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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 2 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 6-18-201 — 6-18-236) › Section 6-18-230 - Minimum age for enrolling in prekindergarten

(a)
(1)
A child may enter a prekindergarten program for children three (3) years of age if the child will attain three (3) years of age on or before August 1 immediately preceding the beginning of the school year.
(2)
A child may enter a prekindergarten program for children four (4) years of age if the child will attain four (4) years of age on or before August 1 immediately preceding the beginning of the school year.
(b)
(1)
The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education shall notify all providers of appropriate early childhood programs for prekindergarten of the age requirements specified in subsection (a) of this section by providing one (1) written notification letter sent to each provider of appropriate early childhood programs for prekindergarten at the address of record on file with the Department of Human Services.
(2)
The prekindergarten age requirements specified in subsection (a) of this section shall be published on the website of the:
(A)
Department of Human Services; and
(B)
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1523, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 46, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 2009, No. 426, § 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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 2 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 6-18-201 — 6-18-236) › Section 6-18-231 - Additional absences for Arkansas National Guard members

A student who joins the Arkansas National Guard at seventeen (17) years of age while in grade eleven (11) shall be granted additional absences at the discretion of the school district superintendent in order to complete basic combat training between grades eleven (11) and twelve (12).
Added by Act 2013, No. 1289,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 2 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 6-18-201 — 6-18-236) › Section 6-18-236 - Voting - Excused absence - Definitions

(a)
(1)
A student enrolled in a school shall not be considered absent from the school in which the student is enrolled for the time during which the student accompanies the student's parent when the parent is exercising his or her right to vote in a scheduled election.
(2)
A student may receive an excused absence under subdivision (a)(1) of this section only one (1) time during each scheduled election.
(3)
A student who accompanies his or her parent when the parent is exercising his or her right to vote in a scheduled election is encouraged to demonstrate his or her attendance at the scheduled election by wearing an official sticker, badge, or other item that indicates he or she attended the scheduled election upon his or her return to school.
(b)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Parent" means a student's parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to the student; and
(2)
"School" means a school that is funded in whole or in part by state funds.
Added by Act 2023, No. 621,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 3 - ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-18-301 — 6-18-320) › Section 6-18-307 - Transfer from one school district to adjoining school district

(a)
(1)
(A)
The parent or guardian of any child or ward whose place of residence is at least fifteen (15) miles from the school in the resident district and whose place of residence is within seven (7) miles of a school in an adjoining district may petition the board of directors of the resident district for a transfer to the adjoining district if the adjoining district has agreed in writing to accept transfer of the child.
(B)
The minimum distances prescribed by this subsection shall be computed using highways that could reasonably and safely be traversed by school buses.
(C)
A copy of such written agreement by the receiving district shall be filed with any such petition.
(2)
If the parents or guardians of several children in a particular area meet the requirements prescribed in this subsection, the parents or guardians may jointly petition the board of directors of the resident district for transfer of their children or wards to the adjoining district.
(b)
(1)
When any individual or joint petition as authorized in subsection (a) of this section is filed with the board of directors of any school district, the board of directors shall within thirty (30) days after the date of the filing of the petition either grant or deny the transfer.
(2)
If the board of directors denies the petition, the petitioners may appeal to the State Board of Education.
(3)
Within forty-five (45) days after the appeal to the state board, the state board shall either grant or deny the transfer.
(4)
The ruling of the state board shall be the final administrative ruling on the petition.
(c)
The transfer of any child or children from one (1) district to another as permitted in this section shall constitute a transfer of the legal responsibility for the education of the child or children to the receiving district, and the child or children shall be included in the average daily membership of the receiving district for state aid purposes.
Acts 1983 (Ex. Sess.), No. 61, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1528.1; Acts 1989, No. 731, § 1; 1999, No. 1078, § 73.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 3 - ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-18-301 — 6-18-320) › Section 6-18-317 - Prohibited transfers

