reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 28 - TEACHER EXCELLENCE AND SUPPORT SYSTEM (§§ 6-17-2801 — 6-17-2809) › Section 6-17-2805 - Summative evaluations

(a)
At least one (1) time every four (4) school years, a public school shall conduct a summative evaluation for each teacher who is not a novice teacher.
(b)
The evaluation framework for a summative evaluation for a classroom teacher shall include without limitation:
(1)
The following teacher evaluation domains:
(A)
Planning and preparation;
(B)
Classroom environment;
(C)
Instruction; and
(D)
Professional responsibilities; and
(2)
An evaluation rubric using nationally accepted components that consists of at least four (4) performance ratings.
(c)
A summative evaluation shall:
(1)
Result in a written evaluation determination for the teacher's performance on all evaluation domains as a whole;
(2)
Use the evaluation framework and evaluation rubric appropriate to the teacher's role;
(3)
(A)
Use multiple sources of evidence of the teacher's professional practice including direct observation, indirect observation, artifacts, and data.
(B)
Subdivision (c)(3)(A) of this section does not require that every component of the domains be evidenced by artifacts when observation or data is used.
(C)
A school or school district may adopt policies to:
(i)
Incorporate peer observations and student feedback that contribute to the summative rating; and
(ii)
Substitute for the whole or any part of the summative evaluation any part of a teacher's work completed for the certification or renewal of a certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards;
(4)
Include presentations of evidence chosen by the teacher, the evaluator, or both;
(5)
Provide an opportunity for the evaluator and teacher to discuss the review of evidence used in the evaluation; and
(6)
Provide feedback based on the evaluation rubric that the teacher can use to improve teaching skills and student learning.
(d)
At the conclusion of a summative evaluation, a public school shall assign the teacher being evaluated an overall performance rating.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 295,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1091,§ 8, eff. 7/22/2015.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1091,§ 7, eff. 7/22/2015.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 709,§ 5, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 2011, No. 1209, § 8.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 28 - TEACHER EXCELLENCE AND SUPPORT SYSTEM (§§ 6-17-2801 — 6-17-2809) › Section 6-17-2808 - Implementation - Applicability

(a)
(1)
A public school shall implement the Teacher Excellence and Support System for all teachers employed at the public school under the rules established by the State Board of Education.
(2)
(A)
This subchapter is not waived when a public school, charter school, or school district obtains a waiver granted by the state board from the laws and rules governing educator licensure:
(i)
In the charter of a public charter school;
(ii)
Under §
6-15-103
; or
(iii)
Under the district of innovation program under §
6-15-2801
et seq.
(B)
However, a public school, charter school, or school district may seek approval from the state board to opt out of the Teacher Excellence and Support System and utilize a locally adopted system for support, development, and appraisal of teacher performance as part of a system of educator effectiveness that meets federal and state requirements.
(3)
A public school that in the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school years used a nationally recognized system of teacher evaluation and support that is substantially similar to the Teacher Excellence and Support System may continue to use that system and is deemed to have met the requirements of this section.
(b)
(1)
Evaluators and teachers shall collaborate in good faith to develop the teacher's professional growth plan under §
6-17-2806(b)
.
(2)
Every teacher contract renewed or entered into after July 27, 2011, is subject to and shall reference this subchapter.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 295,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1091,§ 13, eff. 7/22/2015.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1091,§ 12, eff. 7/22/2015.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1091,§ 11, eff. 7/22/2015.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 709,§ 8, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 2011, No. 1209, § 8.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 28 - TEACHER EXCELLENCE AND SUPPORT SYSTEM (§§ 6-17-2801 — 6-17-2809) › Section 6-17-2809 - System of administrator leadership support and evaluations

(a)
(1)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall design a system of administrator leadership support and evaluations that:
(A)
Is aligned to current leadership standards adopted by the State Board of Education;
(B)
Uses multi-tiered systems of professional support and learning for what a leader should know and be able to do; and
(C)
Provides a research-based framework to conduct administrator evaluations.
(2)
The division may collaborate with state and national school leadership organizations and institutions of higher education with school leadership preparation programs to develop the system.
(b)
The state board may promulgate rules as necessary for the administration of this section.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1502, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 295,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 709,§ 9, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 2011, No. 1209, § 8.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 29 - MERIT TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND PROGRAM (§§ 6-17-2901 — 6-17-2906) › Section 6-17-2901 - Title

