All public schools and school districts shall meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts that shall be adopted by the state board. (2) (A) Except as provided under subdivisions (b)(2)(B)-(E) of this section, upon a showing of just cause, the state board may grant a waiver of any standard for accreditation for a time period of no longer than one (1) school year, except that no curriculum, student performance, school performance, or any standard required by law may be waived for any time period. (B) The state board may grant a waiver of a standard for accreditation for a time period of longer than one (1) school year to a school district for the purpose of combining or embedding the curriculum frameworks from two (2) separate courses into one (1) combined or embedded course if: (i) The school district timely makes an application for approval of the combined or embedded course to the division under the rules adopted by the state board; (ii) The school district certifies in writing to the state board that all of the curriculum frameworks for the two (2) separate courses will be fully taught in the proposed combined or embedded course; (iii) The division verifies in writing to the state board that all of the curriculum frameworks for the two (2) separate courses are included in the proposed combined or embedded course; and (iv) The proposed combined or embedded course meets all requirements for course approval under the rules adopted by the state board. (C) The state board shall grant a waiver of a standard only for accreditation for proposed combined or embedded courses in grades five through twelve (5-12). (D) If the state board subsequently revises the curriculum frameworks for either of the separate courses that are combined or embedded into a single course, a school district must submit a new waiver request for a combined or embedded course as set forth in subdivisions (b)(2)(B) and (C) of this section. (E) It is a violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts for a school to fail to teach the curriculum frameworks for each separate course that is combined or embedded into a single course. (F) The state board shall promulgate rules necessary to administer subdivisions (b)(2)(B)-(E) of this section. (3) A school district is deemed to have failed to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts if on any standard applicable to the general operation of a school district as defined by the state board the school district receives a probationary status. (4) A school is deemed to have failed to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts if on any standard applicable to the specific operation of that school as defined by the state board the school receives a probationary status.

(1) All public schools and school districts shall meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts that shall be adopted by the state board.

(2) (A) Except as provided under subdivisions (b)(2)(B)-(E) of this section, upon a showing of just cause, the state board may grant a waiver of any standard for accreditation for a time period of no longer than one (1) school year, except that no curriculum, student performance, school performance, or any standard required by law may be waived for any time period. (B) The state board may grant a waiver of a standard for accreditation for a time period of longer than one (1) school year to a school district for the purpose of combining or embedding the curriculum frameworks from two (2) separate courses into one (1) combined or embedded course if: (i) The school district timely makes an application for approval of the combined or embedded course to the division under the rules adopted by the state board; (ii) The school district certifies in writing to the state board that all of the curriculum frameworks for the two (2) separate courses will be fully taught in the proposed combined or embedded course; (iii) The division verifies in writing to the state board that all of the curriculum frameworks for the two (2) separate courses are included in the proposed combined or embedded course; and (iv) The proposed combined or embedded course meets all requirements for course approval under the rules adopted by the state board. (C) The state board shall grant a waiver of a standard only for accreditation for proposed combined or embedded courses in grades five through twelve (5-12). (D) If the state board subsequently revises the curriculum frameworks for either of the separate courses that are combined or embedded into a single course, a school district must submit a new waiver request for a combined or embedded course as set forth in subdivisions (b)(2)(B) and (C) of this section. (E) It is a violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts for a school to fail to teach the curriculum frameworks for each separate course that is combined or embedded into a single course. (F) The state board shall promulgate rules necessary to administer subdivisions (b)(2)(B)-(E) of this section.

(A) Except as provided under subdivisions (b)(2)(B)-(E) of this section, upon a showing of just cause, the state board may grant a waiver of any standard for accreditation for a time period of no longer than one (1) school year, except that no curriculum, student performance, school performance, or any standard required by law may be waived for any time period.

(B) The state board may grant a waiver of a standard for accreditation for a time period of longer than one (1) school year to a school district for the purpose of combining or embedding the curriculum frameworks from two (2) separate courses into one (1) combined or embedded course if: (i) The school district timely makes an application for approval of the combined or embedded course to the division under the rules adopted by the state board; (ii) The school district certifies in writing to the state board that all of the curriculum frameworks for the two (2) separate courses will be fully taught in the proposed combined or embedded course; (iii) The division verifies in writing to the state board that all of the curriculum frameworks for the two (2) separate courses are included in the proposed combined or embedded course; and (iv) The proposed combined or embedded course meets all requirements for course approval under the rules adopted by the state board.

(i) The school district timely makes an application for approval of the combined or embedded course to the division under the rules adopted by the state board;

(ii) The school district certifies in writing to the state board that all of the curriculum frameworks for the two (2) separate courses will be fully taught in the proposed combined or embedded course;

(iii) The division verifies in writing to the state board that all of the curriculum frameworks for the two (2) separate courses are included in the proposed combined or embedded course; and

(iv) The proposed combined or embedded course meets all requirements for course approval under the rules adopted by the state board.

(C) The state board shall grant a waiver of a standard only for accreditation for proposed combined or embedded courses in grades five through twelve (5-12).

(D) If the state board subsequently revises the curriculum frameworks for either of the separate courses that are combined or embedded into a single course, a school district must submit a new waiver request for a combined or embedded course as set forth in subdivisions (b)(2)(B) and (C) of this section.

(E) It is a violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts for a school to fail to teach the curriculum frameworks for each separate course that is combined or embedded into a single course.

(F) The state board shall promulgate rules necessary to administer subdivisions (b)(2)(B)-(E) of this section.

(3) A school district is deemed to have failed to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts if on any standard applicable to the general operation of a school district as defined by the state board the school district receives a probationary status.

(4) A school is deemed to have failed to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts if on any standard applicable to the specific operation of that school as defined by the state board the school receives a probationary status.

(c) The state board shall promulgate rules setting forth: (1) The process for identifying schools and school districts that fail to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts; (2) Enforcement measures the state board may apply to bring a school or school district into compliance with the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts, including, but not limited to, annexation, consolidation, or reconstitution of the school district in accordance with § 6-13-1401 et seq. and this subchapter; and (3) The appeal process available to a school district under this subchapter.

(1) The process for identifying schools and school districts that fail to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts;

(2) Enforcement measures the state board may apply to bring a school or school district into compliance with the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts, including, but not limited to, annexation, consolidation, or reconstitution of the school district in accordance with § 6-13-1401 et seq. and this subchapter; and

(3) The appeal process available to a school district under this subchapter.

(d) After the rules are adopted and implemented by the state board, standards and procedures shall regularly be reviewed by the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education at least one (1) time every two (2) years, and recommendations and advice may be filed by the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education with the state board for its consideration.

(e) (1) The division shall conduct a Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts review for each public school or public school district in the state: (A) Identified as being at a high risk of failing to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts; or (B) Whenever the division or state board deems necessary. (2) The review under subdivision (e)(1) of this section may be conducted on-site at the public school or public school district.

(1) The division shall conduct a Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts review for each public school or public school district in the state: (A) Identified as being at a high risk of failing to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts; or (B) Whenever the division or state board deems necessary.

(A) Identified as being at a high risk of failing to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts; or

(B) Whenever the division or state board deems necessary.

(2) The review under subdivision (e)(1) of this section may be conducted on-site at the public school or public school district.

(f) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education may require that the superintendent of each school district file a written statement with the division as evidence that the school district for which the superintendent is responsible has complied with any or all of the following statutory requirements: (1) Section 6-10-111(d) -(f) concerning the Equity Assistance Center; (2) Section 6-11-129(a)(1) concerning data to be accessible on the district's website; (3) Section 6-13-109 concerning employment of a school superintendent; (4) Section 6-13-620 concerning powers and duties of the local school district board of directors; (5) Section 6-13-801 et seq. concerning educational compacts; (6) Section 6-15-202(b)(1) concerning accreditation; (7) Section 6-15-2901 et seq. concerning the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act; (8) Section 6-15-502 concerning home schools; (9) Section 6-15-902 concerning grading scale; (10) Section 6-15-1004 concerning qualified teachers; (11) Section 6-15-1101(b) concerning diplomas; (12) Section 6-15-1402 concerning the school performance report; (13) Section 6-15-1603 concerning closing the achievement gap; (14) Section 6-15-1701 et seq. concerning a parental involvement plan; (15) Section 6-16-102 concerning school day; (16) Section 6-16-103 concerning course of study generally; (17) Section 6-16-124 concerning Arkansas history; (18) Section 6-16-126 concerning food handling safety; (19) Section 6-16-130 concerning visual art and music; (20) Section 6-16-132 concerning physical education; (21) Section 6-16-1201 et seq. concerning advanced placement and concurrent enrollment; (22) Section 6-17-102 concerning emergency first aid personnel; (23) Section 6-17-201 concerning personnel policies; (24) Section 6-17-309 concerning licensure; (25) Section 6-17-401 et seq. concerning teacher's license requirement; (26) Section 6-17-2301 concerning establishment of personnel policies; (27) Section 6-17-2403 concerning teacher compensation; (28) Section 6-18-101 concerning qualifications for valedictorian and salutatorian, if applicable; (29) Section 6-18-201 et seq. concerning compulsory attendance; (30) Section 6-18-202 concerning age and residence for attending public schools; (31) Section 6-18-207 concerning minimum age for enrollment in public school; (32) Section 6-18-213 concerning attendance records and reports generally; (33) Section 6-18-223 concerning credit for college courses; (34) Section 6-18-501 et seq. concerning guidelines for development of school district student discipline policies and written student discipline policies; (35) Section 6-48-101 et seq. concerning alternative learning environments; (36) Section 6-48-103 concerning assessment and intervention in alternative learning environments; (37) Section 6-18-701 et seq. concerning physical examinations; (38) Section 6-18-2003 concerning a comprehensive school counseling program; (39) Section 6-19-101 et seq. concerning transportation; (40) Section 6-20-2202 concerning the budget and expenditure report; (41) Section 6-21-106 concerning fire hazards inspection before closing for breaks; (42) Section 6-21-112 concerning school facilities; (43) Section 6-25-101 et seq. concerning public school library media and technology; (44) Section 6-41-101 et seq. concerning services to children with disabilities in nonpublic schools; (45) Section 6-42-101 et seq. concerning gifted and talented children; (46) Section 6-17-2803(7) and rules promulgated by the state board concerning the required training and credentialing of evaluators under the Teacher Excellence and Support System, § 6-17-2801 et seq.; and (47) Any other statutory mandate for school districts identified by the division as relevant to the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

(1) Section 6-10-111(d) -(f) concerning the Equity Assistance Center;

(2) Section 6-11-129(a)(1) concerning data to be accessible on the district's website;

(3) Section 6-13-109 concerning employment of a school superintendent;

(4) Section 6-13-620 concerning powers and duties of the local school district board of directors;

(5) Section 6-13-801 et seq. concerning educational compacts;