(a)
Boards of directors of local school districts are prohibited from granting legal transfers under §
6-18-316
when:
(1)
Either the resident district or the receiving district is under a desegregation-related court order; and
(2)
The transfer in question would violate the court order.
(b)
Each form filed with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education reporting a legal student transfer must be accompanied by an affidavit signed by each member of both school district boards of directors stating that the transfer does not violate the prohibition set forth in subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
If the transfer fails to comply with subsection (b) of this section, the division shall withhold from each district state aid in an amount equal to that to be generated by the student in question in the respective districts.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1528, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 1065,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1987, No. 762, §§ 2-4.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 3 - ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-18-301 — 6-18-320) › Section 6-18-318 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 1065,§ 4, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1987, No. 762, § 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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 3 - ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-18-301 — 6-18-320) › Section 6-18-319 - District contacts

(a)
The superintendent of a school district, or the superintendent's designee, accepting the transfer of a student from another district in the state shall make proper inquiry of the parents or guardian of the student to determine whether the student has proper contacts or other legal right to be enrolled as a student in that district.
(b)
The superintendent of the school district, or the superintendent's designee, shall promptly verify to the district from which the student transferred that the student has been approved for enrollment in the district after a determination that the student has a legal right to attend in the district.
(c)
A school district from which the student transferred has the right to appeal the transfer of the student to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. The school district to which the student transferred and the parents or guardian of the student shall have the burden to prove the transfer was proper.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1529, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1997, No. 482, § 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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 3 - ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-18-301 — 6-18-320) › Section 6-18-320 - Unsafe school choice program

(a)
Any student who becomes the victim of a violent criminal offense while in or on the grounds of an Arkansas public elementary, secondary, or public charter school or who is attending a persistently dangerous public school shall be allowed to attend a safe public school within the local educational agency under rules established by the State Board of Education.
(b)
The state board may promulgate rules to administer this section.
Added by Act 2017, No. 745,§ 25, eff. 8/1/2017.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 5 - DISCIPLINE (§§ 6-18-501 — 6-18-516) › Section 6-18-501 - Duty of teachers, classified school employees, and volunteers

(a)
Every teacher shall seek to exercise wholesome discipline in his or her school and endeavor by precept and otherwise to instill and cultivate in the pupils good morals and gentle manners.
(b)
Classified school employees and volunteers shall have as a minimum the responsibility to appropriately assist and support teachers in these efforts.
Acts 1931, No. 169, § 171; Pope's Dig., § 11613; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1629; Acts 1999, No. 1475, § 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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 5 - DISCIPLINE (§§ 6-18-501 — 6-18-516) › Section 6-18-504 - Compliance with sections 6-18-502 and 6-18-503

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall monitor compliance with the requirements of §§
6-18-502
and
6-18-503
, and the State Board of Education shall adopt rules for the administration of the requirements thereof.
(b)
Any school district failing to file with the division disciplinary policies that meet the requirements of this subchapter shall have all state aid funds withheld until such disciplinary policies are filed with the division.
(c)
Nothing in §
6-18-502
, §
6-18-503
, or this section, or any student discipline policies promulgated under §
6-18-502
, shall limit or restrict the bringing of criminal charges against any person for violating the criminal laws of this state.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 251, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 640,§ 8, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1534, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1983 (Ex. Sess.), No. 77, § 3; 1983 (Ex. Sess.), No. 104, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1629.8.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 5 - DISCIPLINE (§§ 6-18-501 — 6-18-516) › Section 6-18-505 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2019, No. 640,§ 9, without reference to the amendment by Act 2019, No. 557, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 557,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 48, eff. 8/16/2013.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1073,§ 30, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1977, No. 904, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1629.1, 80-1629.2; Acts 1994 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 51, §§ 1, 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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 5 - DISCIPLINE (§§ 6-18-501 — 6-18-516) › Section 6-18-506 - [Repealed]

