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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-146 - Cursive writing

(a)
Beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, every public elementary school shall teach cursive writing as a component of English language arts by the end of grade three (3).
(b)
The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer this section that shall address the required curriculum components and appropriate grade levels to teach cursive writing.
Added by Act 2015, No. 160,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-147 - Computer science - Required course offering

(a)
Beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, a public high school or public charter high school shall offer at least one (1) computer science course at the high school level.
(b)
A computer science course offered by a public high school or public charter high school shall:
(1)
Be of high quality;
(2)
Meet or exceed the curriculum standards and requirements established by the State Board of Education; and
(3)
Be made available in a traditional classroom setting, blended learning environment, online-based, or other technology-based format that is tailored to meet the needs of each participating student.
Added by Act 2015, No. 187,§ 1, eff. 2/24/2015.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-148 - Foundation of certain social studies or history courses offered in grades seven through twelve

(a)
The following social studies or history courses offered in grades seven through twelve (7-12) include a relevant review of United States history from the period of colonization through 1890, specifically including the colonial period, the American Revolution, the foundations of the United States Government, and the American Civil War:
(1)
A social studies or history course conditioned upon knowledge of historical events from the colonial period to modern times of United States history for which graduation credit is or may be received, except for advanced placement courses;
(2)
Civics;
(3)
United States after 1890;
(4)
United States Government; and
(5)
A current or future social studies or history course that could benefit from a study of the period of history identified in this section.
(b)
The State Board of Education shall adopt or amend rules as necessary to implement this section.
Added by Act 2015, No. 1284,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-149 - United States citizenship civics test

(a)
(1)
Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, in order to receive a high school diploma from a public school or a high school equivalency diploma from a state entity, a student shall:
(A)
Take a test that is identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services; and
(B)
Correctly answer at least sixty percent (60%) of the test questions.
(2)
A student may retake the test as many times as necessary to achieve a passing score.
(b)
The State Board of Education shall determine the method and manner by which to administer a test that is identical to the civics portion of the naturalization test used by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
(c)
The requirement under subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to a student who:
(1)
Is exempted in accordance with the student's individualized education program;
(2)
Attends school in the Arkansas Correctional School District under §
12-29-301
et seq.; or
(3)
Is over eighteen (18) years of age and seeking a high school equivalency diploma.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 730,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 493,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Added by Act 2017, No. 478,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-150 - Credit for completing military basic training

A student in high school who enlists in a branch of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard through the military delayed entry program, the National Guard Split Training Option, or other similar early entry program and completes basic training before graduating from high school shall receive two (2) units of the career focus graduation requirements under the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts adopted by the State Board of Education.
Added by Act 2017, No. 1064,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-151 - Activities - Payments prohibited - Definitions

(a)
As used throughout Title 6, unless otherwise provided:
(1)
"Extracurricular activity" means an intraschool activity not included in a regular curriculum, including without limitation sports and special interest clubs or groups;
(2)
"Interscholastic activity" means an interschool activity not included in a regular curriculum, including without limitation sports and special interest clubs or groups that are subject to regulations of the Arkansas Activities Association; and
(3)
"Organized physical activity course" means a school course that:
(A)
Is taught by an instructor who is licensed or qualified in physical education under State Board of Education rules; and
(B)
Involves body movement produced by skeletal muscles resulting in energy expenditures through organized group or class activities.
(b)
A public school student who participates in an extracurricular activity, interscholastic activity, or organized physical activity shall not be required to pay for individual or group instruction in order to participate in the extracurricular activity, interscholastic activity, or organized physical activity.
Added by Act 2019, No. 847,§ 1, 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-152 - Computer Science Education Advancement Act of 2021

