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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 25 - EDUCATION RENEWAL ZONES (§§ 6-15-2501 — 6-15-2506) › Section 6-15-2501 - Office of Education Renewal Zones - Creation

(a)
There is created the Office of Education Renewal Zones.
(b)
The office shall be under the supervision of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
(c)
(1)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall select an individual to serve as the Director of the Office of Education Renewal Zones.
(2)
With guidance and approval from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Director of the Office of Education Renewal Zones shall be responsible for hiring all employees of the office.
(3)
The Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education shall assign one (1) individual from the staff of the Division of Higher Education to serve as a liaison to the office.
(d)
The office shall be responsible for developing guidelines for the approval of education renewal zone strategic plans and for the evaluation, reporting, and coordination of education renewal zone activities.
(e)
The office shall approve all strategic plans developed by the education renewal zones before the disbursal or annual renewal of funds to participating institutions of higher education.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 5, eff. 4/12/2023.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 134,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1272, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1271, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1270, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 106, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 25 - EDUCATION RENEWAL ZONES (§§ 6-15-2501 — 6-15-2506) › Section 6-15-2503 - Inclusion of schools within designated education renewal zone

(a)
(1)
The Office of Education Renewal Zones, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the local school districts shall exercise due diligence to assure, to the extent that funds are available, that each school identified as a school in need of the specialized support and services provided by education renewal zones is included in a designated education renewal zone.
(2)
The State Board of Education may promulgate rules establishing criteria for the placement of schools in education renewal zones if insufficient funds exist to place all schools in need of the specialized support and services provided by education renewal zones in a designated education renewal zone.
(b)
At its discretion, the office may include any school if the office determines, on the basis of location, characteristics of the school's faculty or leadership, needs of the students, or other factors, that the inclusion of the school would support the school's continuous improvement goals.
(c)
At its discretion, the office may change participating schools within each education renewal zone.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 134,§ 3, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 24, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 106, § 1; 2007, No. 1573, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 25 - EDUCATION RENEWAL ZONES (§§ 6-15-2501 — 6-15-2506) › Section 6-15-2504 - School-level improvement plan implementation

(a)
Each school participating in an education renewal zone shall include in its school-level improvement plan required in §
6-15-2914
the following:
(1)
Goals for improving student achievement;
(2)
Measurable benchmarks for achieving student improvement goals;
(3)
A timeline for reaching goals in improving student achievement; and
(4)
Requirements for services to be provided by the education renewal zone partners.
(b)
The partners within a specific education renewal zone shall develop a strategic plan that is responsive to the needs of the individual school-level improvement plans.
(c)
The education renewal zone strategic plan shall at a minimum provide for the following:
(1)
Collaboration between and among the higher education institution partners, education service cooperatives, schools, and parents or community members, or both, participating in the education renewal zone, including the academic departments of the higher education institution partners;
(2)
(A)
A comprehensive program of professional development to assure the practical knowledge base of pre-service and in-service teachers with respect to pedagogical practice, content knowledge, and competent use of distance learning technology.
(B)
Funds received by school districts from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Public School Fund Account for professional development may be used to provide funding for the professional development required under subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section;
(3)
A strategy to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers by:
(A)
Providing opportunities and support for teacher professional growth; and
(B)
Providing opportunities for collaboration;
(4)
Evidence-based practices to support schools in providing student-focused education;
(5)
Active involvement of parents in the academic work of the student; and
(6)
A means of collecting the data necessary to evaluate the progress of each participating public school and the education renewal zone in its entirety.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 134,§ 4, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 25, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1280, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 106, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 25 - EDUCATION RENEWAL ZONES (§§ 6-15-2501 — 6-15-2506) › Section 6-15-2505 - Annual report