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1536, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1535, eff. 7/1/2019.
Repealed by Act 2019, No. 640,§ 9, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1979, No. 74, §§ 1-3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1629.3 -- 80-1629.5; Acts 1999, No. 1475, § 4.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 5 - DISCIPLINE (§§ 6-18-501 — 6-18-516) › Section 6-18-510 - Enrollment during expulsion - School policy

The board of directors of any school district may adopt a policy that any person who has been expelled as a student from any other school district may not enroll as a student until the time of the person's expulsion has expired, provided that the receiving school district board of directors affords the student the opportunity for a hearing at the time the student is seeking enrollment.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 640,§ 12, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1995, No. 472, § 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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 5 - DISCIPLINE (§§ 6-18-501 — 6-18-516) › Section 6-18-511 - Removal by teacher

(a)
Consistent with state and federal law, a teacher may remove a student from class and send him or her to the principal's or principal's designee's office in order to maintain effective discipline in the classroom.
(b)
A teacher may remove from class a student:
(1)
Who has been documented by the teacher as repeatedly interfering with the teacher's ability to teach the students in the class or with the ability of the student's classmates to learn; or
(2)
Whose behavior the teacher determines is so unruly, disruptive, or abusive that it seriously interferes with the teacher's ability to teach the students in the class or with the ability of the student's classmates to learn.
(c)
If a teacher removes a student from class in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, the principal or his or her designee may:
(1)
Place the student into another appropriate classroom or into in-school suspension so long as the placement is consistent with the school district's written student discipline policy;
(2)
Return the student to the class; or
(3)
Take other appropriate action consistent with the school district's discipline policy, state law, and federal law.
(d)
(1)
If a teacher removes a student from class two (2) times during any nine-week grading period or its equivalent as determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the principal or the principal's designee may not return the student to the teacher's class unless a conference is held for the purpose of determining the causes of the problem and possible solutions, with the following individuals present:
(A)
The principal or the principal's designee;
(B)
The teacher;
(C)
The school counselor;
(D)
The parents, guardians, or persons in loco parentis; and
(E)
The student, if appropriate.
(2)
The failure of the parents, guardians, or persons in loco parentis to attend the conference provided for in this subsection shall not prevent the conference from being held nor prevent any action from being taken as a result of that conference.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 32, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 640,§ 13, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1540, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1999, No. 1281, § 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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 5 - DISCIPLINE (§§ 6-18-501 — 6-18-516) › Section 6-18-512 - Seizure of hand-held laser pointers

Each school district shall adopt a policy providing for the seizure by school personnel of hand-held laser pointers in the possession of students.
Acts 1999, No. 1408, § 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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 5 - DISCIPLINE (§§ 6-18-501 — 6-18-516) › Section 6-18-513 - Parental notification

(a)
A school or school district shall comply with subsection (b) of this section if the school or school district with respect to a student under the age of eighteen (18):
(1)
Makes a report to any law enforcement agency concerning student misconduct;
(2)
Grants law enforcement personnel other than a school resource officer acting in the normal course and scope of his or her assigned duties access to a student; or
(3)
Knows that a student has been taken into custody by law enforcement personnel during the school day or while under school supervision.
(b)
(1)
The principal or, in the principal's absence, the principal's designee shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to notify the student's parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control of the student by court order or person acting in loco parentis listed on student enrollment forms of the occurrence of any of the events in subsection (a) of this section.
(2)
The principal or the principal's designee shall notify the student's parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control of the student under an order of court or person acting in loco parentis that the student has been reported to, interviewed by, or taken into custody by law enforcement personnel.
(3)
If the principal or the principal's designee is unable to reach the parent, he or she shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to get a message to the parent to call either the principal or the principal's designee and leave both a day and an after-hours telephone number.
(c)
Notification required by subsection (b) of this section is not required if school personnel make a report or file a complaint based on suspected child maltreatment as required under §
12-18-401
et seq. or if a law enforcement officer, investigator of the Crimes Against Children Division, or Department of Human Services investigator or personnel member interviews a student during the course of an investigation of suspected child maltreatment.
(d)
(1)
The principal or the principal's designee shall not provide notification under subsection (b) of this section if a request is made to interview a student during the course of an investigation of suspected child maltreatment and a parent, guardian, custodian, or person standing in loco parentis is named as an alleged offender.
(2)
The investigator shall provide the school with documentation that notification to the parent, guardian, custodian, or person standing in loco parentis is prohibited.
(e)
Subsection (d) of this section shall only apply to interview requests made by:
(1)
A law enforcement officer;
(2)
An investigator of the division; or
(3)
An investigator or employee of the Department of Human Services.
Acts 2001, No. 1217, § 1; 2005, No. 1415, § 1; 2009, No. 758, § 6; 2011, No. 613, § 1; 2011, No. 981, § 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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 5 - DISCIPLINE (§§ 6-18-501 — 6-18-516) › Section 6-18-515 - Use of personal electronic devices - Definition