(a)
This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Computer Science Education Advancement Act of 2021".
(b)
(1)
Beginning with the entering ninth grade class of 2022-2023, a public high school student shall be required to earn one (1) unit of credit
in a Department of Education-approved high school computer science or computer science-related career and technical education course before the student graduates.
(2)
The one (1) unit required in subdivision (b)(1) of this section may be earned in grades eight through twelve (8-12).
(3)
A computer science or computer science-related career and technical education course offered by a public high school shall:
(A)
Be of high quality;
(B)
Meet or exceed the curriculum standards and requirements established by the State Board of Education; and
(C)
Be made available in a traditional classroom setting, a blended learning environment, an online-based or other technology-based format that is tailored to meet the needs of each participating student.
(4)
The Division of Career and Technical Education within the Department of Education shall work with the Arkansas Computer Science Initiative within the Department of Education to establish by rule the minimum criteria by which a career and technical education course may be approved as a computer science-related career and technical education course.
(c)
(1)
The department shall designate at least four (4) state board-approved computer science or computer science-related career and technical education courses that students in grade eight (8) may take for high school credit.
(2)
If a student in grade eight (8) wishes to take a course not designated, a school district shall comply with any existing course approval requirements.
(d)
Beginning in August 2022, the department shall make available to all public schools high-quality digital content aligned to state board-approved computer science courses.
(e)
(1)
Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, a public school district may employ a computer science teacher at each high school in the public school district.
(2)
A computer science teacher employed in accordance with subdivision (e)(1) of this section shall hold a license approved by the state board.
(f)
The state board may adopt rules to administer this section, including rules for flexible options to license computer science teachers, which may include without limitation, approval codes, technical permits, ancillary licenses, and standard licenses.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 654,§ 4, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 635,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Added by Act 2021, No. 414,§ 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-153 - Hunting safety course

(a)
A public school or public school district may offer to its public school students in grades five through twelve (5-12) a hunting safety course as part of the public school's or public school district's physical education and health and safety curriculum.
(b)
A hunting safety course offered as part of the physical education and health and safety curriculum by a public school or public school district shall:
(1)
Be based on the hunter training and safety program offered by the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission under §
15-43-238
; and
(2)
Be taught by an individual who meets the qualifications the commission requires individuals to meet in order to teach a hunting training and safety program offered by the commission.
(c)
(1)
A public school or public school district that offers a hunting safety course under this section may use an operable firearm as part of the hunting safety course.
(2)
A "firearm" under subdivision (c)(1) of this section means the same as defined in §
5-1-102
.
(d)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide a list of source materials available for public schools and public school districts to use to teach a hunting safety course under this section, which may include without limitation the following topics:
(1)
Firearm safety;
(2)
The proper handling of a firearm;
(3)
Hunting techniques; and
(4)
Wildlife conservation.
Added by Act 2021, No. 536,§ 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-154 - Holocaust education - Required - Definition

(a)
Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, Holocaust education shall be taught in all public schools in a manner that:
(1)
Generates an understanding of the causes, course, and effects of the Holocaust;
(2)
Develops dialogue with students on the ramifications of bullying, bigotry, stereotyping, and discrimination; and
(3)
Encourages tolerance of diversity and reverence for human dignity for all citizens in a pluralistic society.
(b)
The State Board of Education, in consultation with local, statewide, and national experts in Holocaust education, shall develop and distribute curricula, standards, materials, and units relating to Holocaust education for grade-appropriate grades five through twelve (5-12) instruction in all public schools.
(c)
As used in this section, "Holocaust" means the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and attempted annihilation of Jews and other groups by the Nazi regime in Germany between 1933 and 1945, which resulted in the murder of approximately six million (6,000,000) Jews and five million (5,000,000) other individuals.
(d)
(1)
To educate students about the significance and history of the Holocaust, the last full week of classes in January in Arkansas public schools shall be designated as "Holocaust Education Week".
(2)
The state board shall:
(A)
Notify all public schools before the beginning of each school year of the dates designated as "Holocaust Education Week" required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section; and
(B)
Encourage all public schools to teach Holocaust education during the dates designated as "Holocaust Education Week" required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 48,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Added by Act 2021, No. 611,§ 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-157 - Child sexual abuse and human trafficking prevention - Instruction required

