reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 2 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1973 (§§ 6-41-201 — 6-41-223) › Section 6-41-210 - Special Education Unit for children with disabilities

(a)
There is established in the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education a Special Education Unit.
(b)
The unit shall be headed by a director, who shall be qualified by education, training, and experience to take responsibility for, and give direction to, the programs of the division relating to children with disabilities.
(c)
Implementation of this section shall be dependent upon funds being made available to the division for this purpose.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 59, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1765, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1973, No. 102, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2126; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 14.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 2 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1973 (§§ 6-41-201 — 6-41-223) › Section 6-41-212 - Facilities

(a)
Physical aspects and specifications for buildings, classrooms, and other facilities for, or likely to be used by, children with disabilities shall be approved by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation or a designee.
(b)
The division or a designee of the division is required to review plans for public school construction or remodeling that are designed for children with disabilities to ensure accessibility and usefulness for that purpose.
Acts 1973, No. 102, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2121; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 14; 1999, No. 391, § 29; 2005, No. 1426, § 5.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 2 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1973 (§§ 6-41-201 — 6-41-223) › Section 6-41-214 - Eligibility

Specific eligibility requirements for admission to these special services shall be the responsibility of the State Board of Education.
Acts 1973, No. 102, § 5; 1975, No. 641, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2119; Acts 2007, No. 1573, § 38.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 2 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1973 (§§ 6-41-201 — 6-41-223) › Section 6-41-215 - Tests and examinations - Evaluation of child

(a)
Every school district shall test and examine, or cause to be tested and examined, each child it believes has disabilities.
(b)
The tests and examinations shall be administered in accordance with rules of the State Board of Education.
(c)
The evaluation shall be made by a multidisciplinary team or group of persons, including at least one (1) teacher or other specialist with knowledge in the area of suspected disability.
(d)
The child shall be assessed in all areas related to the suspected disability, including, when appropriate, health, vision, hearing, social and emotional status, general intelligence, academic performance, communicative status, and motor abilities.
(e)
No single procedure shall be used as the sole criterion for determining an appropriate educational program for a child.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 322, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1973, No. 102, § 19; 1975, No. 641, § 7; 1979, No. 1055, § 2; 1981, No. 829, § 1; 1983, No. 762, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2133; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 14.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 2 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1973 (§§ 6-41-201 — 6-41-223) › Section 6-41-218 - Tests and evaluations - Records

(a)
Every public school district shall make and keep current a list of all children with disabilities tested and examined.
(b)
The results of tests and examinations shall be confidential except that the parent or guardian and the child age eighteen (18) or over shall have access to the results, and physicians and other specialists may be given the results with the permission of the parent or guardian or child age eighteen (18) or over.
Acts 1973, No. 102, § 21; 1975, No. 641, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2135; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 14.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 2 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1973 (§§ 6-41-201 — 6-41-223) › Section 6-41-219 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 874,§ 6, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1973, No. 102, § 20; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2134.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 2 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1973 (§§ 6-41-201 — 6-41-223) › Section 6-41-220 - Equality in expenditure

(a)
(1)
It is the responsibility of school districts to expend effort on behalf of the education of each child with disabilities equal to the effort expended on account of the education of each child who does not have a disability.
(2)
Any additional effort necessary to provide supplemental aids and services shall be the ultimate responsibility of the state but shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be the responsibility of the local school districts.
(b)
(1)
Two (2) or more school districts may join together to establish special classes for children with disabilities.
(2)
In such event, one (1) school district shall be designated as the controlling agent, and all reimbursement for the education of children with disabilities from the State Board of Education shall be made to this school district.
(3)
Local revenues or tuition from other school districts participating in the cooperative will be paid to the controlling school district on an accepted prorated formula per child.
Acts 1973, No. 102, §§ 8, 18; 1975, No. 641, § 2; 1979, No. 1055, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2122, 80-2132; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 14; 2007, No. 1573, § 39.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 2 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1973 (§§ 6-41-201 — 6-41-223) › Section 6-41-221 - Receipt and disbursement of federal funds