(a)
As used in this section, "personal electronic device" means without limitation a:
(1)
Cellular telephone;
(2)
Paging device;
(3)
Beeper;
(4)
Mobile telephone that offers advanced computing and internet accessibility;
(5)
Digital media player;
(6)
Portable game console;
(7)
Tablet, notebook, or laptop computer;
(8)
Digital camera; and
(9)
Digital video or audio recorder.
(b)
A school district may establish a written student discipline policy and exemptions concerning the possession and use by a student of a personal electronic device:
(1)
On school property;
(2)
At an after-school activity; or
(3)
At a school-related function.
(c)
The policy may, without limitation:
(1)
Allow or restrict the possession and use of a personal electronic device;
(2)
Allow the use of a personal electronic device in school for instructional purposes at the discretion of a teacher or administrator;
(3)
Limit the times or locations in which a personal electronic device may be used to make telephone calls, send text messages or emails, or engage in other forms of communication;
(4)
Allow or prohibit the use of any photographic, audio, or video recording capabilities of a personal electronic device while in school;
(5)
Exempt the possession or use of a personal electronic device by a student who is required to use such a device for health or another compelling reason;
(6)
Exempt the possession or use of a personal electronic device after normal school hours for extracurricular activities; and
(7)
Include other relevant provisions deemed appropriate and necessary by the school district.
Added by Act 2013, No. 71,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 5 - DISCIPLINE (§§ 6-18-501 — 6-18-516) › Section 6-18-516 - Effective school discipline - Definition

(a)
As used in this section, "exclusionary disciplinary actions" means out-of-school suspension and expulsion.
(b)
(1)
Annually, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall report at the school, school district, and state level the following data concerning exclusionary disciplinary actions, in-school suspensions, and corporal punishment:
(A)
Number per one hundred (100) students for the entire population;
(B)
Number per one hundred (100) students for any racial or ethnic subgroup required for accountability by the Every Student Succeeds Act, Pub. L. No. 114-95;
(C)
Number per one hundred (100) students for economically disadvantaged students; and
(D)
Number per one hundred (100) students for students with disabilities identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
20 U.S.C. § 1400
et seq.
(2)
The division shall report exclusionary disciplinary actions by both:
(A)
Combining out-of-school suspensions and expulsions; and
(B)
Separately listing out-of-school suspensions and expulsions.
(c)
The division shall report the data required in subsection (b) of this section:
(1)
On the website of the division to the extent that publication is consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act,
20 U.S.C. § 1232g
; and
(2)
In a manner that reflects historical trends and allows for the comparison of schools and school districts.
(d)
The division shall:
(1)
Provide school districts with resources for the best practices in effective school discipline; and
(2)
Annually communicate to school districts:
(A)
The availability of and how to access the data listed in subsection (b) of this section; and
(B)
How to access the resources listed in subdivision (d)(1) of this section.
(e)
The division, or researcher identified by the division, shall provide an annual report to the State Board of Education analyzing disciplinary infractions, disciplinary actions, and disciplinary disparities existing throughout the state.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1546, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1545, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1544, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1543, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1542, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 1015,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1329,§ 4, eff. 8/16/2013.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 6 - FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES, ETC (§§ 6-18-601 — 6-18-607) › Section 6-18-601 - Definition