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall:
(1)
(A)
Enhance or adapt curriculum materials to assist public school personnel in providing instruction through a multidisciplinary approach on the detection, intervention, prevention, and treatment of child sexual abuse and human trafficking.
(B)
The curriculum materials developed under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section shall:
(i)
Be geared toward a sequential program of instruction from kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12); and
(ii)
Include strategies for utilizing the curriculum in schools; and
(2)
Ensure that curriculum materials developed under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section are incorporated into the Health and Safety and Physical Education Standards developed by the Department of Education in an age-appropriate manner.
(b)
Each public school district and open-enrollment charter school shall:
(1)
Implement a child sexual abuse and human trafficking prevention program that meets the standards and requirements established by the division;
(2)
Provide training for teachers employed by the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school on child sexual abuse and assault and human trafficking:
(A)
Awareness;
(B)
Reporting requirements; and
(C)
Prevention;
(3)
Notify parents, legal guardians, and persons standing in loco parentis to a student when child sexual abuse and assault and human trafficking prevention education shall occur in the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school;
(4)
Allow parents, legal guardians, and persons standing in loco parentis to a student to preview curriculum materials before classroom instruction; and
(5)
Allow parents, legal guardians, and persons standing in loco parentis to a student to exempt their child from the child sexual abuse and assault and human trafficking prevention program.
(c)
Before grade five (5), a public school teacher shall not provide classroom instruction on the following topics:
(1)
Sexually explicit materials;
(2)
Sexual reproduction;
(3)
Sexual intercourse;
(4)
Gender identity; or
(5)
Sexual orientation.
Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 16, 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-158 - Water safety - Information provided by public schools - Definition

(a)
For purposes of this section, "water safety" means age-appropriate education that is intended to:
(1)
Promote safety in, on, and around bodies of water; and
(2)
Reduce the risk of injury or drowning.
(b)
(1)
Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, each public school district and open-enrollment public charter school shall provide to a parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to a public school student information on the important role that water safety education courses and swimming lessons play in saving lives.
(2)
(A)
The information required under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall:
(i)
Be provided electronically or in a hard copy format; and
(ii)
Include local options for water safety education courses and swimming lessons that result in a certificate indicating the successful completion of the water safety education course or swimming lessons, including without limitation water safety education courses and swimming lessons that are offered for free or at a reduced price.
(B)
If a public school student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, or is under twenty-one (21) years of age and is enrolling in adult education classes, the information required under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall be provided to the public school student.
(c)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall promulgate rules to implement this section.
Added by Act 2023, No. 101,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-160 - Mental Health Awareness Week

To raise awareness of mental illness, remove stigma and misunderstanding associated with mental illness, and provide support for those who experience mental illness, the first full week of classes in May in Arkansas schools shall be recognized as "Mental Health Awareness Week".
Added by Act 2023, No. 290,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-161 - Adoption awareness education - Instruction required

(a)
(1)
Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, each public school in the state shall provide instruction on adoption awareness to students enrolled in grades six through twelve (6-12) at the public school for a period of time not to exceed one (1) hour during each school year.
(2)
(A)
A public school shall provide the one (1) hour of adoption awareness instruction required under subdivision (a)(1) of this section at the beginning of each school year.
(B)
A public school may require that the adoption awareness instruction required under subdivision (a)(1) of this section is provided:
(i)
During a regular class period; or
(ii)
At a special event organized for purposes of providing the required adoption awareness instruction.
(b)
The State Board of Education shall develop curricula, standards, materials, and units relating to adoption awareness instruction required by subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
Adoption awareness instruction required by subsection (a) of this section shall include without limitation:
(1)
The benefits of adoption to society;
(2)
The types of adoption available;
(3)
The difference between adoption through the foster care system and private adoption;
(4)
The reasons adoption is preferable to abortion;
(5)
Public and private resources and agencies available to assist in the adoption process;
(6)
Statistical data on abortion, adoption, and childbirth;
(7)
Public and private resources available for pregnant mothers and parents enrolled in a public school; and
(8)
A description of child and human development.
(d)
A public school shall provide any information provided to students under this section that was in written form to the parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis to a pregnant student who is enrolled in the public school.
Added by Act 2023, No. 637,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-162) › Section 6-16-162 - Conditions under which early diploma may be awarded - Definition