(a)
(1)
The State Board of Education is designated as the state agency to receive and disburse federal funds designed to improve educational opportunities provided for children with disabilities as defined in this subchapter.
(2)
The funds shall not include moneys appropriated by the United States Congress that are designated specifically for use by other agencies, institutions, or treatment facilities for children with disabilities.
(b)
The specific intention of this section is to provide that the state board is designated as the state agency to receive and disburse federal and state funds made available to this state for education of children with disabilities, except as specifically provided for otherwise by the United States Congress or the General Assembly, and no other interpretation shall be given to it.
(c)
(1)
It is declared to be the intent of the General Assembly that, of the state funds allocated and appropriated to the state board for children with disabilities, the state board is authorized to spend no more than two percent (2%) of the funds or appropriations, or both, for program costs necessary at the state level to implement the intent of this subchapter.
(2)
The costs may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the programs or services benefitting children with disabilities such as consultative services, workshop expenses, institutional materials, council expenses, in-service programs, scholarships for teachers of children with disabilities, and testing programs.
(d)
The state board shall develop such plans and procedures as may be required in order to receive and disburse federal funds for children with disabilities.
Acts 1973, No. 102, §§ 16, 22; 1975, No. 641, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2130, 80-2136; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 14.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 2 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1973 (§§ 6-41-201 — 6-41-223) › Section 6-41-223 - Reports

Each school district shall report annually to the State Board of Education at a prescribed due date the extent to which it is at that time providing for the special education for children with disabilities, as necessary to implement the policy of this subchapter.
Acts 1973, No. 102, § 17; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2131; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 14.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS GENERALLY (§§ 6-41-301 — 6-41-313) › Section 6-41-301 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 874,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1971, No. 39, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2101.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS GENERALLY (§§ 6-41-301 — 6-41-313) › Section 6-41-302 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 874,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1971, No. 39, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2102; Acts 1991, No. 823, § 2; 1999, No. 391, § 33.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS GENERALLY (§§ 6-41-301 — 6-41-313) › Section 6-41-303 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 874,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1971, No. 39, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2104.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS GENERALLY (§§ 6-41-301 — 6-41-313) › Section 6-41-304 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 874,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1971, No. 39, §§ 6, 7; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2106, 80-2107.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS GENERALLY (§§ 6-41-301 — 6-41-313) › Section 6-41-305 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 874,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1971, No. 39, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2107.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS GENERALLY (§§ 6-41-301 — 6-41-313) › Section 6-41-306 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 874,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1971, No. 39, §§ 6, 10; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2106, 80-2110.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS GENERALLY (§§ 6-41-301 — 6-41-313) › Section 6-41-307 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 874,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1971, No. 39, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2105.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS GENERALLY (§§ 6-41-301 — 6-41-313) › Section 6-41-309 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 874,§ 8, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1971, No. 39, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2108.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS GENERALLY (§§ 6-41-301 — 6-41-313) › Section 6-41-310 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 874,§ 8, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1971, No. 39, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2103.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS GENERALLY (§§ 6-41-301 — 6-41-313) › Section 6-41-312 - Reports

(a)
Public school districts and entities receiving state or federal funds to provide special education programming shall keep an accurate account, in the manner and on the forms prescribed by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, of all moneys expended for special education programs and shall report those expenditures to the division.
(b)
A report of the average daily attendance of all students enrolled, including students receiving instruction in the homebound setting, will be made to the division.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1769, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 874,§ 9, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 1971, No. 39, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2109.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS GENERALLY (§§ 6-41-301 — 6-41-313) › Section 6-41-313 - Contracts for services pursuant to federal law

(a)
The State Board of Education is authorized to contract with a school district and with the boards of other institutions under the control of a public board or commission for services to be provided for exceptional children as provided for in Title VI, Part B of Pub. L. No. 91-230 of 1965, as amended.
(b)
School district boards of directors are authorized to contract for services for exceptional children residing in respective school districts or for services rendered in more than one (1) school district in a county if mutual agreements have been signed by the school districts affected authorizing one (1) school district to contract for two (2) or more school districts in a county.
Acts 1971, No. 39, §§ 12, 13; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2112, 80-2113; Acts 1999, No. 1078, § 84.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 4 - IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS (§§ 6-41-401 — 6-41-407) › Section 6-41-401 - Legislative findings