(6) Section 6-15-202(b)(1) concerning accreditation;

(7) Section 6-15-2901 et seq. concerning the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act;

(8) Section 6-15-502 concerning home schools;

(9) Section 6-15-902 concerning grading scale;

(10) Section 6-15-1004 concerning qualified teachers;

(11) Section 6-15-1101(b) concerning diplomas;

(12) Section 6-15-1402 concerning the school performance report;

(13) Section 6-15-1603 concerning closing the achievement gap;

(14) Section 6-15-1701 et seq. concerning a parental involvement plan;

(15) Section 6-16-102 concerning school day;

(16) Section 6-16-103 concerning course of study generally;

(17) Section 6-16-124 concerning Arkansas history;

(18) Section 6-16-126 concerning food handling safety;

(19) Section 6-16-130 concerning visual art and music;

(20) Section 6-16-132 concerning physical education;

(21) Section 6-16-1201 et seq. concerning advanced placement and concurrent enrollment;

(22) Section 6-17-102 concerning emergency first aid personnel;

(23) Section 6-17-201 concerning personnel policies;

(24) Section 6-17-309 concerning licensure;

(25) Section 6-17-401 et seq. concerning teacher's license requirement;

(26) Section 6-17-2301 concerning establishment of personnel policies;

(27) Section 6-17-2403 concerning teacher compensation;

(28) Section 6-18-101 concerning qualifications for valedictorian and salutatorian, if applicable;

(29) Section 6-18-201 et seq. concerning compulsory attendance;

(30) Section 6-18-202 concerning age and residence for attending public schools;

(31) Section 6-18-207 concerning minimum age for enrollment in public school;

(32) Section 6-18-213 concerning attendance records and reports generally;

(33) Section 6-18-223 concerning credit for college courses;

(34) Section 6-18-501 et seq. concerning guidelines for development of school district student discipline policies and written student discipline policies;

(35) Section 6-48-101 et seq. concerning alternative learning environments;

(36) Section 6-48-103 concerning assessment and intervention in alternative learning environments;

(37) Section 6-18-701 et seq. concerning physical examinations;

(38) Section 6-18-2003 concerning a comprehensive school counseling program;

(39) Section 6-19-101 et seq. concerning transportation;

(40) Section 6-20-2202 concerning the budget and expenditure report;

(41) Section 6-21-106 concerning fire hazards inspection before closing for breaks;

(42) Section 6-21-112 concerning school facilities;

(43) Section 6-25-101 et seq. concerning public school library media and technology;

(44) Section 6-41-101 et seq. concerning services to children with disabilities in nonpublic schools;

(45) Section 6-42-101 et seq. concerning gifted and talented children;

(46) Section 6-17-2803(7) and rules promulgated by the state board concerning the required training and credentialing of evaluators under the Teacher Excellence and Support System, § 6-17-2801 et seq.; and

(47) Any other statutory mandate for school districts identified by the division as relevant to the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

(g) In addition to any written statement of assurance required under subsection (f) of this section, the division may conduct an on-site review of a school district to confirm that a school district has complied with any statutory requirements listed in subsection (f) of this section or any other matter related to the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

(h) The division shall establish a form for the written statement of assurance required under subsection (f) of this section and shall establish a date or dates by which school districts shall submit the written statement of assurance required under subsection (f) of this section.

(i) If any superintendent fails to file a written statement of assurance as required by the commissioner under subsection (f) of this section by the date established by the division or knowingly submits false information or if the division determines the information in the statement is inaccurate or incomplete, the division may: (1) Conduct a random on-site visit; (2) Request additional information from the school district; (3) Take licensure action on the license of the superintendent under the procedure of § 6-17-410 ; or (4) Find the school or school district in citation or probationary violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

(1) Conduct a random on-site visit;

(2) Request additional information from the school district;

(3) Take licensure action on the license of the superintendent under the procedure of § 6-17-410 ; or

(4) Find the school or school district in citation or probationary violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 204, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 203, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 202, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 8, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 11, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 10, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 9, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 190,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1189, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1188, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1187, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1186, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1185, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1184, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1183, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 13, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 869,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1091,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.

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

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 15, eff. 8/16/2013.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 421,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 1983, No. 445, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4604; Acts 1997, No. 112, § 3; 2003, No. 1467, § 2; 2005, No. 1684, § 1; 2005, No. 2131, § 26; 2007, No. 54, § 2; 2007, No. 829, § 2; 2011, No. 1118, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-423 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 4 / Section 6-15-423
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-64-713 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 64 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-64-713
Authority to make contract with United States Government
Status: in_force

The Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas may, with the consent of the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, enter into a contract with the United States Government through the United States Secretary of Agriculture or any authorized representative through which the division shall cooperate with the United States Department of Agriculture in the actual work of collecting, tabulating, interpreting, and disseminating statistical information concerning crops and livestock in Arkansas. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1065,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 1935, No. 127, § 2; Pope's Dig., § 12403; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3023.

The Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas may, with the consent of the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, enter into a contract with the United States Government through the United States Secretary of Agriculture or any authorized representative through which the division shall cooperate with the United States Department of Agriculture in the actual work of collecting, tabulating, interpreting, and disseminating statistical information concerning crops and livestock in Arkansas.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1065,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 1935, No. 127, § 2; Pope's Dig., § 12403; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-1501 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 15 / Section 6-20-1501
Title
Status: in_force

This subchapter shall be known as the "Public Elementary and Secondary School Insurance Act". Acts 1973, No. 380, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3509; Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 78, § 2.

This subchapter shall be known as the "Public Elementary and Secondary School Insurance Act".

Acts 1973, No. 380, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3509; Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 78, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-1102 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 13 / Subchapter 11 / Section 6-13-1102
Authority
Status: in_force

Pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter, one (1) or more school districts may by a majority vote of their respective boards of directors agree to create a model rural early childhood consortium for the purposes set forth in § 6-13-1101 . Acts 1989, No. 886, § 2; 1995, No. 830, § 2.

Pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter, one (1) or more school districts may by a majority vote of their respective boards of directors agree to create a model rural early childhood consortium for the purposes set forth in § 6-13-1101 .

Acts 1989, No. 886, § 2; 1995, No. 830, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2306 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 23 / Section 6-18-2306
Scholarship-granting organizations - Duties
Status: in_force

Each scholarship-granting organization shall: (1) Notify the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education of its intent to provide educational scholarships to qualified students attending private schools; (2) Demonstrate proof of exemption from federal income tax under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as in effect on January 1, 2021; (3) (A) Provide a receipt, approved by the division, to a taxpayer for eligible contributions made to the scholarship-granting organization. (B) A scholarship-granting organization shall provide a copy of a receipt issued under subdivision (3)(A) of this section to the Tax Credits and Special Refunds Section of the Department of Finance and Administration or its successor. (C) A receipt issued by a scholarship-granting organization under subdivision (3)(A) of this section shall be issued only for the amount of eligible contributions actually received; (4) (A) Ensure that first-time recipients of educational scholarships were not continuously enrolled in a private school within the state during the previous school year. (B) The requirement under subdivision (4)(A) of this section shall not apply to a student with a disability identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., as it existed on January 1, 2023; (5) Establish a system for parents or guardians of qualified students who receive educational scholarships under this subchapter to direct educational scholarship funds to nonpublic schools by use of: (A) Checks; (B) Electronic funds transfer, including an automated clearinghouse transfer; or (C) Another system that the scholarship-granting organization finds to be commercially viable, cost-effective, and accessible to parents or guardians of qualified students; (6) (A) Conduct and maintain for audit purposes a background check of all employees of the scholarship-granting organization. (B) A scholarship-granting organization shall exclude any individual from employment who may reasonably pose a risk to the appropriate use of eligible contributions under this subchapter; (7) Distribute eligible contributions within three (3) tax years of receipt by the scholarship-granting organization; (8) Demonstrate financial viability if it expects to receive eligible contributions equal to or greater than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) during the academic school year by filing with the division before the start of the academic school year either: (A) A surety bond payable to the State of Arkansas in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of eligible contributions the scholarship-granting organization expects to receive during the academic school year; or (B) Financial information that demonstrates the financial viability of the scholarship-granting organization; (9) Ensure that participating private schools: (A) Comply with all health and safety laws and rules; (B) Hold valid occupancy of buildings as required by the relevant municipality in which the private school is located; (C) (i) Are held academically accountable by annually administering or making provision for the administration of a nationally recognized norm-referenced test to qualified students in grades three through ten (3-10) who have received educational scholarships under this subchapter. (ii) However, a qualified student in grades three through ten (3-10) who has received an educational scholarship under this subchapter, has an individualized service plan in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(10) , as it existed on January 1, 2021, and is determined by the private school to need an exemption from standardized testing due to the existence of a significant cognitive disability is not required to take the test required under subdivision (9)(C)(i) of this section. (iii) If a student is not required to take the test required under subdivision (9)(C)(i) of this section, a participating private school shall annually make provision for the student to take an alternate assessment approved by the State Board of Education or prepare a portfolio that provides information on a student's progress to the student's parent or guardian; and (D) (i) Annually report the scores and other academic progress to: (a) The parent or guardian of each qualified student who has received an educational scholarship under this subchapter; and (b) (1) An independent research organization selected by the division in accordance with § 6-18-2307(b)(1) . (2) Data reported to an independent research organization shall be reported in a manner that ensures disaggregation by grade level, gender, family income level, and race. (ii) The annual report required under this subdivision (9)(D) shall be published by the division on the division's website each year; (10) (A) Report to the division by June 1 of each year the following information based on the previous academic school year: (i) The name and address of the scholarship-granting organization; (ii) The total number and total dollar amount of eligible contributions the scholarship-granting organization received during the previous calendar year; (iii) The total number and total dollar amount of educational scholarships awarded to qualified students under this subchapter during the previous calendar year; and (iv) The total number of qualified students, according to the qualified students' respective resident public school districts, who received an educational scholarship from the scholarship-granting organization under this subchapter during the previous budget year. (B) The report required under subdivision (10)(A) of this section shall be prepared by a certified public accountant; and (11) Ensure that at least ninety percent (90%) of revenue from eligible contributions and one hundred percent (100%) of revenue from interest or investments is spent within three (3) years of receipt on: (A) Educational scholarships; and (B) Activities pertaining to the oversight of participating private schools. Amended by Act 2023EX1, No. 5,§ 2, eff. 9/14/2023. Added by Act 2021, No. 904,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

Each scholarship-granting organization shall:

(1) Notify the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education of its intent to provide educational scholarships to qualified students attending private schools;

(2) Demonstrate proof of exemption from federal income tax under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as in effect on January 1, 2021;

(3) (A) Provide a receipt, approved by the division, to a taxpayer for eligible contributions made to the scholarship-granting organization. (B) A scholarship-granting organization shall provide a copy of a receipt issued under subdivision (3)(A) of this section to the Tax Credits and Special Refunds Section of the Department of Finance and Administration or its successor. (C) A receipt issued by a scholarship-granting organization under subdivision (3)(A) of this section shall be issued only for the amount of eligible contributions actually received;

(A) Provide a receipt, approved by the division, to a taxpayer for eligible contributions made to the scholarship-granting organization.