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program".
Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 37, eff. 3/8/2023.
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 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 29 - MERIT TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND PROGRAM (§§ 6-17-2901 — 6-17-2906) › Section 6-17-2902 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
"Mentor" means an individual who meets the requirements established by the State Board of Education to support aspiring teachers who are participating in yearlong residencies; and
(2)
"Teacher" means a:
(A)
Licensed classroom teacher who spends at least seventy percent (70%) of his or her contracted time working directly with students in a classroom setting teaching all grade-level or subject-matter appropriate classes;
(B)
School counselor;
(C)
Library media specialist; or
(D)
Aspiring teacher.
Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 37, eff. 3/8/2023.
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 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 29 - MERIT TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND PROGRAM (§§ 6-17-2901 — 6-17-2906) › Section 6-17-2903 - Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program - Creation

(a)
The Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program is hereby created to recognize and reward excellent teachers across the State of Arkansas.
(b)
A teacher deemed eligible under the program shall be rewarded with annual bonuses of no more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(c)
The State Board of Education may promulgate rules for the implementation of this program, including without limitation:
(1)
The administration and methods of distribution of funds under the program;
(2)
Eligibility requirements; and
(3)
Timelines and processes for identifying eligible teachers.
Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 37, eff. 3/8/2023.
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 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 29 - MERIT TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND PROGRAM (§§ 6-17-2901 — 6-17-2906) › Section 6-17-2904 - Teacher eligibility

(a)
Eligibility for an award from the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program shall include without limitation:
(1)
(A)
A teacher who demonstrates outstanding growth in student performance, as determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
(B)
(i)
In determining whether a teacher has demonstrated outstanding growth in student performance, the division shall calculate a value-added growth model score for grades and subjects, where possible.
(ii)
The division shall develop rules to establish the process and procedure for public school districts to annually report data related to value-added models that includes without limitation:
(a)
Student test scores; and
(b)
Prior student performance by subject and school;
(2)
Teachers serving as mentors to aspiring teachers;
(3)
Aspiring teachers participating in yearlong residencies;
(4)
Teachers instructing in subject areas or geographical areas identified as experiencing a critical shortage of teachers, including public schools that have historically been understaffed, as determined by the division; and
(5)
Other categories as defined by the state board.
(b)
In determining distribution of funds to a teacher under this section, the division shall consider factors that include without limitation:
(1)
The poverty level of the school as factored under §
6-17-413
; and
(2)
The designated performance rating of the school under the school rating system, §
6-15-2101
et seq.
(c)
A teacher who is given intensive support status under the Teacher Excellence and Support System, §
6-17-2801
et seq., is ineligible for receipt of funds under the program for the school year.
Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 37, eff. 3/8/2023.
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 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 29 - MERIT TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND PROGRAM (§§ 6-17-2901 — 6-17-2906) › Section 6-17-2905 - Report

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall annually conduct and publish a report on the data under subsection (b) of this section on Arkansas's educator workforce.
(b)
The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall include without limitation an analysis of:
(1)
Teacher shortage areas by geographic region, subject area, district, school, and student demographic groups, including consideration for teacher certification status; and
(2)
The teacher pipeline and retention, including consideration of available teacher training pathways.
Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 37, eff. 3/8/2023.
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 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 29 - MERIT TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND PROGRAM (§§ 6-17-2901 — 6-17-2906) › Section 6-17-2906 - Rules

The State Board of Education may promulgate rules to implement this subchapter.
Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 37, eff. 3/8/2023.
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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-115) › Section 6-18-101 - Qualifications for valedictorian and salutatorian