The General Assembly finds that proficiency in braille reading and writing is essential for the satisfactory educational progress of visually impaired students and that braille instruction must be used in combination with other special education services that are appropriate to the educational needs of visually impaired students; therefore, it is hereby declared to be the policy of this state to provide, and to require school districts to provide, all visually impaired students who are enrolled in Arkansas public schools and whose education is adversely affected by their visual disability with an equal opportunity for appropriate instruction. Appropriate instruction shall be designed to enable each visually impaired student to communicate with the same level of proficiency as other students of comparable ability at the same grade level.
Acts 1993, No. 483, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 4 - IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS (§§ 6-41-401 — 6-41-407) › Section 6-41-402 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
"Compliance citation" means a citation issued by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education that documents a school's failure to comply with state education laws; and
(2)
"Individualized education program" means the evaluation of the educational needs of a child with disabilities conducted pursuant to §
6-41-217
.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1770, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1993, No. 483, § 2; 1995, No. 1296, § 31; 1999, No. 391, § 36.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 4 - IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS (§§ 6-41-401 — 6-41-407) › Section 6-41-403 - Assessment of student progress

(a)
Each school district shall ensure that at least one (1) time per year a licensed teacher of the visually impaired, or other qualified person as determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, conducts an assessment of the educational progress of each visually impaired student enrolled in that school district identified as having or suspected of having a disability pursuant to the Children with Disabilities Act of 1973, §
6-41-201
et seq. The assessment shall:
(1)
Address the student's need for braille instruction, using procedures developed by the division, and specify the learning medium most appropriate for the student's educational progress;
(2)
Identify the student's strengths and weaknesses in braille skills when that medium is used for instruction; and
(3)
Identify appropriate and necessary related services and technologies for use in combination with braille instruction.
(b)
The results of the assessment shall be used to develop the student's individualized education program.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1772, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1771, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 73, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1993, No. 483, § 3; 2009, No. 376, § 51.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 4 - IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS (§§ 6-41-401 — 6-41-407) › Section 6-41-404 - Braille instruction

Each student who needs braille reading and writing instruction shall receive instruction from either a licensed teacher of the visually impaired or a person who is qualified in braille instruction as determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1773, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 74, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1993, No. 483, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 4 - IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS (§§ 6-41-401 — 6-41-407) › Section 6-41-405 - Electronic textbooks

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall have the authority to require publishers of textbooks to furnish electronic media for the text portion of those textbooks required by visually impaired students.
(b)
The electronic media shall be immediately capable of being electronically translated into braille or large print by computer or other electronic media.
(c)
When braille code translation allows, publishers shall furnish electronic media for the nontextual portion of textbooks.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1774, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1993, No. 483, § 6.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 4 - IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS (§§ 6-41-401 — 6-41-407) › Section 6-41-406 - Compliance required

Failure of a school district to come into compliance with the provisions of this subchapter shall be grounds for a compliance citation from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1775, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1993, No. 483, § 7.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 4 - IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS (§§ 6-41-401 — 6-41-407) › Section 6-41-407 - Accommodation for students with sensory processing difficulty