(B) A scholarship-granting organization shall provide a copy of a receipt issued under subdivision (3)(A) of this section to the Tax Credits and Special Refunds Section of the Department of Finance and Administration or its successor.

(C) A receipt issued by a scholarship-granting organization under subdivision (3)(A) of this section shall be issued only for the amount of eligible contributions actually received;

(4) (A) Ensure that first-time recipients of educational scholarships were not continuously enrolled in a private school within the state during the previous school year. (B) The requirement under subdivision (4)(A) of this section shall not apply to a student with a disability identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., as it existed on January 1, 2023;

(A) Ensure that first-time recipients of educational scholarships were not continuously enrolled in a private school within the state during the previous school year.

(B) The requirement under subdivision (4)(A) of this section shall not apply to a student with a disability identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., as it existed on January 1, 2023;

(5) Establish a system for parents or guardians of qualified students who receive educational scholarships under this subchapter to direct educational scholarship funds to nonpublic schools by use of: (A) Checks; (B) Electronic funds transfer, including an automated clearinghouse transfer; or (C) Another system that the scholarship-granting organization finds to be commercially viable, cost-effective, and accessible to parents or guardians of qualified students;

(A) Checks;

(B) Electronic funds transfer, including an automated clearinghouse transfer; or

(C) Another system that the scholarship-granting organization finds to be commercially viable, cost-effective, and accessible to parents or guardians of qualified students;

(6) (A) Conduct and maintain for audit purposes a background check of all employees of the scholarship-granting organization. (B) A scholarship-granting organization shall exclude any individual from employment who may reasonably pose a risk to the appropriate use of eligible contributions under this subchapter;

(A) Conduct and maintain for audit purposes a background check of all employees of the scholarship-granting organization.

(B) A scholarship-granting organization shall exclude any individual from employment who may reasonably pose a risk to the appropriate use of eligible contributions under this subchapter;

(7) Distribute eligible contributions within three (3) tax years of receipt by the scholarship-granting organization;

(8) Demonstrate financial viability if it expects to receive eligible contributions equal to or greater than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) during the academic school year by filing with the division before the start of the academic school year either: (A) A surety bond payable to the State of Arkansas in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of eligible contributions the scholarship-granting organization expects to receive during the academic school year; or (B) Financial information that demonstrates the financial viability of the scholarship-granting organization;

(A) A surety bond payable to the State of Arkansas in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of eligible contributions the scholarship-granting organization expects to receive during the academic school year; or

(B) Financial information that demonstrates the financial viability of the scholarship-granting organization;

(9) Ensure that participating private schools: (A) Comply with all health and safety laws and rules; (B) Hold valid occupancy of buildings as required by the relevant municipality in which the private school is located; (C) (i) Are held academically accountable by annually administering or making provision for the administration of a nationally recognized norm-referenced test to qualified students in grades three through ten (3-10) who have received educational scholarships under this subchapter. (ii) However, a qualified student in grades three through ten (3-10) who has received an educational scholarship under this subchapter, has an individualized service plan in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(10) , as it existed on January 1, 2021, and is determined by the private school to need an exemption from standardized testing due to the existence of a significant cognitive disability is not required to take the test required under subdivision (9)(C)(i) of this section. (iii) If a student is not required to take the test required under subdivision (9)(C)(i) of this section, a participating private school shall annually make provision for the student to take an alternate assessment approved by the State Board of Education or prepare a portfolio that provides information on a student's progress to the student's parent or guardian; and (D) (i) Annually report the scores and other academic progress to: (a) The parent or guardian of each qualified student who has received an educational scholarship under this subchapter; and (b) (1) An independent research organization selected by the division in accordance with § 6-18-2307(b)(1) . (2) Data reported to an independent research organization shall be reported in a manner that ensures disaggregation by grade level, gender, family income level, and race. (ii) The annual report required under this subdivision (9)(D) shall be published by the division on the division's website each year;

(A) Comply with all health and safety laws and rules;

(B) Hold valid occupancy of buildings as required by the relevant municipality in which the private school is located;

(C) (i) Are held academically accountable by annually administering or making provision for the administration of a nationally recognized norm-referenced test to qualified students in grades three through ten (3-10) who have received educational scholarships under this subchapter. (ii) However, a qualified student in grades three through ten (3-10) who has received an educational scholarship under this subchapter, has an individualized service plan in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(10) , as it existed on January 1, 2021, and is determined by the private school to need an exemption from standardized testing due to the existence of a significant cognitive disability is not required to take the test required under subdivision (9)(C)(i) of this section. (iii) If a student is not required to take the test required under subdivision (9)(C)(i) of this section, a participating private school shall annually make provision for the student to take an alternate assessment approved by the State Board of Education or prepare a portfolio that provides information on a student's progress to the student's parent or guardian; and

(i) Are held academically accountable by annually administering or making provision for the administration of a nationally recognized norm-referenced test to qualified students in grades three through ten (3-10) who have received educational scholarships under this subchapter.

(ii) However, a qualified student in grades three through ten (3-10) who has received an educational scholarship under this subchapter, has an individualized service plan in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1412(a)(10) , as it existed on January 1, 2021, and is determined by the private school to need an exemption from standardized testing due to the existence of a significant cognitive disability is not required to take the test required under subdivision (9)(C)(i) of this section.

(iii) If a student is not required to take the test required under subdivision (9)(C)(i) of this section, a participating private school shall annually make provision for the student to take an alternate assessment approved by the State Board of Education or prepare a portfolio that provides information on a student's progress to the student's parent or guardian; and

(D) (i) Annually report the scores and other academic progress to: (a) The parent or guardian of each qualified student who has received an educational scholarship under this subchapter; and (b) (1) An independent research organization selected by the division in accordance with § 6-18-2307(b)(1) . (2) Data reported to an independent research organization shall be reported in a manner that ensures disaggregation by grade level, gender, family income level, and race. (ii) The annual report required under this subdivision (9)(D) shall be published by the division on the division's website each year;

(i) Annually report the scores and other academic progress to: (a) The parent or guardian of each qualified student who has received an educational scholarship under this subchapter; and (b) (1) An independent research organization selected by the division in accordance with § 6-18-2307(b)(1) . (2) Data reported to an independent research organization shall be reported in a manner that ensures disaggregation by grade level, gender, family income level, and race.

(a) The parent or guardian of each qualified student who has received an educational scholarship under this subchapter; and

(b) (1) An independent research organization selected by the division in accordance with § 6-18-2307(b)(1) . (2) Data reported to an independent research organization shall be reported in a manner that ensures disaggregation by grade level, gender, family income level, and race.

(1) An independent research organization selected by the division in accordance with § 6-18-2307(b)(1) .

(2) Data reported to an independent research organization shall be reported in a manner that ensures disaggregation by grade level, gender, family income level, and race.

(ii) The annual report required under this subdivision (9)(D) shall be published by the division on the division's website each year;

(10) (A) Report to the division by June 1 of each year the following information based on the previous academic school year: (i) The name and address of the scholarship-granting organization; (ii) The total number and total dollar amount of eligible contributions the scholarship-granting organization received during the previous calendar year; (iii) The total number and total dollar amount of educational scholarships awarded to qualified students under this subchapter during the previous calendar year; and (iv) The total number of qualified students, according to the qualified students' respective resident public school districts, who received an educational scholarship from the scholarship-granting organization under this subchapter during the previous budget year. (B) The report required under subdivision (10)(A) of this section shall be prepared by a certified public accountant; and

(A) Report to the division by June 1 of each year the following information based on the previous academic school year: (i) The name and address of the scholarship-granting organization; (ii) The total number and total dollar amount of eligible contributions the scholarship-granting organization received during the previous calendar year; (iii) The total number and total dollar amount of educational scholarships awarded to qualified students under this subchapter during the previous calendar year; and (iv) The total number of qualified students, according to the qualified students' respective resident public school districts, who received an educational scholarship from the scholarship-granting organization under this subchapter during the previous budget year.

(i) The name and address of the scholarship-granting organization;

(ii) The total number and total dollar amount of eligible contributions the scholarship-granting organization received during the previous calendar year;

(iii) The total number and total dollar amount of educational scholarships awarded to qualified students under this subchapter during the previous calendar year; and

(iv) The total number of qualified students, according to the qualified students' respective resident public school districts, who received an educational scholarship from the scholarship-granting organization under this subchapter during the previous budget year.

(B) The report required under subdivision (10)(A) of this section shall be prepared by a certified public accountant; and

(11) Ensure that at least ninety percent (90%) of revenue from eligible contributions and one hundred percent (100%) of revenue from interest or investments is spent within three (3) years of receipt on: (A) Educational scholarships; and (B) Activities pertaining to the oversight of participating private schools.

(A) Educational scholarships; and

(B) Activities pertaining to the oversight of participating private schools.

Amended by Act 2023EX1, No. 5,§ 2, eff. 9/14/2023.

Added by Act 2021, No. 904,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-85-216 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 85 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-85-216
Institution report to Division of Higher Education
Status: in_force

(a) (1) (A) An approved institution of higher education that enrolls students receiving scholarships under this subchapter annually shall provide information and semiannually shall provide updated information to the Division of Higher Education regarding all state-supported student financial assistance, whether or not the state-supported student financial assistance is awarded under this subchapter. (B) An approved institution of higher education is not required to provide the information described in subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section to the division if the information has previously been reported to the division through the Arkansas Higher Education Information System or the state financial aid information system. (2) The information described in subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section shall be provided in the form of individual student records and shall include without limitation information regarding: (A) The criteria for determining eligibility for scholarships under this subchapter; (B) Demographic student data; and (C) Disaggregated data on remedial courses. (3) (A) An approved institution of higher education shall undertake the procedures necessary to ensure the collection and reporting of student information under this section. (B) An approved institution of higher education may lose its approved status for receiving scholarship funds on behalf of a recipient under this subchapter if it fails to make a good-faith effort to comply with this section. (C) In addition to the provisions of subdivision (a)(3)(B) of this section, an institution of higher education that does not comply with this section shall not be eligible to accept state aid from the Higher Education Grants Fund Account on behalf of a student. (b) The division shall establish by rule the: (1) Specific data required; (2) Manner of reporting the information required; and (3) Technology or software required for reporting. (c) The division shall use the information provided under this section to conduct the research and analysis needed to support the annual report of the Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education to the Legislative Council under § 6-85-205 . Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 29, eff. 4/12/2023. Amended by Act 2021, No. 80,§ 3, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2183, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1258,§ 10, eff. 7/22/2015. Amended by Act 2015, No. 218,§ 11, eff. 2/26/2015. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1173,§ 12, eff. 4/12/2013. Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.