(a)
(1)
Only a student who has successfully completed a minimum core of high school courses shall be eligible for the honor of serving as a valedictorian or salutatorian of his or her graduating class.
(2)
Only a student who has successfully completed the minimum core of high school courses with a minimum grade point established by the school district or its equivalent shall be eligible for distinction as an honor graduate of a senior class in a high school in this state.
(b)
For the purpose of meeting the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, the student must complete the minimum core of courses recommended by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the State Board of Education pursuant to §
6-61-217
enlisted during the period of his or her enrollment in high school.
(c)
Only a student who is enrolled in a course of study containing the minimum core of high school courses recommended by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the State Board of Education pursuant to §
6-61-217
shall be eligible for membership in the National Honor Society or any equivalent academic honor society.
(d)
(1)
A school district may establish an honor roll system to recognize or reward students for academic achievement.
(2)
A school district shall not be prohibited from identifying students who qualify for the honor roll or who are eligible to serve as valedictorian or salutatorian of the students' graduating class or who qualify for honor graduate status under this section.
(3)
(A)
A parent or student who does not want to have the student identified as an honor student or listed on the honor roll shall submit a written request to the principal of the school requesting that the student not be identified.
(B)
The school and school district shall not identify any student who has submitted or whose parent has submitted a written request under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section.
Acts 1991, No. 980, §§ 1, 2; 1993, No. 1117, § 1; 1997, No. 977, § 2; 2005, No. 390, § 1; 2009, No. 376, § 34.
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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-115) › Section 6-18-102 - Legislative findings - School uniform policy

(a)
The General Assembly hereby finds and determines that the clothes and footwear worn by students in the public schools often preoccupy and distract students from their major purpose for being in school: that of becoming educated in math, science, English, history, and other subjects. The General Assembly further finds that student competition over clothes and footwear has, in several instances, led to violence and injuries during school hours; whereas, in those Arkansas schools that have adopted school uniforms, disparities in student socioeconomic levels are less obvious and disruptive incidents are less likely to occur.
(b)
(1)
The school district board of directors may refer the issue of a dress code to the qualified electors of the district at any annual school election.
(2)
If a majority of the qualified electors of the district voting thereon at the election vote for the adoption of a school uniform policy, the school district board of directors shall prescribe appropriate school uniforms and implement the policy.
(3)
If a majority of the qualified electors of the district voting thereon at the election vote against the adoption of a school uniform policy, the school district board of directors may refer the question again to the qualified electors of the district only after a minimum period of one (1) year.
(4)
(A)
Qualified electors of the district may at any time by petition have the question of implementing a uniform dress code voted upon at the next school election.
(B)
The petition shall be signed by not less than five percent (5%) of the qualified electors in the district.
(c)
Any school uniform policy adopted by a school district shall provide for individual students to make application to opt out of the uniform requirements with parental consent when no other reasonable alternative placement for the student exists.
(d)
Any school district that has adopted and implemented a district policy to require a uniform dress code before the 2000 annual school election shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.
(e)
(1)
This section does not limit the ability of a school district or a particular school within a district to adopt and implement a school uniform policy.
(2)
A school district may implement a school uniform policy without submitting the issue to the electors of the district.
(f)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and education service cooperatives shall, when possible, assist public schools by providing information regarding uniform dress codes upon request from public school administrators.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1503, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1155,§ 16, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1995, No. 1239, §§ 1-3; 1999, No. 1301, § 1; 2007, No. 617, § 11.
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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-115) › Section 6-18-103 - Selective service registration

(a)
(1)
Each local school district and each adult education program shall provide a registration form at least thirty (30) days before the student's eighteenth birthday to any student who is enrolled in the district or the adult education program and who is required to register with the United States Selective Service System in accordance with the Military Selective Service Act,
50 U.S.C. § 3801
et seq.
(2)
The district and adult education program shall further provide appropriate instructions for returning completed registration forms to United States Selective Service System personnel.
(b)
The superintendent of the local school district and the director of the adult education program shall designate a staff person in each high school and at the adult education program site to distribute United States Selective Service System registration forms to students as provided in subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall issue rules to ensure compliance with the provisions of this section and compliance with all federal regulations.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 241, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1504, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1997, No. 229, § 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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-115) › Section 6-18-104 - Placement

All students in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) of the public schools of this state shall be placed in an educational program that includes the minimum core curriculum established under §
6-61-217
unless a medical doctor and the parent or custodian of the student certify that a medical condition exists that impairs the student's cognitive functioning and that the student should not pursue the minimum core curriculum.
Acts 1997, No. 1195, § 1; 2009, No. 376, § 35.
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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-115) › Section 6-18-105 - Skills and knowledge for preparation of kindergarten children