When administering a state-mandated assessment or a state-mandated test, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and each school district shall allow a student that has been evaluated through appropriate testing, including a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, and identified as having difficulty with sensory processing in reaction to oversensitivity to full spectrum light to use color overlays specific to the student's oversensitivity that alter the contrast between the words and the page so that the student can visually comprehend the words on a page of a state-mandated assessment or a state-mandated test, if made available by the test developer.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1776, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 745,§ 31, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 2009, No. 1460, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 5 - TASK FORCE ON MEDICALLY FRAGILE, CHRONICALLY ILL, OR TECHNOLOGY-DEPENDENT STUDENTS (§§ 6-41-501 — 6-41-504) › Section 6-41-501 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 1155,§ 18, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1995, No. 1146, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 5 - TASK FORCE ON MEDICALLY FRAGILE, CHRONICALLY ILL, OR TECHNOLOGY-DEPENDENT STUDENTS (§§ 6-41-501 — 6-41-504) › Section 6-41-502 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 1155,§ 18, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1995, No. 1146, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 5 - TASK FORCE ON MEDICALLY FRAGILE, CHRONICALLY ILL, OR TECHNOLOGY-DEPENDENT STUDENTS (§§ 6-41-501 — 6-41-504) › Section 6-41-503 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 1155,§ 18, eff. 8/16/2013.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 75, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1995, No. 1146, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 5 - TASK FORCE ON MEDICALLY FRAGILE, CHRONICALLY ILL, OR TECHNOLOGY-DEPENDENT STUDENTS (§§ 6-41-501 — 6-41-504) › Section 6-41-504 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 1155,§ 18, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1995, No. 1146, § 4; 1997, No. 112, § 13.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 6 - DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS (§§ 6-41-601 — 6-41-612) › Section 6-41-601 - Findings

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)
Dyslexia, if not diagnosed early, can be severely detrimental to a child's academic success as well as his or her self-esteem;
(2)
Most children identified as having characteristics of dyslexia and related disorders can be treated successfully; and
(3)
The cost of screening and treating dyslexia or a related disorder early is significantly less than the cost of intensive remediation in the later school years for a child with dyslexia or a related disorder.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1268,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1294,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 6 - DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS (§§ 6-41-601 — 6-41-612) › Section 6-41-603 - Required screening and intervention

(a)
(1)
A school district shall screen each student in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) using a high quality, evidence-based screener approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
(2)
The screening of students shall be performed with fidelity and include without limitation:
(A)
Phonological and phonemic awareness;
(B)
Sound symbol recognition;
(C)
Alphabet knowledge;
(D)
Decoding skills;
(E)
Rapid naming skills;
(F)
Encoding skills; and
(G)
Language comprehension.
(3)
The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to ensure that:
(A)
All students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3) are screened using a division-approved screener;
(B)
Consistent interpretation of screening data is used to identify students:
(i)
Exhibiting a substantial reading deficit; or
(ii)
Indicating early signs consistent with characteristics of dyslexia;
(C)
Students receive early intervention by a trained interventionist; and
(D)
Student progress is monitored and reported to the parent or legal guardian of a student at least two (2) times each school year.
(b)
(1)
A school district shall screen any student in grades three through twelve (3-12) experiencing difficulty in fluency or spelling as documented by a classroom teacher, a parent or legal guardian of the student, or another individual with knowledge of the student's academic performance.
(2)
A screening required under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall be performed with fidelity using information measures of:
(A)
Oral reading fluency; and
(B)
Encoding.
(3)
If a student exhibits deficits in fluency or spelling following a screening under this section, a school district shall administer a level II dyslexia screening as outlined in the Arkansas Dyslexia Resource Guide.
(4)
The state board shall adopt rules under this subsection to ensure:
(A)
All students in grades three through twelve (3-12) experiencing difficulty in fluency or spelling are screened using a division-approved screener;
(B)
Consistent interpretation of screening data is used to identify students exhibiting deficits indicating early signs consistent with characteristics of dyslexia;
(C)
Students receive early intervention by a trained interventionist; and
(D)
Student progress is monitored and reported to the parent or legal guardian of a student at least two (2) times each school year.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 51, eff. 3/8/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1779, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1778, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 1039,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1268,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1294,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 6 - DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS (§§ 6-41-601 — 6-41-612) › Section 6-41-604 - Level II dyslexia screening and services - Parental notification