(a)
Each education renewal zone, using guidelines and indicators set by the Office of Education Renewal Zones, shall prepare an annual report to the office describing the progress toward accomplishing the goals of the education renewal zone.
(b)
The office shall prepare an annual report for the Governor, the General Assembly, and the State Board of Education describing the progress toward accomplishing the goals of the individual education renewal zones and the overall education renewal zone program.
(c)
The office shall establish a website, accessible by the public, to provide for broad dissemination of both the education renewal zone plans and strategies and the results of the annual reports on progress toward accomplishing the goals of the individual education renewal zones and the overall education renewal zone program.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 134,§ 5, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 106, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 25 - EDUCATION RENEWAL ZONES (§§ 6-15-2501 — 6-15-2506) › Section 6-15-2506 - Subchapter contingent on funding for education renewal zone program

The provisions of this subchapter shall be contingent on the appropriation and availability of funding for the education renewal zone program.
Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 106, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 26 - THE REWARDING EXCELLENCE IN ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (§§ 6-15-2601 — 6-15-2610) › Section 6-15-2601 - Title

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program Act of 2007".
Acts 2007, No. 1029, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 26 - THE REWARDING EXCELLENCE IN ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (§§ 6-15-2601 — 6-15-2610) › Section 6-15-2602 - Legislative intent

It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide a pilot program affording public school districts and public charter schools the opportunity to develop teacher compensation plans tailored to the public school district's or public charter school's needs to accomplish the following:
(1)
Provide incentives that will encourage teachers to improve their knowledge and instructional skills in order to improve student learning;
(2)
Recruit and retain highly qualified teachers;
(3)
Encourage highly qualified teachers to undertake challenging assignments;
(4)
Support teachers' roles in improving students' educational achievements; and
(5)
Inform policymakers regarding the potential of a restructured teacher professional pay system to improve student achievement across the state.
Acts 2007, No. 1029, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 26 - THE REWARDING EXCELLENCE IN ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (§§ 6-15-2601 — 6-15-2610) › Section 6-15-2603 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
(A)
"Knowledge and skill base portion of compensation" means that portion of a teacher's compensation under a Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan that considers, but is not limited to, input factors such as years of experience and degree levels, as set forth in a Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan.
(B)
This portion shall represent forty percent (40%) to sixty percent (60%) of the teacher's total compensation;
(2)
"Local board" means a board of directors exercising the control and management of a public school district;
(3)
(A)
"Performance portion of compensation" means that portion of a teacher's compensation under a Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan that considers, without limitation, output factors such as teacher evaluations and student performance in the teacher's class or in the teacher's school, as set forth in a Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan.
(B)
This portion shall represent forty percent (40%) to sixty percent (60%) of the teacher total compensation; and
(4)
"Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan" means an alternative plan for teacher compensation developed by a public school, public school district, or public charter school and selected by the State Board of Education to participate in the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program pursuant to this subchapter.
Acts 2007, No. 1029, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 26 - THE REWARDING EXCELLENCE IN ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (§§ 6-15-2601 — 6-15-2610) › Section 6-15-2604 - Rules

The State Board of Education is authorized and directed to establish rules for the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program consistent with this subchapter.
Acts 2007, No. 1029, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 26 - THE REWARDING EXCELLENCE IN ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (§§ 6-15-2601 — 6-15-2610) › Section 6-15-2607 - Staff development

(a)
Staff development activities for a public school district or public charter school participating in the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program shall:
(1)
Focus on the school classroom and research-based strategies that improve student learning;
(2)
Provide opportunities for teachers to practice and improve their instructional skills over time;
(3)
Provide opportunities for teachers to use student data as part of their daily work to increase student achievement;
(4)
Enhance teacher content knowledge and instructional skills;
(5)
Align with state academic standards;
(6)
Provide opportunities to build professional relationships, foster collaboration among principals and staff who provide instruction, and provide opportunities for teacher-to-teacher mentoring; and
(7)
Align with the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan of the public school district or public charter school.
(b)
Staff development activities for school districts and public charter schools participating in the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program may include:
(1)
Curriculum development and curriculum training programs; and
(2)
Activities that provide teachers and other staff members training to enhance teacher, team, and school performance.
(c)
The public school district or public charter school may implement other staff development activities associated with professional teacher compensation models.
Acts 2007, No. 1029, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 26 - THE REWARDING EXCELLENCE IN ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (§§ 6-15-2601 — 6-15-2610) › Section 6-15-2608 - Evaluation of participants