(a) (1) (A) An approved institution of higher education that enrolls students receiving scholarships under this subchapter annually shall provide information and semiannually shall provide updated information to the Division of Higher Education regarding all state-supported student financial assistance, whether or not the state-supported student financial assistance is awarded under this subchapter. (B) An approved institution of higher education is not required to provide the information described in subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section to the division if the information has previously been reported to the division through the Arkansas Higher Education Information System or the state financial aid information system. (2) The information described in subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section shall be provided in the form of individual student records and shall include without limitation information regarding: (A) The criteria for determining eligibility for scholarships under this subchapter; (B) Demographic student data; and (C) Disaggregated data on remedial courses. (3) (A) An approved institution of higher education shall undertake the procedures necessary to ensure the collection and reporting of student information under this section. (B) An approved institution of higher education may lose its approved status for receiving scholarship funds on behalf of a recipient under this subchapter if it fails to make a good-faith effort to comply with this section. (C) In addition to the provisions of subdivision (a)(3)(B) of this section, an institution of higher education that does not comply with this section shall not be eligible to accept state aid from the Higher Education Grants Fund Account on behalf of a student.

(1) (A) An approved institution of higher education that enrolls students receiving scholarships under this subchapter annually shall provide information and semiannually shall provide updated information to the Division of Higher Education regarding all state-supported student financial assistance, whether or not the state-supported student financial assistance is awarded under this subchapter. (B) An approved institution of higher education is not required to provide the information described in subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section to the division if the information has previously been reported to the division through the Arkansas Higher Education Information System or the state financial aid information system.

(A) An approved institution of higher education that enrolls students receiving scholarships under this subchapter annually shall provide information and semiannually shall provide updated information to the Division of Higher Education regarding all state-supported student financial assistance, whether or not the state-supported student financial assistance is awarded under this subchapter.

(B) An approved institution of higher education is not required to provide the information described in subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section to the division if the information has previously been reported to the division through the Arkansas Higher Education Information System or the state financial aid information system.

(2) The information described in subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section shall be provided in the form of individual student records and shall include without limitation information regarding: (A) The criteria for determining eligibility for scholarships under this subchapter; (B) Demographic student data; and (C) Disaggregated data on remedial courses.

(A) The criteria for determining eligibility for scholarships under this subchapter;

(B) Demographic student data; and

(C) Disaggregated data on remedial courses.

(3) (A) An approved institution of higher education shall undertake the procedures necessary to ensure the collection and reporting of student information under this section. (B) An approved institution of higher education may lose its approved status for receiving scholarship funds on behalf of a recipient under this subchapter if it fails to make a good-faith effort to comply with this section. (C) In addition to the provisions of subdivision (a)(3)(B) of this section, an institution of higher education that does not comply with this section shall not be eligible to accept state aid from the Higher Education Grants Fund Account on behalf of a student.

(A) An approved institution of higher education shall undertake the procedures necessary to ensure the collection and reporting of student information under this section.

(B) An approved institution of higher education may lose its approved status for receiving scholarship funds on behalf of a recipient under this subchapter if it fails to make a good-faith effort to comply with this section.

(C) In addition to the provisions of subdivision (a)(3)(B) of this section, an institution of higher education that does not comply with this section shall not be eligible to accept state aid from the Higher Education Grants Fund Account on behalf of a student.

(b) The division shall establish by rule the: (1) Specific data required; (2) Manner of reporting the information required; and (3) Technology or software required for reporting.

(1) Specific data required;

(2) Manner of reporting the information required; and

(3) Technology or software required for reporting.

(c) The division shall use the information provided under this section to conduct the research and analysis needed to support the annual report of the Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education to the Legislative Council under § 6-85-205 .

Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 29, eff. 4/12/2023.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 80,§ 3, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2183, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1258,§ 10, eff. 7/22/2015.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 218,§ 11, eff. 2/26/2015.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1173,§ 12, eff. 4/12/2013.

Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-235 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-18-235
Attendance of international exchange student - Required - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Host family" means the individual or family with whom an international exchange student is placed by an international student exchange visitor placement organization under the International Student Exchange Visitor Placement Organization Registration Act, § 6-18-1701 et seq.; and (2) "International exchange student" means a student who is placed with a host family by an international student exchange visitor placement organization under the International Student Exchange Visitor Placement Organization Registration Act, § 6-18-1701 et seq. (b) A public school in the public school district in which a host family resides shall admit for enrollment and attendance at the public school an international exchange student who has been placed with the host family. (c) A public school district that admits an international exchange student may: (1) (A) Upon his or her arrival, require the international exchange student to submit to quarantine to prevent the spread of infectious diseases as may be necessary. (B) A quarantine required under subdivision (c)(1)(A) of this section shall not exceed seven (7) days unless otherwise recommended by the Department of Health or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (2) Expel or suspend the international exchange student from the public school based on a: (A) Violation of the school district's written student discipline policies, as required under § 6-18-507 ; or (B) Danger that the international exchange student presents to the students attending and individuals employed by the school district; and (3) (A) Establish a limit on the total number of international exchange students each public school within the public school district may accept for enrollment in each public school. (B) A limit established for a public school under subdivision (c)(3)(A) of this section shall be no fewer than one (1) international exchange student per fifty (50) students enrolled in the public school in which the international exchange student intends to enroll according to the school's average daily membership in the school year immediately preceding the current school year. (d) A public school district shall have the option of whether or not to: (1) (A) Include test results achieved by an international exchange student enrolled in the public school district in state-mandated assessments. (B) A public school district shall include or exclude the test results achieved by each international exchange student enrolled in the public school as a group; and (2) Provide English-language services. (e) Before a public school district is required to accept an international exchange student under this section, the public school district may require the international student exchange visitor placement organization under the International Student Exchange Visitor Placement Organization Registration Act, § 6-18-1701 et seq., that is placing the international exchange student to: (1) Be certified by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel; (2) Provide documented proof of the international exchange student's English proficiency; and (3) Notify the public school district at least three (3) weeks before the beginning of the academic semester in which the international exchange student is planning to enroll in the public school district. Added by Act 2023, No. 426,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2023.

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Host family" means the individual or family with whom an international exchange student is placed by an international student exchange visitor placement organization under the International Student Exchange Visitor Placement Organization Registration Act, § 6-18-1701 et seq.; and (2) "International exchange student" means a student who is placed with a host family by an international student exchange visitor placement organization under the International Student Exchange Visitor Placement Organization Registration Act, § 6-18-1701 et seq.

(1) "Host family" means the individual or family with whom an international exchange student is placed by an international student exchange visitor placement organization under the International Student Exchange Visitor Placement Organization Registration Act, § 6-18-1701 et seq.; and

(2) "International exchange student" means a student who is placed with a host family by an international student exchange visitor placement organization under the International Student Exchange Visitor Placement Organization Registration Act, § 6-18-1701 et seq.

(b) A public school in the public school district in which a host family resides shall admit for enrollment and attendance at the public school an international exchange student who has been placed with the host family.

(c) A public school district that admits an international exchange student may: (1) (A) Upon his or her arrival, require the international exchange student to submit to quarantine to prevent the spread of infectious diseases as may be necessary. (B) A quarantine required under subdivision (c)(1)(A) of this section shall not exceed seven (7) days unless otherwise recommended by the Department of Health or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (2) Expel or suspend the international exchange student from the public school based on a: (A) Violation of the school district's written student discipline policies, as required under § 6-18-507 ; or (B) Danger that the international exchange student presents to the students attending and individuals employed by the school district; and (3) (A) Establish a limit on the total number of international exchange students each public school within the public school district may accept for enrollment in each public school. (B) A limit established for a public school under subdivision (c)(3)(A) of this section shall be no fewer than one (1) international exchange student per fifty (50) students enrolled in the public school in which the international exchange student intends to enroll according to the school's average daily membership in the school year immediately preceding the current school year.

(1) (A) Upon his or her arrival, require the international exchange student to submit to quarantine to prevent the spread of infectious diseases as may be necessary. (B) A quarantine required under subdivision (c)(1)(A) of this section shall not exceed seven (7) days unless otherwise recommended by the Department of Health or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

(A) Upon his or her arrival, require the international exchange student to submit to quarantine to prevent the spread of infectious diseases as may be necessary.

(B) A quarantine required under subdivision (c)(1)(A) of this section shall not exceed seven (7) days unless otherwise recommended by the Department of Health or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

(2) Expel or suspend the international exchange student from the public school based on a: (A) Violation of the school district's written student discipline policies, as required under § 6-18-507 ; or (B) Danger that the international exchange student presents to the students attending and individuals employed by the school district; and

(A) Violation of the school district's written student discipline policies, as required under § 6-18-507 ; or

(B) Danger that the international exchange student presents to the students attending and individuals employed by the school district; and

(3) (A) Establish a limit on the total number of international exchange students each public school within the public school district may accept for enrollment in each public school. (B) A limit established for a public school under subdivision (c)(3)(A) of this section shall be no fewer than one (1) international exchange student per fifty (50) students enrolled in the public school in which the international exchange student intends to enroll according to the school's average daily membership in the school year immediately preceding the current school year.

(A) Establish a limit on the total number of international exchange students each public school within the public school district may accept for enrollment in each public school.

(B) A limit established for a public school under subdivision (c)(3)(A) of this section shall be no fewer than one (1) international exchange student per fifty (50) students enrolled in the public school in which the international exchange student intends to enroll according to the school's average daily membership in the school year immediately preceding the current school year.

(d) A public school district shall have the option of whether or not to: (1) (A) Include test results achieved by an international exchange student enrolled in the public school district in state-mandated assessments. (B) A public school district shall include or exclude the test results achieved by each international exchange student enrolled in the public school as a group; and (2) Provide English-language services.

(1) (A) Include test results achieved by an international exchange student enrolled in the public school district in state-mandated assessments. (B) A public school district shall include or exclude the test results achieved by each international exchange student enrolled in the public school as a group; and

(A) Include test results achieved by an international exchange student enrolled in the public school district in state-mandated assessments.

(B) A public school district shall include or exclude the test results achieved by each international exchange student enrolled in the public school as a group; and

(2) Provide English-language services.

(e) Before a public school district is required to accept an international exchange student under this section, the public school district may require the international student exchange visitor placement organization under the International Student Exchange Visitor Placement Organization Registration Act, § 6-18-1701 et seq., that is placing the international exchange student to: (1) Be certified by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel; (2) Provide documented proof of the international exchange student's English proficiency; and (3) Notify the public school district at least three (3) weeks before the beginning of the academic semester in which the international exchange student is planning to enroll in the public school district.

(1) Be certified by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel;

(2) Provide documented proof of the international exchange student's English proficiency; and

(3) Notify the public school district at least three (3) weeks before the beginning of the academic semester in which the international exchange student is planning to enroll in the public school district.