(a)
If a student's performance on an initial screener, level I screening, or level II dyslexia screening under §
6-41-603
indicates a need for dyslexia intervention services, the student's parent or legal guardian shall be:
(1)
Notified of the results of the dyslexia evaluation; and
(2)
Provided with information and resource material, including without limitation:
(A)
The characteristics of dyslexia;
(B)
Appropriate classroom interventions and accommodations for students with dyslexia; and
(C)
The right of the parent or legal guardian to have the student receive an independent comprehensive dyslexia evaluation by a:
(i)
Licensed psychological examiner;
(ii)
School psychology specialist;
(iii)
Licensed speech-language pathologist;
(iv)
Certified dyslexia testing specialist; or
(v)
Dyslexia therapist.
(b)
(1)
If a parent or legal guardian chooses to have an independent comprehensive dyslexia evaluation for the student, the parent or legal guardian shall:
(A)
Select an individual qualified under subdivision (a)(2)(C) of this section to perform the comprehensive dyslexia evaluation; and
(B)
Cover the cost of the comprehensive dyslexia evaluation.
(2)
A school district shall consider the diagnosis and provide the student with interventions determined to be appropriate by the school district from a dyslexia interventionist at the school district.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1268,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1294,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 6 - DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS (§§ 6-41-601 — 6-41-612) › Section 6-41-605 - Instructional approaches

(a)
Dyslexia intervention for a student whose dyslexia level I or level II screening under §
6-41-603(c)
indicates the need for dyslexia intervention services may include the following instructional approaches:
(1)
Explicit, direct instruction that is systematic, sequential, and cumulative and follows a logical plan of presenting the alphabetic principle that targets the specific needs of the student without presuming prior skills or knowledge of the student;
(2)
Individualized instruction to meet the specific needs of the student in a small group setting that uses intensive, highly concentrated instruction methods and materials that maximize student engagement;
(3)
Meaning-based instruction directed at purposeful reading and writing with an emphasis on comprehension and composition; and
(4)
Multisensory instruction that incorporates the simultaneous use of two (2) or more sensory pathways during teacher presentations and student practice.
(b)
Until there are a sufficient number of graduates from a dyslexia therapy program established at the university level in Arkansas or from a dyslexia therapy program established at the university level in another state that is approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the division shall allow dyslexia therapy to be provided by individuals who have received training and certification from a program approved by the division.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1780, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1268,§ 3, eff. 7/22/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1294,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 6 - DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS (§§ 6-41-601 — 6-41-612) › Section 6-41-606 - Reporting by school district

(a)
The superintendent of a school district annually shall report the results of the school district screening required under §
6-41-603
.
(b)
Before July 15, a public school district shall report on the website of the public school district or in writing to the parents of each student in the public school district the following information:
(1)
The dyslexia intervention programs used during the previous school year that were specifically responsive to assisting students with dyslexia;
(2)
The number of students during the previous school year who received dyslexia intervention under this subchapter; and
(3)
The total number of students identified with dyslexia during the previous school year.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 1039,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1294,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 6 - DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS (§§ 6-41-601 — 6-41-612) › Section 6-41-607 - Dyslexia specialist

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall employ at least one (1) dyslexia specialist with a minimum of three (3) years of field experience in screening, identifying, and treating dyslexia and related disorders to provide technical assistance for dyslexia and related disorders to school districts across the state.
(b)
The dyslexia specialist shall:
(1)
Be highly trained in dyslexia and related disorders, including best-practice interventions and treatment models for dyslexia;
(2)
Be responsible for the accountability of screening results and the implementation of professional awareness required under §
6-41-608
; and
(3)
Serve as the primary source of information and support for school districts addressing the needs of students with dyslexia and related disorders.
(c)
The division shall ensure that at least one (1) staff member at each education service cooperative is trained as a dyslexia specialist to provide necessary information and support to school districts.
(d)
No later than the 2015-2016 academic year, a school district shall have individuals to serve as dyslexia interventionists.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1782, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1781, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1268,§ 4, eff. 7/22/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1294,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 6 - DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS (§§ 6-41-601 — 6-41-612) › Section 6-41-608 - Dyslexia professional awareness

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall ensure that each teacher receives professional awareness on:
(1)
The characteristics of dyslexia; and
(2)
The evidence-based interventions and accommodations for dyslexia.
(b)
Professional awareness may be provided:
(1)
Online;
(2)
At an education service cooperative; or
(3)
At another venue approved by the division.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1784, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1783, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1268,§ 5, eff. 7/22/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1294,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 6 - DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS (§§ 6-41-601 — 6-41-612) › Section 6-41-609 - Dyslexia and related disorder education in teacher preparation programs