(a)
A public school or an open-enrollment public charter school may award a student enrolled in the public school or open-enrollment public charter school a high school diploma before the established graduation date if:
(1)
The student enrolled in the public school or open-enrollment public charter school is:
(A)
Terminally ill; and
(B)
In his or her final semester of high school at the public school or open-enrollment public charter school; and
(2)
The board of directors or governing body of the public school or open-enrollment public charter school in which the student is enrolled has approved the provision of an early high school diploma to the student.
(b)
(1)
As used in this section, "terminally ill" means, as determined by a licensed medical professional, the student:
(A)
Has an incurable condition caused by illness or disease; and
(B)
Will likely die before the date of his or her graduation due to the illness or disease.
(2)
"Terminally ill" may include a student's admittance into hospice due to his or her incurable condition caused by an illness or disease.
Added by Act 2023, No. 662,§ 1, eff. 4/11/2023.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 2 - KINDERGARTEN GENERALLY (§§ 6-16-201 — 6-16-203) › Section 6-16-201 - Kindergarten - Availability in each school district

All school districts in the State of Arkansas shall offer a kindergarten program and make it available to all eligible children within the boundary of each school district.
Acts 1983, No. 375, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1646a.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 2 - KINDERGARTEN GENERALLY (§§ 6-16-201 — 6-16-203) › Section 6-16-203 - Readiness testing

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall develop guidelines for school districts to perform readiness testing for children who are entering kindergarten.
(b)
(1)
After the division develops guidelines under subsection (a) of this section, each school district in the state shall conduct individual readiness testing on each child entering kindergarten and provide the results of the testing to the child's parents in a timely manner before the child's first day of school.
(2)
The results of the testing that are provided to parents shall indicate in clear, understandable terminology the child's readiness for entering kindergarten.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1330, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2001, No. 1552, § 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-301 - Title

This subchapter shall be known as the "Early Childhood and Adult Education Act of 1969".
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1644.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-302 - Administration of federal funds

(a)
The State Board of Education or the Career Education and Workforce Development Board is designated as the state agency or authority to receive and administer all available federal funds or those funds which may hereafter become available for early childhood education or adult education of less than college grade.
(b)
This provision shall be applicable except in instances in which the United States Congress specifically provides for some other state agency, institution, or state official to receive and administer specific federal grants in these areas.
(c)
The state agency or authority shall disburse any and all federal funds in accordance with federal and state statutes and any implementing federal regulations or state rules pertaining thereto.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 219, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1647.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-303 - Acceptance of gifts, grants, donations, etc

The State Board of Education or school district boards of directors may accept gifts, grants, donations, equipment and materials, and bequests of money and real and personal property for the purposes of this subchapter.
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1648.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-304 - Limits on expenditure

The expenditure of moneys by either the State Board of Education or school district boards of directors shall be limited to projects, programs, research, or demonstrations in early childhood education and in adult education which are under the control and management of public boards or commissions.
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1648.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-305 - Funds for research and demonstration centers - Consultative services

(a)
Irrespective of any language in this subchapter, nothing prohibits the General Assembly from providing funds to establish centers for research or demonstration purposes in order to provide state-level leadership in early childhood education.
(b)
In such instances, however, the funds shall be appropriated for the use of the State Board of Education and shall be subject to cooperative agreements in writing between the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and the sponsoring teacher training institutions or school districts.
(c)
Available funds may be used by the division for the purpose of securing consultative services.
(d)
(1)
In that eventuality, the division shall certify that the expenditures are reasonable and are within customary amounts paid for the services.
(2)
An annual report of the expenditures shall be filed with the Department of Finance and Administration, the Legislative Council, and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee.
(e)
Moreover, full-time state employees shall not be reimbursed for consultative services but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in participating in these programs in instances where their services have been authorized by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or the Director of the Division of Career and Technical Education.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1331, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1651; Acts 2009, No. 376, § 21.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-306 - Vocational-technical high schools