Added by Act 2023, No. 426,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2012 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 20 / Section 6-15-2012
College and career readiness assessments - Secondary intervention programs - Transitional courses
Status: in_force

(a) Before a student's graduation from high school, a high school shall assess the student's college readiness based on the statewide college and career readiness standards determined and implemented by the State Board of Education. (b) A high school shall provide for each student who does not meet the college and career readiness standards under the assessment: (1) One (1) or more transitional courses designed to help the student reach college and career readiness standards; and (2) Related strategies to allow for accelerated skill and knowledge development consistent with the college and career readiness standards. (c) A transitional course: (1) Is based on the college and career readiness standards; and (2) May be composed of digital transitional modules that allow a student to progress at his or her own pace in the specific area of intervention needed. (d) The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall exempt from the placement exam under § 6-61-110 a first-time entering freshman at a state-supported institution of higher education who meets the college and career readiness standards. (e) A high school shall award the same credit for a full mathematics transitional course as it does for a fourth-year mathematics course. (f) The State Board of Education may promulgate rules to implement this section. Added by Act 2013, No. 585,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013.

(a) Before a student's graduation from high school, a high school shall assess the student's college readiness based on the statewide college and career readiness standards determined and implemented by the State Board of Education.

(b) A high school shall provide for each student who does not meet the college and career readiness standards under the assessment: (1) One (1) or more transitional courses designed to help the student reach college and career readiness standards; and (2) Related strategies to allow for accelerated skill and knowledge development consistent with the college and career readiness standards.

(1) One (1) or more transitional courses designed to help the student reach college and career readiness standards; and

(2) Related strategies to allow for accelerated skill and knowledge development consistent with the college and career readiness standards.

(c) A transitional course: (1) Is based on the college and career readiness standards; and (2) May be composed of digital transitional modules that allow a student to progress at his or her own pace in the specific area of intervention needed.

(1) Is based on the college and career readiness standards; and

(2) May be composed of digital transitional modules that allow a student to progress at his or her own pace in the specific area of intervention needed.

(d) The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall exempt from the placement exam under § 6-61-110 a first-time entering freshman at a state-supported institution of higher education who meets the college and career readiness standards.

(e) A high school shall award the same credit for a full mathematics transitional course as it does for a fourth-year mathematics course.

(f) The State Board of Education may promulgate rules to implement this section.

Added by Act 2013, No. 585,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2907 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 29 / Section 6-15-2907
Statewide student assessment system - Definition
Status: in_force

(a) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall implement a statewide student assessment system to be administered by Arkansas public schools on a schedule determined by the State Board of Education that includes the following components: (1) Developmentally appropriate measurements or assessments for kindergarten through grade two (K-2) in literacy and mathematics; (2) (A) High-quality, evidence-based literacy screeners for kindergarten through grade three (K-3). (B) (i) The division shall identify the literacy screeners required under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section, which shall meet the requirements of § 6-41-603 and may be the same screener used for dyslexia screening. (ii) The literacy screeners required under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section shall be utilized to determine student progression in reading in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) and shall be: (a) Given during the first thirty (30) days of the school year; (b) Repeated, if indicated, midyear; and (c) Given at the end of the school year. (iii) The division shall collect and publish aggregated public school district, open-enrollment public charter school, and overall state literacy assessment results annually by October 1; (3) Assessments to measure English language arts, mathematics, and science as identified by the state board; (4) Assessments of English proficiency of all English learners; and (5) (A) Assessments to measure college and career readiness. (B) (i) A public school that serves a student in grades ten through twelve (10-12) shall administer college and career readiness assessments, including a career readiness assessment that leads to a nationally recognized work readiness certificate, as determined by the state board to each student before he or she graduates from high school. (ii) A career readiness assessment under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section may include without limitation the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). (C) (i) Public school districts may offer additional college and career readiness assessments for students in grades ten through twelve (10-12) at no cost to the student by using public school district funding, including without limitation Enhanced Student Achievement Funding under § 6-20-2305 . (ii) A Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze credential through the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) shall be used by an institution of higher education as transcribable credit toward the attainment of a postsecondary technical degree. (b) At the direction of the state board, the division shall cause assessment instruments to be administered at additional grade levels as necessary to measure educational achievement in the public schools of this state. (c) The statewide student assessment system may include additional assessment options approved by the state board, including without limitation assessments to measure application of knowledge and skills in civics, government, and additional sciences, as measured on a schedule determined by the state board. (d) A public school district, at its own expense, may assess the academic achievement and growth of students by other means in addition to the required statewide student assessment system. (e) All students enrolled in a public school district shall participate in the statewide student assessment system. (f) Public school district boards of directors shall not establish school calendars that limit or interfere with student participation in the statewide student assessment system. (g) The State of Arkansas shall participate in the administration of the National Assessment of Educational Progress examinations. (h) The division shall provide for statewide student assessments that are: (1) Valid and reliable; (2) Obtained or developed, as appropriate, through contracts and project agreements; (3) Aligned to the Arkansas academic standards; and (4) Scored and returned for public school and school district use by August 1 of each year. (i) (1) Public schools, school districts, and educators shall maintain assessment security and confidentiality. (2) (A) (i) The following individuals may serve as the test administrator during the administration of a statewide student assessment under this subchapter if the individual has received the training required by the division: (a) A licensed educator, including a long-term substitute teacher; (b) A retired educator; and (c) An individual employed under a waiver from licensure as a teacher of record or as an administrator. (ii) If accompanied by a test administrator as described in subdivision (i)(2)(A)(i) of this section, any employee, including a substitute teacher, may serve as a test proctor. (B) A relative or guardian of a student shall not serve as a test administrator or proctor in the same testing room as the student during the administration of an assessment under this subchapter. (C) As used in this section, "long-term substitute teacher" means an individual who holds a valid teaching license who does not have a full-time contract with a school district. (3) A violation by a public school, a public school district, or an educator of the security or confidential integrity of any test or assessment may result in action by the state board under §§ 6-17-410 and 6-17-428 or under the rules promulgated by the state board to implement this subchapter. (j) The statewide student assessment system shall not assess students' religious or political beliefs. (k) (1) The assessment scores of students attending the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts shall be sent to and included on the reports of the public school district the student attended immediately before transferring to the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts. (2) Copies of the assessment scores of students attending the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts shall be made available to the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts. (l) Public school districts shall analyze and report student performance data to students, parents, and the community, if the disclosures are not in conflict with applicable federal law and state law. Amended by Act 2023, No. 654,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2023. Amended by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 11, eff. 3/8/2023. Amended by Act 2021, No. 319,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2021, No. 251,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 1083,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1297, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1296, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1295, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.

(a) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall implement a statewide student assessment system to be administered by Arkansas public schools on a schedule determined by the State Board of Education that includes the following components: (1) Developmentally appropriate measurements or assessments for kindergarten through grade two (K-2) in literacy and mathematics; (2) (A) High-quality, evidence-based literacy screeners for kindergarten through grade three (K-3). (B) (i) The division shall identify the literacy screeners required under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section, which shall meet the requirements of § 6-41-603 and may be the same screener used for dyslexia screening. (ii) The literacy screeners required under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section shall be utilized to determine student progression in reading in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) and shall be: (a) Given during the first thirty (30) days of the school year; (b) Repeated, if indicated, midyear; and (c) Given at the end of the school year. (iii) The division shall collect and publish aggregated public school district, open-enrollment public charter school, and overall state literacy assessment results annually by October 1; (3) Assessments to measure English language arts, mathematics, and science as identified by the state board; (4) Assessments of English proficiency of all English learners; and (5) (A) Assessments to measure college and career readiness. (B) (i) A public school that serves a student in grades ten through twelve (10-12) shall administer college and career readiness assessments, including a career readiness assessment that leads to a nationally recognized work readiness certificate, as determined by the state board to each student before he or she graduates from high school. (ii) A career readiness assessment under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section may include without limitation the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). (C) (i) Public school districts may offer additional college and career readiness assessments for students in grades ten through twelve (10-12) at no cost to the student by using public school district funding, including without limitation Enhanced Student Achievement Funding under § 6-20-2305 . (ii) A Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze credential through the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) shall be used by an institution of higher education as transcribable credit toward the attainment of a postsecondary technical degree.

(1) Developmentally appropriate measurements or assessments for kindergarten through grade two (K-2) in literacy and mathematics;

(2) (A) High-quality, evidence-based literacy screeners for kindergarten through grade three (K-3). (B) (i) The division shall identify the literacy screeners required under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section, which shall meet the requirements of § 6-41-603 and may be the same screener used for dyslexia screening. (ii) The literacy screeners required under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section shall be utilized to determine student progression in reading in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) and shall be: (a) Given during the first thirty (30) days of the school year; (b) Repeated, if indicated, midyear; and (c) Given at the end of the school year. (iii) The division shall collect and publish aggregated public school district, open-enrollment public charter school, and overall state literacy assessment results annually by October 1;

(A) High-quality, evidence-based literacy screeners for kindergarten through grade three (K-3).

(B) (i) The division shall identify the literacy screeners required under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section, which shall meet the requirements of § 6-41-603 and may be the same screener used for dyslexia screening. (ii) The literacy screeners required under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section shall be utilized to determine student progression in reading in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) and shall be: (a) Given during the first thirty (30) days of the school year; (b) Repeated, if indicated, midyear; and (c) Given at the end of the school year. (iii) The division shall collect and publish aggregated public school district, open-enrollment public charter school, and overall state literacy assessment results annually by October 1;

(i) The division shall identify the literacy screeners required under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section, which shall meet the requirements of § 6-41-603 and may be the same screener used for dyslexia screening.

(ii) The literacy screeners required under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section shall be utilized to determine student progression in reading in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) and shall be: (a) Given during the first thirty (30) days of the school year; (b) Repeated, if indicated, midyear; and (c) Given at the end of the school year.

(a) Given during the first thirty (30) days of the school year;

(b) Repeated, if indicated, midyear; and

(c) Given at the end of the school year.

(iii) The division shall collect and publish aggregated public school district, open-enrollment public charter school, and overall state literacy assessment results annually by October 1;

(3) Assessments to measure English language arts, mathematics, and science as identified by the state board;

(4) Assessments of English proficiency of all English learners; and

(5) (A) Assessments to measure college and career readiness. (B) (i) A public school that serves a student in grades ten through twelve (10-12) shall administer college and career readiness assessments, including a career readiness assessment that leads to a nationally recognized work readiness certificate, as determined by the state board to each student before he or she graduates from high school. (ii) A career readiness assessment under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section may include without limitation the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). (C) (i) Public school districts may offer additional college and career readiness assessments for students in grades ten through twelve (10-12) at no cost to the student by using public school district funding, including without limitation Enhanced Student Achievement Funding under § 6-20-2305 . (ii) A Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze credential through the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) shall be used by an institution of higher education as transcribable credit toward the attainment of a postsecondary technical degree.