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall collaborate with the Division of Higher Education to ensure that all teacher education programs offered at state-supported institutions of higher education provide dyslexia professional awareness of the:
(1)
Characteristics of dyslexia; and
(2)
Evidence-based interventions and accommodations for dyslexia.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1785, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1268,§ 6, eff. 7/22/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1294,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 6 - DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS (§§ 6-41-601 — 6-41-612) › Section 6-41-610 - Rules - Dyslexia resource guide

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall adopt rules to implement this subchapter.
(b)
(1)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall maintain a committee for the purpose of developing and updating the Arkansas Dyslexia Resource Guide.
(2)
(A)
The committee shall include one (1) representative who has experience working in the field of dyslexia intervention from the following organizations, appointed by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education:
(i)
The Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators;
(ii)
The Division of Learning Services of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education;
(iii)
The Division of Higher Education;
(iv)
The Arkansas Education Association;
(v)
The Arkansas School Boards Association;
(vi)
The Arkansas School Psychology Association, with at least three (3) years of experience in testing for dyslexia; and
(vii)
An education service cooperative administrator.
(B)
Three (3) professionals who have worked in a public school who are knowledgeable in and have expertise in dyslexia screening and interventions.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1786, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1268,§ 7, eff. 7/22/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1294,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 6 - DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS (§§ 6-41-601 — 6-41-612) › Section 6-41-611 - Enforcement - Rules

(a)
(1)
A public school district that fails to comply with this subchapter:
(A)
Shall be in violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts; and
(B)
May be placed on probationary status.
(2)
A public school district placed on probationary status under subdivision (a)(1) of this section shall report the reason for being placed on probationary status:
(A)
On the website of the public school district; and
(B)
By written notification to the parents of each student in the public school district.
(b)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education:
(1)
Shall enforce the requirements of this subchapter; and
(2)
May promulgate rules to enforce and implement this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1787, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2017, No. 1039,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 6 - DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS (§§ 6-41-601 — 6-41-612) › Section 6-41-612 - Certified Academic Language Therapists

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall:
(1)
Create a network of Certified Academic Language Therapists to support public schools for the purpose of providing a specialized dyslexia instructional program designed to provide therapy to public school students with dyslexia or related reading and written language difficulties;
(2)
Establish and coordinate a dyslexia therapy training program for educators to increase the number of Certified Academic Language Therapists available to provide diagnostic, explicit, systematic, multisensory language intervention that builds a high degree of accuracy, knowledge, and independence for public school students with dyslexia or written language disorders;
(3)
Annually convene the network of Certified Academic Language Therapists or dyslexia therapists in order to:
(A)
Provide updated guidance;
(B)
Create resources for public schools and parents, legal guardians, and persons standing in loco parentis of public school students; and
(C)
Review outcomes data for reading in this state; and
(4)
Coordinate an International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council-accredited course to create additional pathways for certified teachers to develop proficiency in the science of reading in order to grow the network of dyslexia therapists.
(b)
An education service cooperative may support the implementation of this section by providing additional dyslexia services through a consortium within the region.
Added by Act 2021, No. 1016,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 7 - BUILDING BETTER FUTURES PROGRAM (§§ 6-41-701 — 6-41-705) › Section 6-41-701 - Program established - Purpose