(a)
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as prohibiting a school district from operating a designated, approved area vocational-technical high school in keeping with federal or state legislation and Career Education and Workforce Development Board rules pertaining thereto.
(b)
Enrollments in area vocational-technical high schools include domiciliary residents and residents from outside the school district.
(c)
Enrollments in such institutions may include students twenty-one (21) years of age or younger and students twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
(d)
The provision found in §
6-16-308
prohibiting students who have attained the age of twenty-one (21) from attending the public schools from kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) shall not be applicable with reference to the area vocational-technical high school.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 220, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1655; Acts 2009, No. 376, § 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-307 - Rules and regulations for orderly school operation

(a)
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to limit a school district's power to adopt reasonable rules, regulations, and policies not inconsistent with the purposes of this subchapter to ensure continued orderly operation of schools, including adult education and area vocational-technical high schools.
(b)
Such powers include the right of expulsion for student participation in any activity which tends, in the opinion of the school district's board of trustees, to disrupt, obstruct, or interfere with orderly education processes.
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 13; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1656.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-308 - Maximum age of persons admitted to public schools - Exceptions

Domiciliary residents of a school district who have attained twenty-one (21) years of age may enroll in the school district's adult education programs; but no person over twenty-one (21) years of age shall be permitted to enroll in the public schools of any school district from kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), except in school districts where no courses are offered for which adults can obtain high school credit and except as provided in §
6-16-306
.
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 11; 1983 (Ex. Sess.), No. 60, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1654.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-309 - Authorization for adult education expenditures

The State of Arkansas and school districts are authorized to spend available tax funds for adult education below college level.
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1645.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-310 - Early childhood and kindergarten programs - Approval and funding generally

(a)
The expenditure of state or local tax funds, except as provided in §
6-16-305
, shall be limited to program applications approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for children five (5) years of age as defined elsewhere in this subchapter.
(b)
Programs in early childhood education sponsored as a leadership function, including expenditures in keeping with §
6-16-305
, shall be approved by the division.
(c)
All kindergarten programs financed from tax sources must be approved by the division.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1332, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1650.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-311 - Early childhood education - Approval of private programs

In the event a privately controlled and operated program for children of less than six (6) years of age is conducted in the state, the program shall be licensed as set forth in the Child Care Facility Licensing Act, §
20-78-201
et seq.
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1653; Acts 1997, No. 1132, § 33.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-312 - Early childhood and kindergarten programs - Tuition, etc., prohibited

(a)
The State Board of Education and school district boards of directors are prohibited from initiating new or additional programs, studies, research, or demonstrations with revenue derived from fees, tuition, or other contributions charged or received from students participating in public school kindergarten programs.
(b)
The specific intention of this section is to prohibit the charging of fees or tuition in order to pay for the operation of public school kindergarten programs, and no other interpretation shall be given to it.
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1649; Acts 1997, No. 1132, § 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 3 - EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT EDUCATION ACT (§§ 6-16-301 — 6-16-313) › Section 6-16-313 - Early childhood and kindergarten programs - Minimum standards

(a)
The State Board of Education shall promulgate and adopt such rules as it deems appropriate providing minimum standards, including program standards and teacher licensure standards, for the conduct of public school kindergarten programs.
(b)
Program standards shall include, but shall not necessarily be restricted to, facilities, staffing, articulation with the elementary program other than the kindergarten, and finance.
(c)
Parental participation in program planning, development, and evaluation shall be encouraged.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 221, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 28, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1969, No. 63, § 9; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1652; Acts 1997, No. 1132, § 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 4 - [Repealed] (§§ 6-16-401 — 6-16-409) › Section 6-16-401 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 581,§ 7, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1983, No. 528, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1672.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 4 - [Repealed] (§§ 6-16-401 — 6-16-409) › Section 6-16-402 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 581,§ 7, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1983, No. 528, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1672.1; Acts 1999, No. 148, § 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 5 - DRIVER EDUCATION AND TRAINING (§§ 6-16-501 — 6-16-508) › Section 6-16-501 - Organ donor awareness education

