reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 22 - CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE MINIMUM SALARY ACT (§§ 6-17-2201 — 6-17-2207) › Section 6-17-2206 - Highly qualified paraprofessional bonuses

(a)
(1)
The purpose of this section is to provide a bonus from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in recognition of the efforts made by paraprofessional employees who attain highly qualified status.
(2)
A person who is eligible for a bonus under this section may receive a bonus under subsection (b) or subsection (c) of this section but shall not receive a bonus under both subsection (b) and subsection (c) of this section.
(3)
The bonuses under this section are contingent upon the appropriation and availability of funding.
(b)
A paraprofessional who is under a contract of employment with a public school district or education service cooperative as a paraprofessional employee on May 1, 2007, and who holds an associate degree or higher degree shall be considered a highly qualified paraprofessional and shall receive a one-time bonus of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
(c)
A paraprofessional who is under a contract of employment with a public school district or education service cooperative as a paraprofessional employee on May 1, 2007, shall be considered a highly qualified paraprofessional and shall receive a one-time bonus of five hundred dollars ($500) if he or she has:
(1)
Completed sixty (60) hours of coursework at an institution of higher education; or
(2)
Passed the high-stakes test for highly qualified status.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1482, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2007, No. 1197, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 22 - CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE MINIMUM SALARY ACT (§§ 6-17-2201 — 6-17-2207) › Section 6-17-2207 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 938,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2015, No. 1104,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 23 - PERSONNEL POLICY LAW FOR CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES (§§ 6-17-2301 — 6-17-2306) › Section 6-17-2301 - Requirement

(a)
Each school district in the State of Arkansas shall have a set of written personnel policies, including the salary schedule for classified employees.
(b)
Personnel policies of concern to the classified personnel policies committee shall include without limitation the following terms and conditions of employment:
(1)
Salary schedule, fringe benefits, and other compensation issues;
(2)
Annual school calendar, including work days and holidays;
(3)
Evaluation procedures;
(4)
Leave;
(5)
Grievance procedures;
(6)
Termination, nonrenewal, or suspension;
(7)
Reduction in force;
(8)
Assignments; and
(9)
Bylaws, rules, and procedures related to the classified personnel policies committee.
(c)
(1)
(A)
A school district shall not receive in any year any additional state funding from the Public School Fund until the school district has posted on the school district's website, in accordance with §
6-11-129
, its current personnel policies for classified employees, including any salary schedules as required by this subchapter.
(B)
The school district shall maintain in a central records location a written copy of the policies signed by the president of the school district's board of directors.
(2)
By September 15 of each year, a school district shall provide the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education with the website address at which its current personnel policies for classified employees, including the salary schedule, may be found.
(d)
The division shall notify any school district that has not posted its policies on the school district website or provided the division with the website address in accordance with this section.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 782,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1484, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1483, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1073,§ 28, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 2003, No. 1780, § 1; 2005, No. 951, § 1; 2011, No. 989, § 58.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 23 - PERSONNEL POLICY LAW FOR CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES (§§ 6-17-2301 — 6-17-2306) › Section 6-17-2302 - Applicability - Definitions

(a)
The provisions of this subchapter shall not apply if the school district chooses to officially recognize in its policies an organization representing the majority of the nonmanagement classified employees of the school district for the purpose of negotiating personnel policies, salaries, and educational matters of mutual concern under a written policy agreement.
(b)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Classified employee" means any person employed by a school district under a written annual contract who is not required to have a teaching license issued by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education as a condition of employment;
(2)
"Classified employee administrator" means any classified or licensed employee who evaluates nonmanagement classified employees and any classified employee who supervises but does not evaluate other classified employees if the nonmanagement classified employees exclude them; and
(3)
"Nonmanagement classified employee" means any classified employee who does not evaluate other classified employees. The nonmanagement classified employees in a school district, at their discretion in an election conducted in accordance with §
6-17-2303(c)
, include in this definition classified employees who supervise but do not evaluate other classified employees.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1485, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2003, No. 1780, § 2; 2005, No. 951, § 1; 2011, No. 989, § 59.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 23 - PERSONNEL POLICY LAW FOR CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES (§§ 6-17-2301 — 6-17-2306) › Section 6-17-2303 - Committee for each school district