As used in this subchapter, "public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society" means any type of organization or society that fosters undemocratic practices and seeks to perpetuate itself by taking in additional members from the pupils enrolled in that school or local school system on the basis of the decision of its membership rather than upon the free choice of any pupil in the school who is qualified by the rules of the school to fill the special aims of the organization or society.
Acts 1929, No. 171, § 1; Pope's Dig., § 3604; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2001.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 6 - FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES, ETC (§§ 6-18-601 — 6-18-607) › Section 6-18-602 - Penalty

Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this subchapter 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 and every offense.
Acts 1929, No. 171, § 7; Pope's Dig., § 3610; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2007; Acts 2005, No. 1994, § 66.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 6 - FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES, ETC (§§ 6-18-601 — 6-18-607) › Section 6-18-603 - Unlawful organizations

Any public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society as defined in this subchapter is declared to be inimical to public free schools and therefore unlawful.
Acts 1929, No. 171, § 2; Pope's Dig., § 3605; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2002.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 6 - FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES, ETC (§§ 6-18-601 — 6-18-607) › Section 6-18-604 - Exclusions

The provisions of this subchapter shall not apply to:
(1)
Fraternities, sororities, or secret societies of the University of Arkansas, any state teachers' college, or other state-supported institutions of junior college rank, or rank above junior college, or senior high school students of national fraternities or sororities, nor to students of these institutions in their relation to such societies or organizations in these institutions; or
(2)
Any nonsecret society or organization authorized and sponsored by the public school authorities.
Acts 1929, No. 171, § 6; Pope's Dig., § 3609; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2006.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 6 - FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES, ETC (§§ 6-18-601 — 6-18-607) › Section 6-18-605 - Suspension or expulsion of members

It shall be the duty of school directors and boards of education, school inspectors, and other corporate authority managing and controlling any of the public schools of the state to suspend or expel from the schools under their control any pupil who shall:
(1)
Be or remain a member, promise to join, become a member, or solicit other persons to join, promise to join, or pledge to become a member of any such public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society; or
(2)
Wear or display any insignia of such public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society while in and attending public schools.
Acts 1929, No. 171, § 3; Pope's Dig., § 3606; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2003.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 6 - FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES, ETC (§§ 6-18-601 — 6-18-607) › Section 6-18-606 - Soliciting pledges

It shall be unlawful from and after the passage of this act for any person not enrolled in a public school of this state to solicit any pupil enrolled in a public school of this state to join or pledge himself or herself to become a member of a public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society, or to solicit any such pupil to attend a meeting thereof or any meeting in which the joining of any public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society shall be encouraged.
Acts 1929, No. 171, § 4; Pope's Dig., § 3607; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2004.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 6 - FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES, ETC (§§ 6-18-601 — 6-18-607) › Section 6-18-607 - Reference to unlawful organizations in publications

It shall be unlawful for any public newspaper, periodical, or other publication to designate in its columns public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society as defined in §
6-18-601
, or refer to such public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society in any published reference as a public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society.
Acts 1929, No. 171, § 5; Pope's Dig., § 3608; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2005.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 7 - HEALTH (§§ 6-18-701 — 6-18-723) › Section 6-18-705 - Breakfast program