(A) Assessments to measure college and career readiness.

(B) (i) A public school that serves a student in grades ten through twelve (10-12) shall administer college and career readiness assessments, including a career readiness assessment that leads to a nationally recognized work readiness certificate, as determined by the state board to each student before he or she graduates from high school. (ii) A career readiness assessment under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section may include without limitation the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

(i) A public school that serves a student in grades ten through twelve (10-12) shall administer college and career readiness assessments, including a career readiness assessment that leads to a nationally recognized work readiness certificate, as determined by the state board to each student before he or she graduates from high school.

(ii) A career readiness assessment under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section may include without limitation the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

(C) (i) Public school districts may offer additional college and career readiness assessments for students in grades ten through twelve (10-12) at no cost to the student by using public school district funding, including without limitation Enhanced Student Achievement Funding under § 6-20-2305 . (ii) A Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze credential through the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) shall be used by an institution of higher education as transcribable credit toward the attainment of a postsecondary technical degree.

(i) Public school districts may offer additional college and career readiness assessments for students in grades ten through twelve (10-12) at no cost to the student by using public school district funding, including without limitation Enhanced Student Achievement Funding under § 6-20-2305 .

(ii) A Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze credential through the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) shall be used by an institution of higher education as transcribable credit toward the attainment of a postsecondary technical degree.

(b) At the direction of the state board, the division shall cause assessment instruments to be administered at additional grade levels as necessary to measure educational achievement in the public schools of this state.

(c) The statewide student assessment system may include additional assessment options approved by the state board, including without limitation assessments to measure application of knowledge and skills in civics, government, and additional sciences, as measured on a schedule determined by the state board.

(d) A public school district, at its own expense, may assess the academic achievement and growth of students by other means in addition to the required statewide student assessment system.

(e) All students enrolled in a public school district shall participate in the statewide student assessment system.

(f) Public school district boards of directors shall not establish school calendars that limit or interfere with student participation in the statewide student assessment system.

(g) The State of Arkansas shall participate in the administration of the National Assessment of Educational Progress examinations.

(h) The division shall provide for statewide student assessments that are: (1) Valid and reliable; (2) Obtained or developed, as appropriate, through contracts and project agreements; (3) Aligned to the Arkansas academic standards; and (4) Scored and returned for public school and school district use by August 1 of each year.

(1) Valid and reliable;

(2) Obtained or developed, as appropriate, through contracts and project agreements;

(3) Aligned to the Arkansas academic standards; and

(4) Scored and returned for public school and school district use by August 1 of each year.

(i) (1) Public schools, school districts, and educators shall maintain assessment security and confidentiality. (2) (A) (i) The following individuals may serve as the test administrator during the administration of a statewide student assessment under this subchapter if the individual has received the training required by the division: (a) A licensed educator, including a long-term substitute teacher; (b) A retired educator; and (c) An individual employed under a waiver from licensure as a teacher of record or as an administrator. (ii) If accompanied by a test administrator as described in subdivision (i)(2)(A)(i) of this section, any employee, including a substitute teacher, may serve as a test proctor. (B) A relative or guardian of a student shall not serve as a test administrator or proctor in the same testing room as the student during the administration of an assessment under this subchapter. (C) As used in this section, "long-term substitute teacher" means an individual who holds a valid teaching license who does not have a full-time contract with a school district. (3) A violation by a public school, a public school district, or an educator of the security or confidential integrity of any test or assessment may result in action by the state board under §§ 6-17-410 and 6-17-428 or under the rules promulgated by the state board to implement this subchapter.

(1) Public schools, school districts, and educators shall maintain assessment security and confidentiality.

(2) (A) (i) The following individuals may serve as the test administrator during the administration of a statewide student assessment under this subchapter if the individual has received the training required by the division: (a) A licensed educator, including a long-term substitute teacher; (b) A retired educator; and (c) An individual employed under a waiver from licensure as a teacher of record or as an administrator. (ii) If accompanied by a test administrator as described in subdivision (i)(2)(A)(i) of this section, any employee, including a substitute teacher, may serve as a test proctor. (B) A relative or guardian of a student shall not serve as a test administrator or proctor in the same testing room as the student during the administration of an assessment under this subchapter. (C) As used in this section, "long-term substitute teacher" means an individual who holds a valid teaching license who does not have a full-time contract with a school district.

(A) (i) The following individuals may serve as the test administrator during the administration of a statewide student assessment under this subchapter if the individual has received the training required by the division: (a) A licensed educator, including a long-term substitute teacher; (b) A retired educator; and (c) An individual employed under a waiver from licensure as a teacher of record or as an administrator. (ii) If accompanied by a test administrator as described in subdivision (i)(2)(A)(i) of this section, any employee, including a substitute teacher, may serve as a test proctor.

(i) The following individuals may serve as the test administrator during the administration of a statewide student assessment under this subchapter if the individual has received the training required by the division: (a) A licensed educator, including a long-term substitute teacher; (b) A retired educator; and (c) An individual employed under a waiver from licensure as a teacher of record or as an administrator.

(a) A licensed educator, including a long-term substitute teacher;

(b) A retired educator; and

(c) An individual employed under a waiver from licensure as a teacher of record or as an administrator.

(ii) If accompanied by a test administrator as described in subdivision (i)(2)(A)(i) of this section, any employee, including a substitute teacher, may serve as a test proctor.

(B) A relative or guardian of a student shall not serve as a test administrator or proctor in the same testing room as the student during the administration of an assessment under this subchapter.

(C) As used in this section, "long-term substitute teacher" means an individual who holds a valid teaching license who does not have a full-time contract with a school district.

(3) A violation by a public school, a public school district, or an educator of the security or confidential integrity of any test or assessment may result in action by the state board under §§ 6-17-410 and 6-17-428 or under the rules promulgated by the state board to implement this subchapter.

(j) The statewide student assessment system shall not assess students' religious or political beliefs.

(k) (1) The assessment scores of students attending the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts shall be sent to and included on the reports of the public school district the student attended immediately before transferring to the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts. (2) Copies of the assessment scores of students attending the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts shall be made available to the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts.

(1) The assessment scores of students attending the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts shall be sent to and included on the reports of the public school district the student attended immediately before transferring to the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts.

(2) Copies of the assessment scores of students attending the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts shall be made available to the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts.

(l) Public school districts shall analyze and report student performance data to students, parents, and the community, if the disclosures are not in conflict with applicable federal law and state law.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 654,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2023.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 11, eff. 3/8/2023.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 319,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 251,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 1083,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1297, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1296, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1295, eff. 7/1/2019.

Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-2515 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 25 / Section 6-20-2515
Review conferences
Status: in_force

(a) At least one hundred twenty (120) days before the application deadline, a district may request and be granted by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation a review conference that shall be held within seventy-five (75) days after the date of request. (b) The district may be advised through the review conference process by an architectural and engineering firm if the school district pays the cost for the advice from the architectural and engineering firm. (c) The review conference shall consider the following: (1) That the proposed project is academic; (2) The space calculation to be applied to the project if approved; (3) The preliminary wealth index of the district, subject to change when the annual update is calculated, that will be applied to the partnership project if approved; (4) The qualified project cost, subject to update no later than March 1 of the odd year, that will be applied to the partnership project if approved; (5) A projected amount of state funding based on the preliminary wealth index and the qualified project cost, updated no later than March 1 of the odd year, to allow a school district projection of local funding share required; and (6) Whether or not the proposed application meets all of the technical requirements for partnership applications as set out in the application guidelines and rules provided by the division before each partnership application cycle. (d) The division shall make a written record of the findings of the review conference and provide a copy of the written record to the school district within five (5) working days after the written record is finalized. Amended by Act 2017, No. 864,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 864,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2015, No. 962,§ 3, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 2007, No. 989, § 15.

(a) At least one hundred twenty (120) days before the application deadline, a district may request and be granted by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation a review conference that shall be held within seventy-five (75) days after the date of request.

(b) The district may be advised through the review conference process by an architectural and engineering firm if the school district pays the cost for the advice from the architectural and engineering firm.

(c) The review conference shall consider the following: (1) That the proposed project is academic; (2) The space calculation to be applied to the project if approved; (3) The preliminary wealth index of the district, subject to change when the annual update is calculated, that will be applied to the partnership project if approved; (4) The qualified project cost, subject to update no later than March 1 of the odd year, that will be applied to the partnership project if approved; (5) A projected amount of state funding based on the preliminary wealth index and the qualified project cost, updated no later than March 1 of the odd year, to allow a school district projection of local funding share required; and (6) Whether or not the proposed application meets all of the technical requirements for partnership applications as set out in the application guidelines and rules provided by the division before each partnership application cycle.

(1) That the proposed project is academic;

(2) The space calculation to be applied to the project if approved;

(3) The preliminary wealth index of the district, subject to change when the annual update is calculated, that will be applied to the partnership project if approved;

(4) The qualified project cost, subject to update no later than March 1 of the odd year, that will be applied to the partnership project if approved;

(5) A projected amount of state funding based on the preliminary wealth index and the qualified project cost, updated no later than March 1 of the odd year, to allow a school district projection of local funding share required; and

(6) Whether or not the proposed application meets all of the technical requirements for partnership applications as set out in the application guidelines and rules provided by the division before each partnership application cycle.

(d) The division shall make a written record of the findings of the review conference and provide a copy of the written record to the school district within five (5) working days after the written record is finalized.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 864,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 864,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 962,§ 3, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 2007, No. 989, § 15.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-19-109 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 19 / Section 6-19-109
Bus drivers - Seat belts
Status: in_force

The driver or operator of a school bus shall wear a seat belt at all times while operating the school bus whenever the bus is so equipped. Acts 1985, No. 757, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1827.

The driver or operator of a school bus shall wear a seat belt at all times while operating the school bus whenever the bus is so equipped.