(a)
(1)
Each school district shall have a committee on personnel policies for classified employees, which shall consist of at least one (1) nonmanagement classified representative from each of the following five (5) classifications:
(A)
Maintenance, operation, and custodians;
(B)
Transportation;
(C)
Food service;
(D)
Secretary and clerk; and
(E)
Aides and paraprofessionals.
(2)
All other job classifications of classified employees not identified in the five (5) classifications under subdivision (a)(1) of this section may be grouped together and added as an at-large classification and shall have at least one (1) nonmanagement classified representative on the committee on classified personnel policies.
(3)
However, a school district that outsources any one (1) of the five (5) classifications under subdivision (a)(1) of this section may fill the position representing a job classification that is outsourced with a nonmanagement classified representative who is employed in a position not identified by one (1) of the five (5) classifications under subdivision (a)(1) of this section.
(b)
(1)
There shall be no more than three (3) classified employee administrators on the committee, one (1) of whom may be the superintendent of schools.
(2)
The classified employee administrators on the committee shall be appointed by the school district board of directors or its designee.
(c)
A nonmanagement classified employee member of the committee shall be elected by a vote of nonmanagement classified employees according to rules and procedures established in a school district's written personnel policy.
(d)
(1)
An election under this section shall be conducted annually no later than October 15.
(2)
If the nonmanagement classified employee members of a school district's committee on personnel policies for classified employees fail to conduct an election by October 15 as required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section, the school district board of directors may appoint a nonmanagement classified employee in order to fill any vacancy on the school district's committee on personnel policies for classified employees.
(e)
There shall be no additional monetary compensation for service on the committee.
(f)
All meetings of a committee on personnel policies for classified employees shall be audio recorded and made publicly available to ensure transparency.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 782,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023.
Acts 2003, No. 1780, § 3; 2005, No. 951, § 1; 2009, No. 201, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 23 - PERSONNEL POLICY LAW FOR CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES (§§ 6-17-2301 — 6-17-2306) › Section 6-17-2304 - Incorporation into employee contracts

(a)
The personnel policies of each school district shall be considered to be incorporated as terms of the classified employees' contracts and shall be binding upon the classified employees and the school district.
(b)
(1)
Any change or addition to the classified personnel policies shall not be considered a part of classified employee contracts until the next fiscal year.
(2)
Any change or addition to the classified personnel policies may take effect before the next fiscal year only if the change or addition is approved by a majority of the committee on personnel policies for classified employees.
(3)
Any change or addition to the classified personnel policies or new personnel policies shall be made in accordance with this subchapter.
(c)
Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, a change or addition to the classified personnel policies that is necessary to ensure compliance with state rule or federal regulation, a state law enacted during a legislative session, or a federal law that is adopted by the board of directors of a school district each year by the later of June 30 or ninety (90) days after the effective date of the state rule or federal regulation, a state law enacted during a legislative session, or a federal law giving rise to the specific policy change or addition shall be considered a part of the classified personnel contracts on July 1 of the same calendar year or upon the date of adoption if adopted after June 30.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 782,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 240, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 835,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 2003, No. 1780, § 4; 2005, No. 951, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 23 - PERSONNEL POLICY LAW FOR CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES (§§ 6-17-2301 — 6-17-2306) › Section 6-17-2305 - Organization and duties of committee

(a)
The school district's committee on personnel policies for classified employees shall organize itself in the first quarter of each school year, elect a chair and secretary, and develop a calendar of meetings throughout the year to review the school district's personnel policies to:
(1)
Determine whether additional policies or amendments to existing policies are needed;
(2)
Review any policies or changes to policies proposed by the board of directors; and
(3)
Propose additional policies or amendments to existing personnel policies to the board of directors.
(b)
Minutes of the committee meetings shall be promptly placed on the school district's website.
(c)
(1)
Either the committee or the board of directors may propose new personnel policies or amendments to existing policies.
(2)
New personnel policies or amendments to existing personnel policies proposed by the board of directors may not be voted on by the board of directors as a school district policy unless the final form of the policy to be voted on has been submitted as a proposed policy to the committee for consideration at least ten (10) working days before the vote of the board of directors.
(3)
(A)
The superintendent may recommend any changes in personnel policies to the board of directors or the personnel policies committee.
(B)
The recommendations may then become proposals at the discretion of either the board of directors or the committee.
(d)
The chair of the committee or a committee member designated by the chair shall be placed on the board of directors' agenda and shall have the opportunity to orally present to the board of directors the committee's comments, positions, or proposals on the final form of any proposed policies or amendments to existing policies whether proposed by the committee or the board of directors, before they are voted on by the board of directors as school district policies.
(e)
After the oral presentation to the board of directors, final action may be taken immediately, but final action shall be taken no later than the next regular board of directors meeting.
(f)
The board of directors may adopt, reject, or refer to the committee on personnel policies for further study and revision any proposed policies or amendments to existing policies that are submitted to the board of directors for consideration by the committee.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 782,§ 4, eff. 8/1/2023.
Acts 2003, No. 1780, § 5; 2005, No. 951, § 1; 2009, No. 1492, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 23 - PERSONNEL POLICY LAW FOR CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES (§§ 6-17-2301 — 6-17-2306) › Section 6-17-2306 - Copies furnished classified employees