(a)
(1)
Beginning with the 1991-1992 school year, any schools located in a school district in which forty percent (40%) or more of the students enrolled in the school on October 1 of the preceding school year were eligible for free or reduced-price meals shall establish a school breakfast program.
(2)
Beginning with the 1992-1993 school year, any schools located in a school district in which thirty-five percent (35%) or more of the students enrolled in the school on October 1 of the preceding school year were eligible for free or reduced-price meals shall establish a school breakfast program.
(3)
Beginning with the 1993-1994 school year, any schools located in a school district in which twenty percent (20%) or more of the students enrolled in the school on October 1 of the preceding school year were eligible for free or reduced-price meals shall establish a school breakfast program.
(b)
Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to prevent a school district not covered under this section from implementing a school breakfast program or to prevent a school district from implementing a school breakfast program during an earlier year than required under this section.
(c)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may promulgate rules necessary for implementation of this section in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines.
(d)
(1)
(A)
The State Board of Education may grant a one-year waiver of the requirements of this section to a school covered by this section that lacks facilities or equipment to offer a school breakfast program and in which the acquisition of such by the district would work an extreme hardship during the required year.
(B)
However, such waiver shall expire and may not be renewed at the beginning of the following school year.
(2)
In any high school under the requirements of this section, if fifty percent (50%) or more of the eligible students refuse to participate in the school breakfast program during any year of the program as demonstrated by sufficient proof to the division, the state board may grant a waiver from the requirements of this section to the high school.
(e)
The division is hereby authorized to withhold state equalization aid from any school district that fails to comply with the provisions of this section.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 260, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1549, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1548, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1547, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1991, No. 826, § 1; 1991, No. 1127, § 1; 1999, No. 391, § 13.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 7 - HEALTH (§§ 6-18-701 — 6-18-723) › Section 6-18-706 - School nurse - Definition

(a)
Each public school district shall provide a health services program under the direction of a licensed registered nurse in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and Division of Elementary and Secondary Education rules.
(b)
In order to improve the health status and educational achievement of the children of this state, the General Assembly hereby determines that an appropriate school nurse-to-student ratio is essential to effectively meet the healthcare needs of these children.
(c)
(1)
For purposes of this section, "school nurse" means a licensed nurse engaging in school nursing activities.
(2)
A school nurse shall practice within the scope of practice applicable to the certification of the school nurse.
(d)
(1)
Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, at least one (1) licensed registered nurse employed or contracted by each public school district shall annually participate in nursing professional development related to Arkansas school nursing mandates and practices, as determined appropriate by the division.
(2)
The division, in conjunction with the Department of Health, shall develop and implement an education program for school nurses that is designed to improve the quality and delivery of health services for students.
(e)
(1)
Beginning with the 2004-2005 school year, all school districts shall have no fewer than the full-time equivalent of one (1) school nurse per seven hundred fifty (750) students or the proportionate ratio thereof, or, if feasible, one (1) school nurse on each public school campus.
(2)
In districts having a high concentration of children with disabling conditions as determined by the State Board of Education, the ratio of school nurses to students should be one (1) to four hundred (400) in those schools so designated.
(3)
In a district that provides a center for profoundly disabled students, the ratio should be one (1) school nurse per one hundred twenty-five (125) students at that center.
(f)
(1)
School nurses may be employed or provided by contract or agreement with other agencies or individuals provided that the prescribed ratio and equivalency are maintained.
(2)
However, no school nurse may be employed by, or contract with, any public secondary or elementary school of this state except with the prior approval of the local school district board of directors.
(g)
(1)
The provisions of this section shall be effective only upon the availability of state funds.
(2)
Available funds shall be distributed to school districts based on the previous year's three-quarter average daily membership.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 1089,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 67, § 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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 7 - HEALTH (§§ 6-18-701 — 6-18-723) › Section 6-18-708 - Health and safety in public schools