(a)
After receiving approval of materials from the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Secretary of the Department of Health, the Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency, Inc., may provide educational and instructional materials regarding organ and tissue donation to school districts for use in the classroom.
(b)
(1)
Driver education courses and high school health classes shall include information or instructional materials regarding organ and tissue donation.
(2)
Inclusion of organ donor educational information or instructional materials is mandated beginning with the 2004-2005 school fiscal year.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 25, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 2003, No. 546, § 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 5 - DRIVER EDUCATION AND TRAINING (§§ 6-16-501 — 6-16-508) › Section 6-16-507 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 1073,§ 18, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1987, No. 598, § 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 5 - DRIVER EDUCATION AND TRAINING (§§ 6-16-501 — 6-16-508) › Section 6-16-508 - Accessible parking for persons with disabilities

(a)
After receiving approval of materials from the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Secretary of the Department of Health, the Governor's Commission on People with Disabilities may provide educational and instructional materials regarding accessible parking for persons with disabilities to school districts for use in the classroom.
(b)
Driver education courses and high school health classes shall include information or instructional materials regarding accessibility issues for persons with disabilities.
(c)
Inclusion of educational information or instructional materials under this section is mandated beginning with the 2008-2009 school fiscal year.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 26, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 2007, No. 753, § 7.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 6 - POSTSECONDARY PREPARATORY PROGRAMS (§§ 6-16-601 — 6-16-606) › Section 6-16-602 - Programs generally

(a)
The postsecondary preparatory programs established under authority of this subchapter shall:
(1)
Provide advice that will better prepare eligible students for entry-level postsecondary work in the areas of mathematics, English, and reading;
(2)
Improve diagnostic efforts, counseling, placement, and instruction for eligible students;
(3)
(A)
Provide intensive remedial instruction to eligible students enrolled in the postsecondary preparatory program in one (1) or more of the following curriculum areas:
(i)
Mathematics;
(ii)
English; or
(iii)
Reading.
(B)
Each curriculum area shall consist of twenty-five (25) hours or more of instruction;
(4)
(A)
Use instructors with appropriate content knowledge and specialized training developed by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for instructors of developmental education.
(B)
A postsecondary preparatory program may use an instructor who does not hold an Arkansas teaching license if the nonlicensed instructor works together with an instructor who holds a current Arkansas teaching license;
(5)
Effectively use college and career readiness assessments to monitor the progress of participants in the postsecondary preparatory program;
(6)
Use innovative teaching and learning strategies that are designed to be effective with participants in the postsecondary preparatory program;
(7)
Document evidence of the postsecondary preparatory program's success and the performance of its participants; and
(8)
Meet other requirements established by rule.
(b)
A postsecondary preparatory program shall not receive funding under this subchapter unless the postsecondary preparatory program files an annual application with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and the application is approved under §
6-16-601
.
(c)
A postsecondary preparatory program may be open for attendance:
(1)
On one (1) or more days from Monday through Saturday; and
(2)
During any hours that participants are not required to attend public school.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 692,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1339, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1338, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1081,§ 17, eff. 4/11/2013.
Acts 1989, No. 11, §§ 2, 4; 2011, No. 879, § 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 6 - POSTSECONDARY PREPARATORY PROGRAMS (§§ 6-16-601 — 6-16-606) › Section 6-16-603 - Local programs mandated - Placement test