(a)
(1)
Each classified employee being employed by a school district for the first time shall be given a copy of the school district's personnel policies in effect at the time of his or her employment.
(2)
A digital copy provided to an employee or an online copy that is accessible by internet or intranet will meet the requirements of subdivision (a)(1) of this section.
(3)
A hard copy of all classified policies shall be available to review at each work location.
(4)
The individual employee shall be offered the choice of a hard copy or a digital copy.
(b)
(1)
Each classified employee shall be furnished a copy of any amendments to the personnel policies within thirty (30) days after approval of the amendments by the board of directors of the school district.
(2)
A digital copy provided to an employee or an online copy that is accessible by internet or intranet will meet the requirements of subdivision (b)(1) of this section.
(3)
A hard copy of all amendments shall be available for review at each work location.
(4)
The individual employee shall be offered the choice of a hard copy or a digital copy.
Acts 2003, No. 1780, § 6; 2005, No. 951, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 24 - TEACHER COMPENSATION PROGRAM OF 2003 (§§ 6-17-2401 — 6-17-2407) › Section 6-17-2401 - Title

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Teacher Compensation Program of 2003".
Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 59, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 24 - TEACHER COMPENSATION PROGRAM OF 2003 (§§ 6-17-2401 — 6-17-2407) › Section 6-17-2402 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
(A)
(i)
"Basic contract" means a teacher employment contract for one hundred ninety (190) days that includes no less than six (6) days of professional development, except as provided under subdivision (1)(B) of this section for teachers employed in a Civilian Student Training Program or the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program.
(ii)
A public school district shall not require more than four (4) days of professional development in addition to the six (6) days of professional development included in a basic contract under subdivision (1)(A)(i) of this section.
(B)
(i)
For the purpose of a teacher employed in the Civilian Student Training Program or the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program, a basic contract for a teacher means:
(a)
Full-time employment for one hundred ninety (190) days that includes no less than six (6) days of professional development; and
(b)
All additional days in excess of one hundred ninety (190) days paid at the daily rate under §
6-17-2403
that are required for full-time annual employment and subject to the policies and guidelines of the Arkansas National Guard.
(ii)
A basic contract for a teacher employed in the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program shall include a yearly accrual of two (2) days of annual leave and nine (9) days of sick leave;
(2)
"Master's degree" means a graduate degree awarded for successful completion of a program at the master's level or higher related to:
(A)
Education;
(B)
Guidance counseling; or
(C)
A teacher's teaching content area; and
(3)
"Teacher" means:
(A)
An individual who is required to hold a teaching license from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and who is engaged directly in instruction with students in a classroom setting for more than seventy percent (70%) of the individual's contracted time;
(B)
A guidance counselor; or
(C)
A librarian.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 548,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 75,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1486, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1177,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 44,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 59, § 2; 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 74, § 1; 2011, No. 1178, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 24 - TEACHER COMPENSATION PROGRAM OF 2003 (§§ 6-17-2401 — 6-17-2407) › Section 6-17-2405 - Future adjustments of compensation system

Each biennium, the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education shall analyze the compensation levels provided in this subchapter, review relevant data, and make recommendations to the General Assembly for any adjustments to the compensation levels as needed to further the objective provided in §
6-17-2403
.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 42, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 59, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 24 - TEACHER COMPENSATION PROGRAM OF 2003 (§§ 6-17-2401 — 6-17-2407) › Section 6-17-2406 - Applicability of teacher salary schedule - Low-income school status - Definition