(a)
The Building Better Futures Program is established.
(b)
The purpose of the program is to allow students with intellectual disabilities to broaden their career opportunities through education and job training in an inclusive and age-appropriate environment.
Added by Act 2017, No. 432,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2015, No. 410,§ 1, eff. 3/16/2015.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 7 - BUILDING BETTER FUTURES PROGRAM (§§ 6-41-701 — 6-41-705) › Section 6-41-702 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
"Approved institution" means a public or private nonprofit institution of higher education located in Arkansas that:
(A)
Is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission; and
(B)
Is approved or seeking approval by the United States Department of Education as a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program;
(2)
(A)
"Arkansas resident" means a recipient or a recipient's parent or guardian who is domiciled in Arkansas for at least twelve (12) months before applying for the Building Better Futures Program.
(B)
A recipient or a recipient's parent or guardian may be asked to provide proof of domicile as evidenced by one (1) of the following:
(i)
Information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid;
(ii)
Valid Arkansas driver's license;
(iii)
Documentation of current payment for personal or real property taxes for the previous year;
(iv)
Current vehicle registration;
(v)
Current voter registration; or
(vi)
Other forms that establish residency;
(3)
(A)
"Citizen" means a person who is a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident.
(B)
If the person is a lawful permanent resident, he or she shall submit a copy of the lawful permanent resident form when submitting an application to the Building Better Futures Program;
(4)
"Eligible student" means a person who satisfies the criteria established in this subchapter;
(5)
"Intellectual disability" means a condition characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior:
(A)
As defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association; and
(B)
Diagnosed by a physician, psychologist, or other individual qualified by license or statute to diagnose; and
(6)
"Selective admission" means acceptance into the Building Better Futures Program is based on specific criteria that are used by each approved institution for its program.
Added by Act 2017, No. 432,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2015, No. 410,§ 1, eff. 3/16/2015.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 7 - BUILDING BETTER FUTURES PROGRAM (§§ 6-41-701 — 6-41-705) › Section 6-41-703 - Eligibility

To be eligible for selective admission into a Building Better Futures Program, a student shall:
(1)
Be a citizen;
(2)
(A)
Be an Arkansas resident.
(B)
A nonresident may be eligible for the Building Better Futures Program if there are openings available after all Arkansas residents are admitted;
(3)
Be selected for admission by an approved institution into the institution's comprehensive transition and postsecondary program or a program in the process of becoming a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program;
(4)
Have an intellectual disability;
(5)
Be able and willing to learn and participate in an inclusive classroom and work setting; and
(6)
Not be a danger to himself or herself or others, as determined by the accepting institution of higher education.
Added by Act 2017, No. 432,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2015, No. 410,§ 1, eff. 3/16/2015.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 7 - BUILDING BETTER FUTURES PROGRAM (§§ 6-41-701 — 6-41-705) › Section 6-41-704 - Program information

A Building Better Futures Program implemented by an approved institution shall:
(1)
Have a selective admission process for students with documented intellectual disabilities;
(2)
Be exempt from the higher education state minimum core curriculum as determined by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board under §
6-61-218
;
(3)
Be exempt from Building Better Futures Program review by the board under §§
6-61-207
and
6-61-208
;
(4)
Be part of a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program approved by the United States Department of Education within three (3) years of establishing the Building Better Futures Program at the approved institution;
(5)
Allow a certificate to be awarded to a student who successfully completes the Building Better Futures Program; and
(6)
Not permit hours completed in the Building Better Futures Program to be transferred toward credit for an associate or baccalaureate degree program.
Added by Act 2017, No. 432,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2015, No. 410,§ 1, eff. 3/16/2015.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 3 - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS (§§ 6-40-101 — 6-48-104) › Chapter 41 - CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES (§§ 6-41-101 — 6-41-908) › Subchapter 7 - BUILDING BETTER FUTURES PROGRAM (§§ 6-41-701 — 6-41-705) › Section 6-41-705 - Responsibilities

(a)
(1)
An institution of higher education that wishes to establish a Building Better Futures Program on campus shall seek recognition as a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program by the United States Department of Education.
(2)
Only approved institutions are eligible for funding for the Building Better Futures Program if funding is available.
(b)
(1)
The Division of Higher Education shall provide information statewide, including to each high school in the state, on the options for postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities.
(2)
Each public high school in Arkansas shall provide the information distributed by the division to the parent or guardian of a student with an intellectual or developmental disability enrolled in the public high school.
(3)
A public high school shall begin providing the information when transition services for a student are discussed at an annual review conference of the individualized education program committee meeting.
(c)
A variety of sources may be used to support the Building Better Futures Program, including the costs associated with tuition and support services.
Added by Act 2017, No. 432,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2015, No. 410,§ 1, eff. 3/16/2015.