(a)
(1)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall determine and prepare a list of the skills and knowledge that a child should have in order to be prepared to enter kindergarten.
(2)
The list shall be prepared in a manner that will assist parents in preparing their children for kindergarten.
(b)
(1)
The list shall be available to parents on the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education's website and from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education by mail if requested.
(2)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall make reasonable efforts to have the list of skills published in the Happy Birthday Baby Book.
(c)
(1)
The Department of Human Services shall provide copies of the list to childcare facilities licensed by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education.
(2)
The Department of Human Services shall adopt rules requiring childcare facilities licensed by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education each year to distribute the list to the parent of each three-year-old child, four-year-old child, and five-year-old child attending the childcare facility.
(d)
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a child to have a certain level of skill or knowledge before enrolling in kindergarten.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 242, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1505, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2003, No. 825, § 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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-115) › Section 6-18-106 - Classroom assignment of multiple birth siblings -Definitions

(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Multiple birth sibling" means a twin, triplet, quadruplet, or other sibling resulting from a multiple birth; and
(2)
"Parent" means the parent, legal guardian, or other person having custody or charge of a student enrolled in a public school.
(b)
Not later than the fourteenth day before the first day of school, a parent of multiple birth siblings who are assigned to the same grade level and school, in prekindergarten through grade six (preK-6), may request in writing that the school place the siblings in the same classroom or in separate classrooms.
(c)
Except as provided by subsection (e) or subsection (g) of this section, a school shall provide the multiple birth siblings with the classroom placement requested by the parent.
(d)
In the event that one (1) parent's election under subsection (c) of this section differs from another parent's election under subsection (c) of this section, the school shall determine the appropriate placement of the multiple birth siblings.
(e)
The school may direct a classroom placement for the multiple birth siblings that differs from the parent's request if:
(1)
Thirty (30) instructional days have lapsed since the date the multiple birth siblings began the classroom placement made at the parent's request; and
(2)
After consulting with the teacher of each classroom in which the multiple birth siblings are placed, the school determines that the classroom placement requested by the parent is:
(A)
Detrimental to the educational achievement of one (1) or more of the multiple birth siblings;
(B)
Disruptive to the classroom learning environment where the multiple birth sibling is assigned; or
(C)
Disruptive to the school's educational or disciplinary environment.
(f)
A parent may appeal the school's classroom placement of multiple birth siblings in the manner provided by school district policy.
(g)
A school district is not required to place multiple birth siblings in separate classrooms if the request would require the school district to add an additional class to the grade level of the multiple birth siblings.
(h)
A school district shall adopt a written policy concerning the procedures for classroom placements of multiple birth siblings that is consistent with this section.
(i)
This section does not affect a right or obligation of the school or school district regarding student placement decisions of the school district under:
(1)
The Children With Disabilities Act of 1973, §
6-41-201
et seq.;
(2)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
20 U.S.C. § 1400
et seq., as it exists on July 27, 2011; or
(3)
Written school district disciplinary policies.
Acts 2011, No. 906, § 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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-115) › Section 6-18-107 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 1031,§ 9, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 939,§ 8, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1506, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2013, No. 514,§ 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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-115) › Section 6-18-108 - Continuity of education for public school choice students - Definitions

(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Nonresident district" means a school district other than a student's resident district; and
(2)
"Resident district" means the school district where the student resides as determined under §
6-18-202
.
(b)
If a public school choice request is approved by a nonresident district under a provision of law that is later declared unconstitutional by a court or is repealed, the student may continue to attend school in the nonresident district until the student completes his or her secondary education.
(c)
A present or future sibling of a student who continues enrollment in the nonresident district under this section may enroll in or continue enrollment in the nonresident district until the sibling completes his or her secondary education, if the district has the capacity to accept the sibling without adding teachers, staff, or classrooms or exceeding the rules and standards established in law.
(d)
The enrollment of a student in a nonresident district under this section is subject to:
(1)
The nonresident district's written policies for renewal of the transfer; and
(2)
Other provisions of law concerning attendance and enrollment in public schools.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 243, eff. 7/24/2019.
Added by Act 2013, No. 1334,§ 1, eff. 4/18/2013.
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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-115) › Section 6-18-112 - School safety and crisis line fund - Report