(a)
A school district shall develop procedures concerning student physical activity in its public schools that include without limitation the recognition and management of the following events or conditions that may be encountered by a student during athletic training and physical activities:
(1)
A concussion, dehydration, or other health emergency;
(2)
An environmental issue that threatens the health or safety of students;
(3)
A communicable disease; and
(4)
A sudden cardiac arrest.
(b)
(1)
Every three (3) years as part of the requirements for professional development, a person employed by a school district as an athletics coach shall complete training on the events and conditions identified in subsection (a) of this section.
(2)
The training may include a component on best practices for a coach to educate parents of students involved in athletics on sports safety.
(c)
(1)
Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, a person employed by a school district as an athletics coach who fails to meet the requirements of subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall not be eligible to coach an athletic activity until the training requirements are met.
(2)
If a person fails to meet the requirements of subdivision (b)(1) of this section and continues to coach an athletic activity, the school district shall:
(A)
For the first violation, suspend the person from coaching an athletic activity until training requirements are met;
(B)
For the second violation, suspend the person from coaching an athletic activity for the remainder of the athletic season and the next athletic season; and
(C)
For the third violation, permanently suspend the person from coaching an athletic activity.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 1013,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 2011, No. 1214, § 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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 7 - HEALTH (§§ 6-18-701 — 6-18-723) › Section 6-18-709 - Annual reports of school nurse statistics required

(a)
(1)
Annually, a public school district shall participate in the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education health services survey related to:
(A)
On-campus healthcare needs of public school students;
(B)
On-campus healthcare services; and
(C)
The availability of health care to other public school district personnel and nursing facilities.
(2)
Each public school district shall report the information reported in the health services survey to the local school district board of directors.
(b)
Annually, by August 31, a school district shall report the following to the division:
(1)
The number of full-time nurses employed by the school district;
(2)
The number of part-time nurses employed by the school district;
(3)
The number of full-time nurses with whom the school district contracts for service;
(4)
The number of part-time nurses with whom the school district contracts for service;
(5)
The level of licensure of each nurse working in the school district;
(6)
The highest degree obtained for each nurse working in the school district;
(7)
The amount of pay, including without limitation the source of funding, for each nurse working in the school district; and
(8)
The number of students in the school district that are in each nursing acuity level as follows:
(A)
Level 1 for students with occasional health concerns and routine health screenings at a ratio of one (1) school nurse per seven hundred fifty (750) students;
(B)
Level 2 for students with healthcare concerns and those that require an individualized healthcare plan at a ratio of one (1) school nurse per four hundred (400) students;
(C)
Level 3 for students with medically complex conditions at a ratio of one (1) school nurse per two hundred twenty-five (225) students;
(D)
Level 4 for students with medically fragile conditions at a ratio of one (1) school nurse per one hundred twenty-five (125) students; and
(E)
Level 5 for students that are nursing dependent at a ratio of one (1) school nurse per one (1) student.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 1089,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 36, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 692,§ 8, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1558, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1557, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1556, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1555, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1554, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1553, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1552, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 935,§ 1, eff. 4/2/2015.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 414,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 7 - HEALTH (§§ 6-18-701 — 6-18-723) › Section 6-18-711 - Administration of medication for diabetes

(a)
Upon written request of a parent or guardian of a student with diabetes and authorization by the treating physician of the student, a student in the classroom, in another area designated at the school, on school grounds, or at a school-related activity may:
(1)
Perform blood glucose checks;
(2)
Administer insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses;
(3)
Treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia; and
(4)
Possess on his or her person the necessary supplies and equipment to perform diabetes monitoring and treatment functions.
(b)
A student shall have access to a private area to perform diabetes monitoring and treatment functions upon request of the parent or guardian of a student, as outlined in the student's health plan.
(c)
A public school employee may volunteer to be trained to administer and may administer glucagon to a student with Type 1 diabetes in an emergency situation as permitted under §
17-87-103(11)
.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 37, eff. 7/24/2019.
Added by Act 2015, No. 833,§ 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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 7 - HEALTH (§§ 6-18-701 — 6-18-723) › Section 6-18-712 - Posting Child Abuse Hotline telephone number in public schools and open-enrollment charter schools