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall commission an annual evaluation of the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan of each public school district and public charter school participating in the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program.
(b)
An annual evaluation shall include without limitation consideration of:
(1)
Student scores under the statewide assessment program described in §
6-15-433
[repealed];
(2)
Student attendance;
(3)
Student grades;
(4)
Incidents involving student discipline;
(5)
Socioeconomic data on students' families;
(6)
Parental satisfaction with the schools;
(7)
Student satisfaction with the schools; and
(8)
Correlations between student assessment gains and teacher degree levels, years of experience, staff development, and a school's status for having a qualified teacher in every public school classroom under §
6-15-1004
.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1283, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2007, No. 1029, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 26 - THE REWARDING EXCELLENCE IN ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (§§ 6-15-2601 — 6-15-2610) › Section 6-15-2609 - Reporting and continued funding

(a)
(1)
In addition to the program evaluation required by §
6-15-2608
, each participating school district or public charter school shall report on the implementation and effectiveness of its Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan and make recommendations by August 15 each year to its local board.
(2)
The local board shall transmit a copy of the report with a summary of the findings and recommendations of the public school district or public charter school to the Commissioner of Education.
(b)
(1)
If the commissioner determines that a public school district or public charter school that receives funding under the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program is not complying with the requirements of the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program, the commissioner shall withhold further funding from that participant.
(2)
Such withheld funds may be reallocated to other existing or new participants.
(3)
Before making the determination to withhold funds, the commissioner shall notify the participant of any deficiencies and provide the participant an opportunity to comply with the requirements of the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement Program.
(c)
At the end of the Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan period, the commissioner shall present evaluation findings and recommendations to the State Board of Education, the House Committee on Education, and the Senate Committee on Education
Acts 2007, No. 1029, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 26 - THE REWARDING EXCELLENCE IN ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (§§ 6-15-2601 — 6-15-2610) › Section 6-15-2610 - Construction with other state law

To the extent that the provisions of this subchapter or the terms of an approved Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan directly conflict with any provision of §
6-17-201
et seq. or the provisions of any other state law relating to the compensation of public school teachers, the provisions of this subchapter and the approved Rewarding Excellence in Achievement plan shall control.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 9, eff. 6/30/2023.
Acts 2007, No. 1029, § 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 28 - DISTRICT OF INNOVATION PROGRAM (§§ 6-15-2801 — 6-15-2804) › Section 6-15-2802 - School of innovation designation - Rules

(a)
(1)
The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education may approve a public school's application to become a school of innovation for the purpose of transforming and improving the teaching and learning under §
6-15-2803
.
(2)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may designate a public school as a school of innovation under subdivision (a)(1) of this section if the public school has met the objectives outlined in the public school's application to become a school of innovation within the time period established in the public school's application.
(b)
(1)
A school of innovation shall be approved for a period of four (4) years and may be renewed for four-year periods thereafter.
(2)
The commissioner may revoke a public school's school of innovation designation if the public school fails to substantially fulfill the school of innovation plan as established in the public school's school of innovation application, meet goals and performance targets, or comply with applicable laws or rules.
(c)
The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer this subchapter, including without limitation rules that address the:
(1)
Rules subject to exemption or modification for a school of innovation application if approved by the commissioner;
(2)
Application, school of innovation plan review, approval, and amendment process for a public school district to establish a school of innovation;
(3)
Timeline for initial approval of a school of innovation and subsequent renewal, including any ongoing evaluations of a school of innovation;
(4)
Documentation required to show meaningful parental, educator, and community engagement and capacity for the changes identified in the school of innovation plan;
(5)
Approval by the eligible employees of a school of innovation;
(6)
Evidence of teacher collaboration and shared leadership responsibility within each school seeking to become a school of innovation;
(7)
Documentation of the understanding and implementation of research-based practices of professional learning communities;
(8)
Process for revocation of a designation as a district of innovation or school of innovation;
(9)
Reporting and oversight responsibility of the school of innovation and the division;
(10)
Budget and financial details of the school of innovation; and
(11)
Other information necessary as determined by the state board.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 815,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 815,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 815,§ 3, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1287, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1286, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 871,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Added by Act 2013, No. 601,§ 1, eff. 4/4/2013.
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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 28 - DISTRICT OF INNOVATION PROGRAM (§§ 6-15-2801 — 6-15-2804) › Section 6-15-2803 - School of innovation application