(a)
There is created on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State a miscellaneous fund to be known as the "ARSafeSchools Fund".
(b)
The fund shall consist of:
(1)
Moneys obtained from private grants or other sources that are designated to be credited to the fund; and
(2)
Any other funds authorized or provided by law.
(c)
The fund shall be used by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Psychiatric Research Institute solely to create and maintain the ARSafeSchools school safety and crisis line under §
6-18-111
.
(d)
Moneys remaining in the fund at the end of each fiscal year shall carry forward and be made available for the purposes stated in this section in the next fiscal year.
(e)
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Psychiatric Research Institute is not required to implement provisions of this section if the ARSafeSchools school safety and crisis line under §
6-18-111
is not funded.
(f)
(1)
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Psychiatric Research Institute shall submit an annual report containing the following information to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee:
(A)
The balance of the fund as of the reporting date;
(B)
A list of administrative costs paid for from the fund, including without limitation salaries, pensions, and packages;
(C)
The total revenue received by the fund during the reporting period; and
(D)
A detailed description of steps taken to create and implement the ARSafeSchools school safety and crisis line.
(2)
The annual report required under this subsection shall be submitted by January 1 and July 1 of each year.
Added by Act 2019, No. 1064,§ 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 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-18-101 — 6-18-115) › Section 6-18-113 - Student identification badges - Required information

(a)
Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, if a public school or an open-enrollment public charter school issues identification cards or identification badges to enrolled public school students in grades six through twelve (6-12), the identification card or identification badge shall, in addition to basic student information included by the public school or open-enrollment public charter school, contain only the following information:
(1)
A national domestic violence hotline;
(2)
A national sexual assault hotline;
(3)
A national suicide prevention hotline; and
(4)
Campus-related contact information.
(b)
The information required under subsection (a) of this section shall be printed on an identification card or identification badge that is:
(1)
Newly issued; or
(2)
A replacement for a previously issued identification card or identification badge.
Added by Act 2021, No. 1069,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
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 6-18-205 - Attendance in another district - Liability

(a)
A school district that admits for ten (10) school days or more a student the school district knows, or should have known, is a resident of another school district not included in a tuition agreement, or not officially transferred to the school district, is liable to the resident district of the student for an amount of money equal to the amount of state aid the resident district would have received or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per year, whichever is greater.
(b)
(1)
Either school district may petition the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to satisfy the liability by transferring the amount of the liability to the entitled school district from funds that the division would have distributed to the liable school district.
(2)
Upon receipt of a petition, the division shall determine the amount of the liability and satisfy it by the transfer.
(c)
If a substantial question arises as to residence, the State Board of Education may decline to assess the penalty.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 31, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1513, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1983 (Ex. Sess.), No. 111, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1571; Acts 1987, No. 528, §§ 1, 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 2 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 6-18-201 — 6-18-236) › Section 6-18-206 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 1227,§ 1, eff. 4/16/2013.
Acts 1989, No. 609, §§ 1-13; 1991, No. 214, § 1; 1991, No. 284, §§ 1-3; 1993, No. 655, § 1; 1995, No. 109, § 1; 1997, No. 112, § 10; 1999, No. 391, § 10; 1999, No. 1241, § 1; 2001, No. 1788, § 1; 2003, No. 1272, § 1; 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 110, § 1; 2005, No. 2148, § 1; 2007, No. 552, § 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 6-18-207 - Minimum age for enrollment in public school