(a)
As used in this section, "teacher" means a full-time employee of the C-Step Program or the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program, or both:
(1)
Who is compelled by law to secure a license from the State Board of Education as a condition precedent to employment in a position in or related to grades prekindergarten through twelve (preK-12); and
(2)
Who is:
(A)
Engaged directly in instruction with students in a classroom setting, including the administration and preparation requirements for instruction, for more than seventy percent (70%) of the contracted time;
(B)
A guidance counselor; or
(C)
A librarian or media specialist.
(b)
(1)
To the extent that funds are specifically appropriated by the General Assembly, a teacher employed by the Civilian Student Training Program or the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program, or both, shall be paid no less than the minimum amounts under §
6-17-2403
.
(2)
The budget of the Arkansas National Guard shall include the calculation of teacher salaries for teachers in the Civilian Student Training Program and the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program based on §
6-17-2403
.
(c)
The Civilian Student Training Program or the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program may be designated by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education as a low-income school, and receive the benefits of such designation if the Civilian Student Training Program or the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program meets the low-income school criteria.
(d)
This section does not require a school district to pay the salary of a teacher who is not an employee of the school district or require that teachers be paid from any state funds other than as appropriated by the General Assembly.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1489, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1177,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 2005, No. 1777, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 24 - TEACHER COMPENSATION PROGRAM OF 2003 (§§ 6-17-2401 — 6-17-2407) › Section 6-17-2407 - Reduction in force procedure - Definition

(a)
(1)
It is the public policy of the State of Arkansas that each school district shall have a written policy on reduction in force based upon criteria for a layoff and recall of employees, which shall include without limitation an employee's:
(A)
Merit;
(B)
Ability;
(C)
Attendance;
(D)
Performance; and
(E)
Effectiveness.
(2)
The following shall not factor more than fifty percent (50%) of the total criteria used by a school district in its written policy on reduction in force:
(A)
An employee's seniority;
(B)
An employee's length of service with the school district;
(C)
An employee's total professional development hours; and
(D)
The education level of an employee.
(b)
A "layoff" is an unavoidable reduction in the workforce beyond normal attrition.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 780,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Acts 2005, No. 2149, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 25 - ARKANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR ACT (§§ 6-17-2501 — 6-17-2506) › Section 6-17-2501 - Title

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Arkansas Teacher of the Year Act".
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 17, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 25 - ARKANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR ACT (§§ 6-17-2501 — 6-17-2506) › Section 6-17-2502 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
"In residence" means working exclusively with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education at a location agreed upon between the division and the Arkansas Teacher of the Year;
(2)
"School district board of directors" means the local board of directors of a school district who are duly elected and qualified to hold office;
(3)
"Superintendent" means the executive officer of a school district board of directors directing the affairs of the school district and teaching not more than one-half (1/2) of the time in the school day; and
(4)
"Teacher" means a person who:
(A)
Holds a license under §
6-17-401
et seq.; and
(B)
Is engaged in student contact for more than seventy percent (70%) of the person's contracted time.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 251,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1490, eff. 7/1/2019.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 25 - ARKANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR ACT (§§ 6-17-2501 — 6-17-2506) › Section 6-17-2503 - Arkansas Teacher of the Year Program

(a)
(1)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall develop a process for selecting the Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
(2)
This process shall work in conjunction with and in support of the process for selecting a National Teacher of the Year.
(b)
The process shall allow that each Arkansas school district board of directors may submit a single applicant for the Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
(c)
The applicants shall be reduced to sixteen (16) finalists representing one (1) applicant for each of the fifteen (15) education service areas and one (1) applicant for school districts in Pulaski County.
(d)
In submitting an application for Arkansas Teacher of the Year, a school district agrees that if its applicant is selected, the school district shall place that teacher on paid administrative leave for the school year immediately following his or her selection, as provided in §
6-17-2504
.
(e)
While on paid administrative leave, the teacher shall:
(1)
Work in residence with the division to:
(A)
Create professional development programs for other teachers;
(B)
Provide educational technical assistance to students and teachers statewide;
(C)
Enhance the Arkansas Teacher of the Year Program; and
(D)
Enhance the quality of elementary and secondary education in Arkansas; and
(2)
Represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
(f)
During the school year in which a school district's Arkansas Teacher of the Year is on paid administrative leave, the division shall reimburse the school district as provided in §
6-17-2505
.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1493, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1492, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1491, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 17, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 25 - ARKANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR ACT (§§ 6-17-2501 — 6-17-2506) › Section 6-17-2504 - School district responsibility