Acts 1985, No. 757, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1827.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-81-716 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 81 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-81-716
Medical school graduates - Community match contract - Obligations and conditions
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board and a qualified rural community shall enter a joint community match contract with the applicant. (2) The form of the community match contract shall be approved by the Attorney General and shall be signed by the Chair of the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board, the Secretary of the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board, the designated representative or representatives of the qualified rural community, and the applicant. (b) Each applicant to whom a community match income incentive is granted by the board shall execute a written contract that shall incorporate the following obligations and conditions: (1) (A) The recipient of a community match income incentive shall bindingly contract that he or she shall practice primary care medicine full time in the contracting qualified rural community for a period of four (4) years. (B) (i) The recipient shall receive the income incentive funds according to a disbursement schedule acceptable to the board, the qualified rural community, and the recipient as set forth in writing in the community match contract. (ii) For each three-month period of full-time medical practice by the recipient, according to the terms of the community match contract, the board and the qualified rural community shall award one-fourth (1/4) of the income incentive for the year of service; (2) (A) If any recipient does not begin or ceases the full-time practice of medicine in breach of the community match contract or otherwise breaches the community match contract, the recipient shall pay twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for each uncompleted full year of the four-year contract term, and any civil money penalties that apply. (B) The board may impose civil money penalties of up to fifty percent (50%) of the principal amount of the income incentive under the terms of the community match contract as a consequence of breach; and (3) Neither interest nor the obligation to repay the principal sums accrued shall accrue during any one (1) period of time that the recipient involuntarily serves on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or state active duty in the Arkansas National Guard. (c) Subsection (b) of this section does not prohibit the board from considering and entering into a negotiated settlement with the income incentive recipient involving the terms of repayment of amounts paid under the terms of the community match contract. (d) Community match contracts may be amended at any time before the income incentive has been paid in full or terms and conditions of the contract are satisfied. (e) The board shall promulgate rules setting forth additional terms and conditions of community match contracts. Amended by Act 2019, No. 462,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 132,§ 4, eff. 8/1/2017. Acts 1995, No. 1114, § 6; 2003, No. 676, § 4; 2005, No. 1682, § 1; 2007, No. 1058, § 6; 2009, No. 708, § 5.

(a) (1) The Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board and a qualified rural community shall enter a joint community match contract with the applicant. (2) The form of the community match contract shall be approved by the Attorney General and shall be signed by the Chair of the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board, the Secretary of the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board, the designated representative or representatives of the qualified rural community, and the applicant.

(1) The Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board and a qualified rural community shall enter a joint community match contract with the applicant.

(2) The form of the community match contract shall be approved by the Attorney General and shall be signed by the Chair of the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board, the Secretary of the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan and Scholarship Board, the designated representative or representatives of the qualified rural community, and the applicant.

(b) Each applicant to whom a community match income incentive is granted by the board shall execute a written contract that shall incorporate the following obligations and conditions: (1) (A) The recipient of a community match income incentive shall bindingly contract that he or she shall practice primary care medicine full time in the contracting qualified rural community for a period of four (4) years. (B) (i) The recipient shall receive the income incentive funds according to a disbursement schedule acceptable to the board, the qualified rural community, and the recipient as set forth in writing in the community match contract. (ii) For each three-month period of full-time medical practice by the recipient, according to the terms of the community match contract, the board and the qualified rural community shall award one-fourth (1/4) of the income incentive for the year of service; (2) (A) If any recipient does not begin or ceases the full-time practice of medicine in breach of the community match contract or otherwise breaches the community match contract, the recipient shall pay twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for each uncompleted full year of the four-year contract term, and any civil money penalties that apply. (B) The board may impose civil money penalties of up to fifty percent (50%) of the principal amount of the income incentive under the terms of the community match contract as a consequence of breach; and (3) Neither interest nor the obligation to repay the principal sums accrued shall accrue during any one (1) period of time that the recipient involuntarily serves on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or state active duty in the Arkansas National Guard.

(1) (A) The recipient of a community match income incentive shall bindingly contract that he or she shall practice primary care medicine full time in the contracting qualified rural community for a period of four (4) years. (B) (i) The recipient shall receive the income incentive funds according to a disbursement schedule acceptable to the board, the qualified rural community, and the recipient as set forth in writing in the community match contract. (ii) For each three-month period of full-time medical practice by the recipient, according to the terms of the community match contract, the board and the qualified rural community shall award one-fourth (1/4) of the income incentive for the year of service;

(A) The recipient of a community match income incentive shall bindingly contract that he or she shall practice primary care medicine full time in the contracting qualified rural community for a period of four (4) years.

(B) (i) The recipient shall receive the income incentive funds according to a disbursement schedule acceptable to the board, the qualified rural community, and the recipient as set forth in writing in the community match contract. (ii) For each three-month period of full-time medical practice by the recipient, according to the terms of the community match contract, the board and the qualified rural community shall award one-fourth (1/4) of the income incentive for the year of service;

(i) The recipient shall receive the income incentive funds according to a disbursement schedule acceptable to the board, the qualified rural community, and the recipient as set forth in writing in the community match contract.

(ii) For each three-month period of full-time medical practice by the recipient, according to the terms of the community match contract, the board and the qualified rural community shall award one-fourth (1/4) of the income incentive for the year of service;

(2) (A) If any recipient does not begin or ceases the full-time practice of medicine in breach of the community match contract or otherwise breaches the community match contract, the recipient shall pay twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for each uncompleted full year of the four-year contract term, and any civil money penalties that apply. (B) The board may impose civil money penalties of up to fifty percent (50%) of the principal amount of the income incentive under the terms of the community match contract as a consequence of breach; and

(A) If any recipient does not begin or ceases the full-time practice of medicine in breach of the community match contract or otherwise breaches the community match contract, the recipient shall pay twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for each uncompleted full year of the four-year contract term, and any civil money penalties that apply.

(B) The board may impose civil money penalties of up to fifty percent (50%) of the principal amount of the income incentive under the terms of the community match contract as a consequence of breach; and

(3) Neither interest nor the obligation to repay the principal sums accrued shall accrue during any one (1) period of time that the recipient involuntarily serves on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or state active duty in the Arkansas National Guard.

(c) Subsection (b) of this section does not prohibit the board from considering and entering into a negotiated settlement with the income incentive recipient involving the terms of repayment of amounts paid under the terms of the community match contract.

(d) Community match contracts may be amended at any time before the income incentive has been paid in full or terms and conditions of the contract are satisfied.

(e) The board shall promulgate rules setting forth additional terms and conditions of community match contracts.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 462,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 132,§ 4, eff. 8/1/2017.

Acts 1995, No. 1114, § 6; 2003, No. 676, § 4; 2005, No. 1682, § 1; 2007, No. 1058, § 6; 2009, No. 708, § 5.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-16-606 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 16 / Subchapter 6 / Section 6-16-606
Elective credit
Status: in_force

(a) A public high school shall award one (1) unit of credit as an elective for successfully completing a postsecondary preparatory program under this subchapter. (b) The unit of credit awarded under this section does not count toward the minimum number of credits required by law for high school graduation. Acts 2011, No. 879, § 2.

(a) A public high school shall award one (1) unit of credit as an elective for successfully completing a postsecondary preparatory program under this subchapter.

(b) The unit of credit awarded under this section does not count toward the minimum number of credits required by law for high school graduation.

Acts 2011, No. 879, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-41-805 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 41 / Subchapter 8 / Section 6-41-805
Responsibilities
Status: in_force

(a) (1) An institution of higher education that wishes to establish a Building Better Futures High School Program on campus shall seek recognition as a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program by the United States Department of Education. (2) Only approved institutions are eligible for funding for the Building Better Futures High School Program if funding is available. (b) (1) The Division of Higher Education shall provide information statewide, including to each high school in the state, on the options for postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities. (2) Each public high school in Arkansas shall provide the information distributed by the Division of Higher Education to the parent or guardian of a student with an intellectual or developmental disability enrolled in the public high school. (3) A public high school shall begin providing the information when transition services for a student are discussed at an annual review conference of the individualized education program committee meeting. (c) (1) Nothing in this subchapter relieves a school district from satisfying the requirements of a student's individualized education plan. (2) (A) The lack of an available Building Better Futures High School Program located within fifty (50) miles of a student's public high school or the failure of a Building Better Futures High School Program to admit a public school student is not a failure on the part of the public high school to provide a free and appropriate public school education under 34 C.F.R. § 300.507 . (B) A student who is dismissed from a Building Better Futures High School Program has no recourse against the student's public high school under 34 C.F.R. § 300.507 . (d) A public high school shall: (1) Provide transportation for an admitted and eligible student to and from the closest approved Building Better Futures High School Program that is located no more than fifty (50) miles from the student's public high school; and (2) Continue to provide activities of daily living skills to eligible students at the public high school campus in addition to other requirements of the student's individualized educational plan. (e) Instructional and support staff for a student attending a Building Better Futures High School Program shall be provided by the institution providing the Building Better Futures High School Program while the student is on the campus of the institution. (f) (1) With regard to the Building Better Futures High School Program, an institution of higher education shall not charge tuition and fees at a higher rate for secondary school students than for other students from the community. (2) The tuition and fees shall be charged to the student's public high school and be proportionate to the student's participation in the Building Better Futures High School Program established by the student's individualized education program. (g) A variety of sources may be used to support the Building Better Futures High School Program, including the costs associated with tuition and support services. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1788, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 432,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Added by Act 2015, No. 931,§ 1, eff. 4/2/2015. Added by Act 2015, No. 410,§ 1, eff. 3/16/2015.

(a) (1) An institution of higher education that wishes to establish a Building Better Futures High School Program on campus shall seek recognition as a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program by the United States Department of Education. (2) Only approved institutions are eligible for funding for the Building Better Futures High School Program if funding is available.

(1) An institution of higher education that wishes to establish a Building Better Futures High School Program on campus shall seek recognition as a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program by the United States Department of Education.

(2) Only approved institutions are eligible for funding for the Building Better Futures High School Program if funding is available.

(b) (1) The Division of Higher Education shall provide information statewide, including to each high school in the state, on the options for postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities. (2) Each public high school in Arkansas shall provide the information distributed by the Division of Higher Education to the parent or guardian of a student with an intellectual or developmental disability enrolled in the public high school. (3) A public high school shall begin providing the information when transition services for a student are discussed at an annual review conference of the individualized education program committee meeting.

(1) The Division of Higher Education shall provide information statewide, including to each high school in the state, on the options for postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities.

(2) Each public high school in Arkansas shall provide the information distributed by the Division of Higher Education to the parent or guardian of a student with an intellectual or developmental disability enrolled in the public high school.

(3) A public high school shall begin providing the information when transition services for a student are discussed at an annual review conference of the individualized education program committee meeting.

(c) (1) Nothing in this subchapter relieves a school district from satisfying the requirements of a student's individualized education plan. (2) (A) The lack of an available Building Better Futures High School Program located within fifty (50) miles of a student's public high school or the failure of a Building Better Futures High School Program to admit a public school student is not a failure on the part of the public high school to provide a free and appropriate public school education under 34 C.F.R. § 300.507 . (B) A student who is dismissed from a Building Better Futures High School Program has no recourse against the student's public high school under 34 C.F.R. § 300.507 .

(1) Nothing in this subchapter relieves a school district from satisfying the requirements of a student's individualized education plan.

(2) (A) The lack of an available Building Better Futures High School Program located within fifty (50) miles of a student's public high school or the failure of a Building Better Futures High School Program to admit a public school student is not a failure on the part of the public high school to provide a free and appropriate public school education under 34 C.F.R. § 300.507 . (B) A student who is dismissed from a Building Better Futures High School Program has no recourse against the student's public high school under 34 C.F.R. § 300.507 .