(a)
(1)
A student may enter kindergarten in the public schools of this state if he or she will attain the age of five (5) years on or before August 1 of the year in which he or she is seeking initial enrollment.
(2)
Any student who has been enrolled in a state-accredited or state-approved kindergarten program in another state or in a kindergarten program equivalent in another country for at least sixty (60) days, who will become five (5) years old during the year in which he or she is enrolled in kindergarten, and who meets the basic residency requirement for school attendance may be enrolled in kindergarten upon written request to the school district.
(3)
A student who was enrolled in a state-accredited or state-approved kindergarten program in another state or in a kindergarten program equivalent in another country may be enrolled in kindergarten in this state upon a written request to the school district if the student:
(A)
Becomes a resident of this state as a direct result of active military orders or a court-ordered change of custody;
(B)
Will become five (5) years of age during the year in which he or she is enrolled in kindergarten; and
(C)
Meets the basic residency requirement for school attendance.
(b)
(1)
Any child may enter the first grade in the public schools of this state if the child will attain the age of six (6) years during the school year in which the child is seeking enrollment and the child has successfully completed a kindergarten program in a public school in this state.
(2)
Any child who will be six (6) years of age on or before October 1 of the school year of enrollment and who has not completed a state-accredited kindergarten program shall be enrolled pursuant to §
6-18-201(f)
.
(3)
Any child who has been enrolled in the first grade in a state-accredited or state-approved elementary school in another state or in the first grade equivalent in another country for a period of at least sixty (60) days, who will become six (6) years of age during the school year in which the child is enrolled in grade one (1), and who meets the basic residency requirement for school attendance may be enrolled in the first grade.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 756,§ 12, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 424,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1983 (Ex. Sess.), No. 60, § 2; 1985, No. 1029, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1501.2; Acts 1989, No. 598, § 2; 1997, No. 1230, § 2; 1999, No. 570, § 2; 2001, No. 1535, § 2; 2007, No. 462, § 1; 2009, No. 29, § 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 6-18-209 - Adoption of student attendance policies - Effect of unexcused absences

(a)
The board of directors of each school district in this state shall adopt student attendance policies.
(b)
Each school district, as a part of its six-year educational plan, shall develop strategies for promoting maximum student attendance, including, but not limited to, the use of alternative classrooms and in-school suspensions in lieu of suspension from school.
(c)
A student attendance policy may include unexcused absences as a mandatory basis for denial of promotion or graduation.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1322,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1983 (Ex. Sess.), No. 60, § 4; 1985, No. 1069, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1504; Acts 2011, No. 1223, § 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 6-18-210 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 867,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 2003, No. 675, § 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 6-18-211 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 867,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Acts 2003, No. 675, § 2; 2007, No. 985, § 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 6-18-215 - School enrollment census - Determining student dropout rates

(a)
(1)
(A)
On or before October 1 of each school year, a public school shall conduct a census of all students enrolled at the school to arrive at a school enrollment census total for each grade.
(B)
The number of students transferring into the school October 1 through September 30 of the following school year shall be added to the October 1 school enrollment census total for each grade.
(C)
The number of students transferring out of the school October 1 through September 30 of the following school year shall be subtracted from the October 1 school enrollment census total for each grade.
(2)
The number of students transferring out of a school shall be based on the number of official transcripts requested by other schools.
(3)
Each school shall maintain separate records regarding students who leave the public school system to be home-schooled under §
6-15-503
.
(b)
The school enrollment census total as calculated and adjusted under subsection (a) of this section shall be used to determine the dropout rate for each school as follows:
(1)
For grades two through twelve (2-12), the school enrollment census total for the current school year is compared to the school enrollment census total for each of the previous grades of the previous school year; and
(2)
For grade one (1), the school enrollment census total for the current school year is compared to the school enrollment census total for the kindergarten class of the previous year.
(c)
The graduation rates, as defined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, shall be tracked for students in grades nine through twelve (9-12).
(d)
The division shall use this section for in-state reporting purposes related to school dropout rates.
(e)
The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules to require school districts to report graduation and dropout data each year in accordance with this section.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1517, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 104, § 1; 2005, No. 2151, § 18.
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 6-18-217 - Records to be kept by teachers

(a)
It shall be the duty of each teacher in the public schools of Arkansas to keep an accurate record of attendance and nonattendance of all children enrolled in his or her class or classes.
(b)
Any teacher failing to keep such record may have his or her license revoked for such failure.
Acts 1931, No. 169, § 157; Pope's Dig., §§ 3583, 11599; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1509; Acts 2001, No. 1553, § 15.
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 6-18-219 - False attendance reports

Any teacher, principal, superintendent, or any other person whose duty it is to make reports as to the schools of the county who shall make a false report to the State Board of Education as to the number of children enumerated, the number enrolled in school, or the number in average daily attendance in the schools shall be:
(1)
Guilty of a violation punishable by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100), payable into the general school fund of the county; and
(2)
Liable personally for any loss of revenue that the district or state sustains as a result of the false report.
Acts 1931, No. 169, § 176; Pope's Dig., §§ 3591, 11618; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1901; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 12; 1999, No. 1078, § 72; 2005, No. 1994, § 65.
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 6-18-221 - Cooperation of law enforcement agencies