(a)
Each school district whose applicant is selected as Arkansas Teacher of the Year shall place that teacher on paid administrative leave for the school year immediately following the teacher's selection as Arkansas Teacher of the Year for the time period that the teacher actually serves as the Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
(b)
The teacher shall be entitled to return to his or her former employment with the school district for the school year following the paid administrative leave provisions of this section.
(c)
The school district shall be responsible for providing a replacement teacher or restructuring class loads during the school year in which the teacher selected as Arkansas Teacher of the Year is on administrative leave.
(d)
A school district that employs a substitute teacher to replace the Arkansas Teacher of the Year shall not be subject to any earning limitations set in place by law or the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System.
(e)
Each school district classroom teacher contract shall reflect the administrative leave provisions of this section for any teacher selected as Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 17, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 25 - ARKANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR ACT (§§ 6-17-2501 — 6-17-2506) › Section 6-17-2505 - Division of Elementary and Secondary Education responsibility

(a)
During the school year in which a school district's Arkansas Teacher of the Year is on paid administrative leave, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall reimburse the school district for:
(1)
The teacher's salary and benefits; and
(2)
(A)
Incidental expenses incurred by the teacher as a result of his or her participation in the Arkansas Teacher of the Year Program.
(B)
All incidental expenses shall be approved by the division.
(b)
The division shall be responsible for the reimbursement of any incidental expenses incurred by the teacher during the implementation of the program for the current year.
(c)
The division may receive private donations, grants, or other forms of assistance to help fund any aspect of the program.
(d)
The State Board of Education may promulgate rules to administer this section.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 251,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1494, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 17, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 25 - ARKANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR ACT (§§ 6-17-2501 — 6-17-2506) › Section 6-17-2506 - Nonvoting member of State Board of Education

(a)
While serving as Arkansas Teacher of the Year, the teacher shall also serve in an advisory position as a nonvoting member of the State Board of Education.
(b)
The teacher shall provide a written advisory report to the state board on how to better provide teacher professional development and student instruction assistance for Arkansas public school teachers.
(c)
The teacher shall not be entitled to any compensation or per diem for serving as a nonvoting member of the state board.
(d)
As a nonvoting member of the state board, the Arkansas Teacher of the Year shall be immune from any liability with regard to any act or omission of the state board.
Acts 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 17, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 26 - LIFETIME TEACHING LICENSE (§§ 6-17-2601 — 6-17-2606) › Section 6-17-2601 - Purpose

The purpose of this subchapter is to provide a lifetime teaching license to:
(1)
Recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to education or the profession of teaching through educational research, scholarly endeavors, excellence in teaching, educational innovation, or years of teaching experience; and
(2)
Promote role models in the field of education.
Acts 2007, No. 169, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 26 - LIFETIME TEACHING LICENSE (§§ 6-17-2601 — 6-17-2606) › Section 6-17-2602 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
"Educational setting" means the employment setting where the licensed employee works, including without limitation:
(A)
A public or private school;
(B)
An institution of higher education;
(C)
An education service cooperative;
(D)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education;
(E)
An adult education setting; or
(F)
Another agency or organization that employs licensed teachers for educational purposes;
(2)
"Professional development" has the same meaning as the meaning given to the term under §
6-17-704
; and
(3)
"Teaching experience" means the experience gained while working in an educational setting as a teacher, librarian, counselor, administrator, educational consultant, substitute teacher, or other licensed employee.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1495, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 43, eff. 8/16/2013.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 969,§ 9, eff. 4/8/2013.
Acts 2007, No. 169, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 26 - LIFETIME TEACHING LICENSE (§§ 6-17-2601 — 6-17-2606) › Section 6-17-2603 - Eligibility

To be eligible for a lifetime teaching license, the licensed educator must:
(1)
Hold a current or expired Arkansas teaching license;
(2)
Be either:
(A)
At least sixty-two (62) years of age; or
(B)
Retired from active teaching under §
24-7-701
, §
24-7-702
, or §
24-7-704
; and
(3)
Have either:
(A)
Worked in an educational setting while maintaining an Arkansas teaching license; or
(B)
Made significant contributions to education, educational research, or the profession of teaching through scholarly endeavors, teaching experience, excellence in teaching, or educational innovation.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 588,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 2007, No. 169, § 1; 2009, No. 224, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 26 - LIFETIME TEACHING LICENSE (§§ 6-17-2601 — 6-17-2606) › Section 6-17-2604 - Lifetime teaching license