(a)
Every public school in Arkansas shall:
(1)
Identify eligible students under this subchapter using the results from college and career readiness assessments under the Arkansas College and Career Readiness Planning Program, §
6-15-441
[repealed]; and
(2)
(A)
Provide the counseling required under subsection (b) of this section.
(B)
The public school shall make every reasonable effort to involve parents or guardians in student counseling and placement of students.
(b)
A public school counselor serving students in any of grades eight through eleven (8-11) shall:
(1)
Counsel and strongly encourage each student enrolled in grades eight through eleven (8-11) who is identified through college and career readiness assessments as not meeting the college and career readiness benchmarks in mathematics or English language arts to enroll in a postsecondary preparatory program if a program is available to the student;
(2)
Advise each public school student enrolled in grade eleven (11) in Arkansas that the student may take a placement test under §
6-16-605
; and
(3)
Counsel and strongly encourage each student who takes a placement test under §
6-16-605
and scores below the statewide minimum scores established by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board for mathematics or English language arts to enroll during the student's senior year of high school in regular school instructional courses designated by:
(A)
Local school officials to assist in the improvement of the student's scores in the areas of deficiency; and
(B)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Division of Higher Education as appropriate courses for college and career readiness.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1340, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1073,§ 19, eff. 8/16/2013.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1081,§ 18, eff. 4/11/2013.
Acts 1989, No. 11, § 3; 1989, No. 659, § 1; 1991, No. 650, § 1; 2011, No. 879, § 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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 6 - POSTSECONDARY PREPARATORY PROGRAMS (§§ 6-16-601 — 6-16-606) › Section 6-16-604 - Student enrollment

(a)
(1)
An eligible student may enroll in a postsecondary preparatory program during:
(A)
A school year;
(B)
The summer months following a school year in which the student is enrolled in any of grades eight through eleven (8-11) in an Arkansas public school; or
(C)
Both of the periods described in subdivisions (a)(1)(A) and (B) of this section.
(2)
An eligible student shall receive priority for enrollment in a postsecondary preparatory program if the eligible student qualifies for free and reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Act,
42 U.S.C. § 1751
et seq.
(3)
If space and funding are available after all eligible students who applied to attend a postsecondary preparatory program are enrolled, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may permit a public school student to enroll in a postsecondary preparatory program if the student:
(A)
Scores below college and career readiness benchmarks on a college and career readiness assessment or placement test; and
(B)
Either:
(i)
Is enrolled in grade twelve (12) in Arkansas; or
(ii)
Will enroll in the postsecondary preparatory program within three (3) months of graduating from an Arkansas high school.
(b)
An eligible student may enroll in one (1) or more of the curriculum areas in which the eligible student has scored below the college and career readiness benchmark as identified by college and career readiness assessments.
(c)
The opportunity to participate in a postsecondary preparatory program under this subchapter shall not be interpreted as mandating the division to fund postsecondary preparatory programs at a cost in excess of the funds appropriated and funded in the Public School Fund for this purpose.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1342, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1341, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 22, eff. 8/16/2013.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1081,§ 20, eff. 4/11/2013.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1081,§ 19, eff. 4/11/2013.
Acts 1989, No. 11, §§ 3, 4; 1989, No. 659, § 1; 1991, No. 650, §§ 2, 3; 2007, No. 1573, § 56; 2009, No. 1469, § 6; 2011, No. 879, § 2; 2011, No. 989, § 23.
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 16 - CURRICULUM (§§ 6-16-101 — 6-16-1902) › Subchapter 6 - POSTSECONDARY PREPARATORY PROGRAMS (§§ 6-16-601 — 6-16-606) › Section 6-16-605 - Testing - Acceptance of test scores

(a)
A student may take a placement test at no cost to the student at the date, time, and location set by the State Board of Education if the student:
(1)
Is enrolled in grade eight (8) or grade (10) in a public school of Arkansas; or
(2)
Completes a postsecondary preparatory program successfully and in the student's senior year of high school enrolls in a mathematics or English language arts course that is designated by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Division of Higher Education as an appropriate course for college and career readiness.
(b)
At the request of a student, the student's score on a placement test taken under authority of this subchapter will be made available to and will be accepted by and recognized toward meeting enrollment requirements of state-supported colleges, universities, and postsecondary vocational schools in Arkansas.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1343, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1081,§ 21, eff. 4/11/2013.
Acts 1989, No. 11, § 5; 2011, No. 879, § 2.