(a)
Any public school district may enter into a cooperative agreement with local law enforcement officials to implement within the district an "Operation Stay in School Program".
(b)
Upon the request of the board of directors of the school district, the law enforcement agency shall stipulate, with the administration of the school district, specific days and hours when law enforcement officers will attempt to locate school-age students in the community who are off school premises during school hours without valid documentation excusing their absence.
(c)
Any certified law enforcement officer may stop and detain any unsupervised school-age student located off school premises during school hours and request the production of documentation excusing the student's absence from school.
(d)
Upon the student's failure to produce sufficient documentation, the law enforcement officer may take the student into custody and return the student to his or her school, transport the student to his or her parent, or transport the student to the truancy reception center, which shall not be a jail, juvenile detention center, or police department, and which has been designated by the school district.
(e)
(1)
Any school district adopting this program shall include in its attendance policy a notice to parents and students that it has entered into a cooperative agreement with law enforcement officials to implement the program, and unsupervised students found off school premises during school hours shall be subject to questioning by a law enforcement officer under the program.
(2)
Any school district adopting this program shall include provisions for furnishing valid documentation for a student in work-study programs or other authorized absences from school premises in order to assist law enforcement officers in determining the validity of documentation excusing the student's absence from school during school hours.
Acts 1989, No. 867, § 1; 1995, No. 1296, § 22.
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 6-18-223 - Credit for college courses

(a)
(1)
A public school student who is enrolled in a public school in Arkansas and who has successfully completed the eighth grade shall be eligible to enroll in a publicly supported community college or four-year college or university in accordance with rules adopted by each institution in consultation with the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(2)
A student who enrolls in and successfully completes a course or courses offered by an institution of higher education shall be entitled to receive appropriate academic credit in both the institution of higher education and the public school in which such student is enrolled, which credit shall be applicable to graduation requirements.
(b)
The State Board of Education is authorized to adopt rules as may be necessary for implementation of this requirement.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 249, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 248, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 60, § 1; 1991, No. 1097, § 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 6-18-224 - Early graduation

Any student who is enrolled in a public high school in Arkansas and has earned the number of credits required by the local school district for graduation shall be eligible to graduate from the high school without regard to the grade level the student is enrolled in at the time such credits are earned.
Acts 1997, No. 275, § 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 6-18-225 - Definition

As used in this section and §
6-18-226
, "community truancy board" means a board composed of members of the local community in which the child attends school.
Acts 1999, No. 1579, § 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 6-18-226 - Community truancy boards - Members - Duties

(a)
The local school district boards of directors may create a community truancy board or may use other boards that exist or are created such as diversion boards. However, a diversion or other existing board must agree before it is used as a community truancy board.
(b)
Members of the community truancy board shall be selected from representatives of the community.
(c)
Duties of a community truancy board shall include, but not be limited to, recommending methods for improving school attendance such as assisting the parent or the child to obtain supplementary services that might eliminate or ameliorate the causes for the absences or suggesting to the school district that the child enroll in another school, an alternative education program, an education center, a skill center, a dropout prevention program, or another public or private educational program.
Acts 1999, No. 1579, § 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 2 - ATTENDANCE (§§ 6-18-201 — 6-18-236) › Section 6-18-228 - Attending classes and programs not offered by assigned school

Any student who is enrolled in a public school in a school district that is administratively consolidated by §
6-13-1601
et seq., §
6-13-1405(a)(5)
[repealed], and §
6-20-602
[repealed] may be eligible, at the discretion of the local school district board of directors, to attend any class or academic program or participate in any extracurricular activity or program offered by another school in the administratively consolidated district if the public school to which the student is assigned to attend does not offer the same or similar class, academic program, or extracurricular activity or program.
Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 91, § 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 6-18-229 - Service as page for General Assembly

If a student is invited by a member of the General Assembly to serve as a page for the General Assembly during a legislative session, the student shall be considered on instructional assignment and shall not be considered absent from school for the one (1) day the student is serving as a page, and he or she may be allowed additional instructional assignment days at the discretion of the school district.
Acts 2005, No. 2199, § 1.