(a)
Each public school and open-enrollment charter school shall post a sign that contains the toll-free telephone number for the Child Abuse Hotline established by the Department of Human Services and the Division of Arkansas State Police under §
12-18-301
.
(b)
(1)
The sign in subsection (a) of this section shall be:
(A)
Placed in a clearly visible location in the school;
(B)
Placed in a public area of the school that is readily accessible to students;
(C)
Legible in English and in Spanish; and
(D)
Formatted in a manner that is clear, simple, and understandable to students and in compliance with the requirements under subsection (c) of this section.
(2)
In addition to the requirements listed under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, each school shall post the sign in each male or female student restroom in the school in a manner that allows for private access to the information by a student.
(c)
The information contained on the sign shall:
(1)
Be presented on a poster at least eleven inches by seventeen inches (11" x 17") in size;
(2)
Be presented in large print;
(3)
Be placed at eye level to the student for easy viewing;
(4)
Display the Child Abuse Hotline number in bold print;
(5)
Contain instructions to call 911 for emergencies; and
(6)
Contain directions for accessing the website of the Division of Children and Family Services for more information on reporting abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
(d)
(1)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall administer the requirements under this section.
(2)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may adopt rules in compliance with this section to carry out the requirements under this section.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1560, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1559, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2017, No. 379,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 7 - HEALTH (§§ 6-18-701 — 6-18-723) › Section 6-18-714 - Use of sunscreen

(a)
A student may possess and use a topical sunscreen to avoid overexposure to the sun without written authorization from a parent, legal guardian, or healthcare professional while on school property or at a school-related event or activity if the sunscreen is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use.
(b)
A member of school personnel may assist a student in the application of sunscreen with the permission of a parent or guardian.
(c)
This section does not:
(1)
Require a member of school personnel to assist a student in the application of sunscreen; or
(2)
Create any liability or immunity for a school or a member of school personnel.
(d)
The Division of Youth Services is exempt from this section.
Added by Act 2019, No. 247,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019.
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 18 - STUDENTS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-2608) › Subchapter 7 - HEALTH (§§ 6-18-701 — 6-18-723) › Section 6-18-715 - Hunger-Free Students' Bill of Rights Act - Definition

(a)
This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Hunger-Free Students' Bill of Rights Act".
(b)
As used in this section, "school" means a tax-supported kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) public school that participates in the United States Department of Agriculture National School Lunch Program.
(c)
A school shall not:
(1)
Provide a student requesting a meal or snack under this section a meal or snack that is different from the meal or snack being provided to other students in the school; or
(2)
Prevent a student from accessing the school's meal or snack services.
(d)
If a student owes money for a meal or snack that is in excess of the amount charged a student for five (5) lunches, or another amount as determined by the student's school district, a school may contact the parent or guardian of the student to:
(1)
Attempt collection of the owed money; and
(2)
Request that the parent or guardian apply for meal benefits in a federal or state child nutrition program.
(e)
If a student is unable to pay for a meal or snack or owes money for a meal or snack, a school shall not:
(1)
Require the student to wear a wristband;
(2)
Give the student a hand stamp;
(3)
Require the student to dispose of a meal or snack after the student is served the meal or snack;
(4)
Require the student to sit in a location separate from other students;
(5)
Publicly make known the name of the student; or
(6)
Perform any other action that may stigmatize the student.
(f)
(1)
The Child Nutrition Unit shall:
(A)
Implement a system for reviewing the local practices of public school district food service programs to determine the support needed by public school districts; and
(B)
Provide model policies that public school districts may adopt.
(2)
The system of review established under subdivision (f)(1)(A) of this section shall address areas regarding without limitation:
(A)
Ideas, innovations, and best practices for providing meals to vulnerable populations that contribute to the health and well-being of public school students;
(B)
Resources and strategies for improving the nutritional quality and appeal of meals;
(C)
Tips for implementing best practices;
(D)
Methods for informing parents and legal guardians of a public school district's meal charge policies; and
(E)
Plans for recovering costs for meal charges.
Added by Act 2019, No. 428,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.