(a)
A person who meets the eligibility requirements of §
6-17-2603
may apply for a lifetime teaching license by filing an application with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
(b)
(1)
The State Board of Education shall review the application.
(2)
If the state board approves the application, the state board shall reissue the applicant's current or expired Arkansas teaching license as a lifetime teaching license.
(3)
A lifetime teaching license applicant is subject to the criminal background checks and Child Maltreatment Central Registry check under §
6-17-410
:
(A)
Upon application; and
(B)
If more than twelve (12) months have elapsed since the last time the background checks and Child Maltreatment Central Registry check were successfully completed, upon employment in an educational environment.
(c)
Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the lifetime teaching license shall terminate upon the death or legal incapacity of the license holder.
(d)
A lifetime teaching license is subject to the same laws for revocation as any Arkansas teaching license.
(e)
A person who holds a lifetime teaching license is not required to renew his or her teaching license.
(f)
Except to the extent required by §
6-17-2605
, a lifetime teaching license holder is not subject to the requirements for annual professional development.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1496, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1089,§ 13, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 2007, No. 169, § 1; 2009, No. 224, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 26 - LIFETIME TEACHING LICENSE (§§ 6-17-2601 — 6-17-2606) › Section 6-17-2605 - Employment by public school district

(a)
A lifetime teaching license holder is eligible to serve as a substitute teacher and as a tutor.
(b)
A lifetime teaching license holder who becomes employed as a licensed educator by a school district shall participate in the professional development programs required by the employing school district.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 588,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 2007, No. 169, § 1; 2009, No. 224, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 26 - LIFETIME TEACHING LICENSE (§§ 6-17-2601 — 6-17-2606) › Section 6-17-2606 - Rules - Reports

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall:
(1)
Develop rules to implement the provisions of this subchapter; and
(2)
Report annually to the General Assembly regarding compliance with each item set forth in this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1497, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2007, No. 169, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 27 - SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH FUND (§§ 6-17-2701 — 6-17-2704) › Section 6-17-2701 - Legislative intent

The General Assembly finds:
(1)
Achievement and enthusiasm of Arkansas students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math is a critical step in preparing the State of Arkansas for a workforce with the skills necessary to compete economically in the twenty-first century workplace and to prepare the children of this state for high-paying competitive jobs;
(2)
Currently more than fifty percent (50%) of Arkansas students who go straight to college require remedial courses in both math and English;
(3)
In fiscal year 2003-2004, Arkansas expended over forty-eight million dollars ($48,000,000) on student remediation;
(4)
In 2005, of the five thousand four hundred thirty-four (5,434) students who took math and science advanced placement courses, only twenty-six and six-tenths percent (26.6%) of those students received a passing score while nationally, passage rates ranged between fifty-six percent (56%) for chemistry to eighty percent (80%) for calculus;
(5)
Students' completion of high school math courses beyond Algebra II significantly increases the probability that the student will earn a bachelor's degree;
(6)
Approximately four thousand (4,000) of the seven thousand four hundred thirty-three (7,433) licensed teachers in Arkansas are actively teaching science, technology, engineering, and math-related courses and may qualify for the science, technology, engineering, and math supplemental income grant; and
(7)
Because of the significant difference in income between science, technology, engineering, and math teachers and what they can make in industry, it is essential to:
(A)
Reduce the loss of science, technology, engineering, and math teachers to industry;
(B)
Entice science, technology, engineering, and math teachers back to the classroom; and
(C)
Encourage students to enter the science, technology, engineering, and math teaching professions by supplying supplemental grant income to science, technology, engineering, and math teachers.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 44, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 2007, No. 564, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 27 - SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH FUND (§§ 6-17-2701 — 6-17-2704) › Section 6-17-2702 - Determination of eligibility

(a)
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission, in coordination with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, shall promulgate rules governing the eligibility of teachers of science, technology, engineering, or math to receive a supplemental grant from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Fund.
(b)
Rules shall be promulgated in accordance with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, §
25-15-201
et seq.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1498, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2007, No. 564, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 27 - SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH FUND (§§ 6-17-2701 — 6-17-2704) › Section 6-17-2703 - Application process