(A) The lack of an available Building Better Futures High School Program located within fifty (50) miles of a student's public high school or the failure of a Building Better Futures High School Program to admit a public school student is not a failure on the part of the public high school to provide a free and appropriate public school education under 34 C.F.R. § 300.507 .

(B) A student who is dismissed from a Building Better Futures High School Program has no recourse against the student's public high school under 34 C.F.R. § 300.507 .

(d) A public high school shall: (1) Provide transportation for an admitted and eligible student to and from the closest approved Building Better Futures High School Program that is located no more than fifty (50) miles from the student's public high school; and (2) Continue to provide activities of daily living skills to eligible students at the public high school campus in addition to other requirements of the student's individualized educational plan.

(1) Provide transportation for an admitted and eligible student to and from the closest approved Building Better Futures High School Program that is located no more than fifty (50) miles from the student's public high school; and

(2) Continue to provide activities of daily living skills to eligible students at the public high school campus in addition to other requirements of the student's individualized educational plan.

(e) Instructional and support staff for a student attending a Building Better Futures High School Program shall be provided by the institution providing the Building Better Futures High School Program while the student is on the campus of the institution.

(f) (1) With regard to the Building Better Futures High School Program, an institution of higher education shall not charge tuition and fees at a higher rate for secondary school students than for other students from the community. (2) The tuition and fees shall be charged to the student's public high school and be proportionate to the student's participation in the Building Better Futures High School Program established by the student's individualized education program.

(1) With regard to the Building Better Futures High School Program, an institution of higher education shall not charge tuition and fees at a higher rate for secondary school students than for other students from the community.

(2) The tuition and fees shall be charged to the student's public high school and be proportionate to the student's participation in the Building Better Futures High School Program established by the student's individualized education program.

(g) A variety of sources may be used to support the Building Better Futures High School Program, including the costs associated with tuition and support services.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1788, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 432,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.

Added by Act 2015, No. 931,§ 1, eff. 4/2/2015.

Added by Act 2015, No. 410,§ 1, eff. 3/16/2015.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-71-107 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 71 / Section 6-71-107
Board of assessors - Assessment procedure
Status: in_force

(a) Immediately after ascertaining the cost of the public improvement contemplated by this chapter, the commission shall appoint three (3) assessors. (b) Each of the assessors, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duty, shall take an oath to well and truly assess, to the best of his or her ability, the value of all benefits to be received by each landowner by reason of the proposed improvement as affecting each tract of land within the district. (c) They shall ascertain the value of the real property within the district without the improvement and the value thereof as benefited by the improvement, and they shall charge against each lot, tract, or parcel of real estate in said district an assessment according to the value of the benefit that will accrue to it by reason of the construction of the college or university. (d) (1) The board of assessors, within ninety (90) days after its organization, shall complete its duties by filing with the commission a list showing the description of the property of the district, the owners' names as far as they appear from the last county assessments, such corrections as they may ascertain should be made, the valuation of each lot, tract, or parcel without the improvement, the valuation with the improvement, and the benefit estimated to accrue to each lot, tract, or parcel by reason of the improvement. (2) The board shall file with the county clerk of the county the list for the inspection of all persons interested. (e) Notice of the filing of the assessments shall be given by publication in at least one (1) daily newspaper published in the county, and the notice shall state a date not less than thirty (30) days distant and the place where complaint may be made by any landowner before the board of any assessment made against his or her property. (f) The board shall correct any inequalities, injustices, or errors which it may find in the assessment and shall hold meetings for the purpose of hearing the complaints of the owners of land in the district as to the assessment so as to adjust the burden of the assessment to the benefit to accrue to the real property of the complainant. (g) The board may adjourn from day to day until the hearings are completed. (h) (1) (A) Any landowner aggrieved by the action of the board may take an appeal to the commission within thirty (30) days from the action of the board upon his or her complaint, or any landowner may appeal from the action of the board from any assessment which acts unequally upon his or her property. (B) The commission shall hear all appeals and determine them. (2) Appeals may be taken from the commission to the county court in the same manner as is now provided by law that appeals may be taken from the county equalization boards to the county court, which appeal shall be taken within thirty (30) days from the action of the commission complained of and not thereafter. (i) The assessors shall be paid on a per diem basis, the amount to be fixed by the commission for the time actually engaged by them in the discharge of the duties of their office. Acts 1949, No. 260, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3610.

(a) Immediately after ascertaining the cost of the public improvement contemplated by this chapter, the commission shall appoint three (3) assessors.

(b) Each of the assessors, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duty, shall take an oath to well and truly assess, to the best of his or her ability, the value of all benefits to be received by each landowner by reason of the proposed improvement as affecting each tract of land within the district.

(c) They shall ascertain the value of the real property within the district without the improvement and the value thereof as benefited by the improvement, and they shall charge against each lot, tract, or parcel of real estate in said district an assessment according to the value of the benefit that will accrue to it by reason of the construction of the college or university.

(d) (1) The board of assessors, within ninety (90) days after its organization, shall complete its duties by filing with the commission a list showing the description of the property of the district, the owners' names as far as they appear from the last county assessments, such corrections as they may ascertain should be made, the valuation of each lot, tract, or parcel without the improvement, the valuation with the improvement, and the benefit estimated to accrue to each lot, tract, or parcel by reason of the improvement. (2) The board shall file with the county clerk of the county the list for the inspection of all persons interested.

(1) The board of assessors, within ninety (90) days after its organization, shall complete its duties by filing with the commission a list showing the description of the property of the district, the owners' names as far as they appear from the last county assessments, such corrections as they may ascertain should be made, the valuation of each lot, tract, or parcel without the improvement, the valuation with the improvement, and the benefit estimated to accrue to each lot, tract, or parcel by reason of the improvement.

(2) The board shall file with the county clerk of the county the list for the inspection of all persons interested.

(e) Notice of the filing of the assessments shall be given by publication in at least one (1) daily newspaper published in the county, and the notice shall state a date not less than thirty (30) days distant and the place where complaint may be made by any landowner before the board of any assessment made against his or her property.

(f) The board shall correct any inequalities, injustices, or errors which it may find in the assessment and shall hold meetings for the purpose of hearing the complaints of the owners of land in the district as to the assessment so as to adjust the burden of the assessment to the benefit to accrue to the real property of the complainant.

(g) The board may adjourn from day to day until the hearings are completed.

(h) (1) (A) Any landowner aggrieved by the action of the board may take an appeal to the commission within thirty (30) days from the action of the board upon his or her complaint, or any landowner may appeal from the action of the board from any assessment which acts unequally upon his or her property. (B) The commission shall hear all appeals and determine them. (2) Appeals may be taken from the commission to the county court in the same manner as is now provided by law that appeals may be taken from the county equalization boards to the county court, which appeal shall be taken within thirty (30) days from the action of the commission complained of and not thereafter.

(1) (A) Any landowner aggrieved by the action of the board may take an appeal to the commission within thirty (30) days from the action of the board upon his or her complaint, or any landowner may appeal from the action of the board from any assessment which acts unequally upon his or her property. (B) The commission shall hear all appeals and determine them.

(A) Any landowner aggrieved by the action of the board may take an appeal to the commission within thirty (30) days from the action of the board upon his or her complaint, or any landowner may appeal from the action of the board from any assessment which acts unequally upon his or her property.

(B) The commission shall hear all appeals and determine them.

(2) Appeals may be taken from the commission to the county court in the same manner as is now provided by law that appeals may be taken from the county equalization boards to the county court, which appeal shall be taken within thirty (30) days from the action of the commission complained of and not thereafter.

(i) The assessors shall be paid on a per diem basis, the amount to be fixed by the commission for the time actually engaged by them in the discharge of the duties of their office.

Acts 1949, No. 260, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3610.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2918 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 29 / Section 6-15-2918
Comprehensive information systems
Status: in_force

(a) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall: (1) Establish and maintain comprehensive information systems that allow reporting, analysis, and data-driven decision-making by public school districts; (2) Provide technical assistance to public school districts in the use of the data; and (3) Provide data access to any authorized entity for analyzing computations and posting public school, public school district, and state student achievement, if the disclosures are not in conflict with applicable federal and state law. (b) The division shall provide electronic resources for educators to support and augment student achievement, efficiency, and educational initiatives. (c) The division may contract with providers to collect, maintain, and analyze data and prepare reports. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1311, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1310, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.

(a) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall: (1) Establish and maintain comprehensive information systems that allow reporting, analysis, and data-driven decision-making by public school districts; (2) Provide technical assistance to public school districts in the use of the data; and (3) Provide data access to any authorized entity for analyzing computations and posting public school, public school district, and state student achievement, if the disclosures are not in conflict with applicable federal and state law.

(1) Establish and maintain comprehensive information systems that allow reporting, analysis, and data-driven decision-making by public school districts;

(2) Provide technical assistance to public school districts in the use of the data; and

(3) Provide data access to any authorized entity for analyzing computations and posting public school, public school district, and state student achievement, if the disclosures are not in conflict with applicable federal and state law.

(b) The division shall provide electronic resources for educators to support and augment student achievement, efficiency, and educational initiatives.

(c) The division may contract with providers to collect, maintain, and analyze data and prepare reports.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1311, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1310, eff. 7/1/2019.

Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-205 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-20-205
Public School Fund - Arkansas History Textbook Revolving Fund
Status: in_force

(a) The State Board of Education is authorized to publish and offer for sale an Arkansas history textbook copyrighted in the name of the state board and the Arkansas State Archives. (b) The state board shall establish a procedure for marketing the textbook and shall establish a sale price schedule. (c) Net proceeds received from the sale of the Arkansas history textbook shall be deposited to the credit of the Public School Fund. (d) There is established in the Public School Fund an Arkansas History Textbook Revolving Fund for the purpose of expediting the purchase and sale of an Arkansas history textbook. Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 3,§ 94, eff. 7/1/2016. Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 2,§ 94, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 1963, No. 229, §§ 1, 2; 1967, No. 229, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-704.1, 80-704.2.

(a) The State Board of Education is authorized to publish and offer for sale an Arkansas history textbook copyrighted in the name of the state board and the Arkansas State Archives.

(b) The state board shall establish a procedure for marketing the textbook and shall establish a sale price schedule.

(c) Net proceeds received from the sale of the Arkansas history textbook shall be deposited to the credit of the Public School Fund.

(d) There is established in the Public School Fund an Arkansas History Textbook Revolving Fund for the purpose of expediting the purchase and sale of an Arkansas history textbook.

Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 3,§ 94, eff. 7/1/2016.

Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 2,§ 94, eff. 7/1/2016.

Acts 1963, No. 229, §§ 1, 2; 1967, No. 229, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-704.1, 80-704.2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-81-606 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 81 / Subchapter 6 / Section 6-81-606
Discrimination prohibited
Status: in_force

This subchapter shall in no way discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or area of teacher education. Acts 1987, No. 331, § 4.

This subchapter shall in no way discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or area of teacher education.

Acts 1987, No. 331, § 4.