(a)
Licensed math and science teachers who are currently teaching science, technology, engineering, and math subjects in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) may apply to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for a supplemental grant from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Fund for that portion of the day in which they are teaching science, technology, engineering, or math subjects or laboratories.
(b)
Selection and identification of qualified science, technology, engineering, and math teachers shall be coordinated with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for identification of qualified science, technology, engineering, and math teachers.
(c)
Applications for supplemental grants from the fund shall be made to the commission by February 1 and September 1 of each year.
(d)
The application shall be made on forms prepared by the commission.
(e)
The application shall be accompanied by a letter of certification, on a form to be provided by the commission, from the principal of the school in which the science, technology, engineering, or math teacher is employed.
(f)
The commission shall review the applications in accordance with rules promulgated by the commission in coordination with the division to determine if the applicant qualifies for a supplemental grant from the fund.
(g)
After determining eligibility for a supplemental grant from the fund, the commission shall notify, in writing, the applicant of the decision of eligibility.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1500, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1499, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2007, No. 564, § 4; 2011, No. 989, § 60.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 27 - SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH FUND (§§ 6-17-2701 — 6-17-2704) › Section 6-17-2704 - Disbursement of supplemental grant

Upon the determination of eligibility for a supplemental grant from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Fund, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission shall disburse the allotted funds to the teacher at the end of the fall and spring semesters for which the science, technology, engineering, or math course was taught.
Acts 2007, No. 564, § 5.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 28 - TEACHER EXCELLENCE AND SUPPORT SYSTEM (§§ 6-17-2801 — 6-17-2809) › Section 6-17-2801 - Title

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Teacher Excellence and Support System".
Acts 2011, No. 1209, § 8.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 28 - TEACHER EXCELLENCE AND SUPPORT SYSTEM (§§ 6-17-2801 — 6-17-2809) › Section 6-17-2802 - Legislative intent

It is the intent of the General Assembly to:
(1)
Provide a program affording public school districts and public charter schools a transparent and consistent teacher evaluation system that ensures effective teaching and promotes professional learning;
(2)
Provide an evaluation, feedback, and support system that will encourage teachers to improve their knowledge and instructional skills in order to improve student learning;
(3)
Provide a basis for making teacher employment decisions;
(4)
Provide an integrated system that links evaluation procedures with curricular standards, professional development activities, targeted support, and human capital decisions;
(5)
Encourage highly effective teachers to undertake challenging assignments;
(6)
Support teachers' roles in improving students' educational achievements;
(7)
Inform policymakers regarding the benefits of a consistent evaluation and support system in regard to improving student achievement across the state; and
(8)
Increase the awareness of parents and guardians of public school students concerning the effectiveness of public school teachers.
Acts 2011, No. 1209, § 8.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 28 - TEACHER EXCELLENCE AND SUPPORT SYSTEM (§§ 6-17-2801 — 6-17-2809) › Section 6-17-2804 - Administrative agency responsibilities

(a)
The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules for the Teacher Excellence and Support System consistent with this subchapter.
(b)
The rules shall without limitation:
(1)
Recognize that student learning is the foundation of teacher effectiveness, that many factors impact student learning not all of which are under the control of the teacher or the school, and that evidence of student learning includes multiple measures;
(2)
Provide that the goals of the Teacher Excellence and Support System are quality assurance and teacher growth;
(3)
Reflect evidence-based or proven practices that improve student learning;
(4)
Utilize clear, concise, evidentiary data for teacher professional growth and development to improve student achievement;
(5)
Recognize that evidence of student growth is a significant part of the Teacher Excellence and Support System;
(6)
Ensure that student growth is analyzed at every phase of the evaluation system to illustrate teacher effectiveness;
(7)
Include clearly defined teacher evaluation domains, performance ratings, and evaluation rubric components for the evaluation framework;
(8)
Include procedures for implementing each component of the Teacher Excellence and Support System;
(9)
Include the professional development requirements for all superintendents, administrators, evaluators, and teachers to obtain the training necessary to be able to understand and successfully implement a Teacher Excellence and Support System under this subchapter; and
(10)
(A)
Include the requirements for schools and school districts to report data under this subchapter to inform public school accountability and support the state's goal of equitable access to effective teachers for all students.
(B)
The raw data reported to and collected by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for the purposes of this section, including all or part of the raw data that the division provides to an expert outside the division for analysis, is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, §
25-19-101
et seq.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1501, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 295,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 709,§ 4, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 2011, No. 1209, § 8.