(a)
A school district shall submit its school of innovation application, approved by the school district board of directors, to the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education for approval to become a school of innovation.
(b)
A school of innovation application shall address without limitation:
(1)
The goals and performance targets for the school of innovation, which may include without limitation:
(A)
Reducing the achievement gap among one (1) or more groups of students by accelerating learning experiences for academically low-achieving students while increasing all student learning through the implementation of highly rigorous standards for student performance;
(B)
Increasing student participation in curriculum options;
(C)
Exploring new avenues for expanding students' college and career readiness;
(D)
Motivating students by exploring innovative teaching and learning choices; and
(E)
Transforming a school's culture and climate in a manner that will lead to transformative teaching and learning;
(2)
Changes needed in the school that will lead to students who are better prepared for success in life and career; and
(3)
Innovative practices to be used in the school of innovation.
(c)
Schools of innovation shall document:
(1)
Parental, school employee, and community engagement;
(2)
The capacity for the proposed school of innovation;
(3)
The rationale for law, rule, and local policy exception requests;
(4)
Progress toward goals and performance targets; and
(5)
Other information requested by the commissioner.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 815,§ 6, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1288, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2013, No. 601,§ 1, eff. 4/4/2013.
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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 28 - DISTRICT OF INNOVATION PROGRAM (§§ 6-15-2801 — 6-15-2804) › Section 6-15-2804 - School of innovation

(a)
A school that is designated a school of innovation shall:
(1)
Ensure that the same health, safety, civil rights, and disability rights requirements are in place as those that apply to all other public schools;
(2)
Ensure that the high school curriculum offered meets or exceeds the minimum high school graduation requirements adopted by the State Board of Education;
(3)
Adhere to financial audits, audit procedures, and audit requirements adopted by the state board for public school districts;
(4)
Require criminal background checks for school employees and volunteers as required by law for public school districts;
(5)
Comply with open records and open meeting requirements;
(6)
Comply with purchasing limitations and requirements;
(7)
(A)
Provide instructional time that meets or exceeds the instructional time requirement adopted by the state board unless granted an exception by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.
(B)
Instructional time may include on-site instruction, distance or virtual learning, and work-based learning on nontraditional school days or hours;
(8)
Provide data requested by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to generate reports;
(9)
[Repealed.]
(10)
Comply with state law and rules regarding the education of gifted and talented students; and
(11)
Demonstrate research-based implementation of professional learning communities throughout the school that address the needs of the students and professionals.
(b)
(1)
Before a public school district submits a school of innovation plan to the commissioner, the eligible employees of each proposed school of innovation shall vote on whether the school shall be designated a school of innovation.
(2)
A minimum of sixty percent (60%) of the eligible employees voting in support of the school's designation as a school of innovation is required before the school's innovation plan may be submitted to the school district board of directors for approval.
(3)
The school council of innovation shall be responsible for conducting the vote required under subdivision (b)(1) of this section.
(c)
A school of innovation plan may request exemptions from local policies and specific laws and rules approved for exemption or modification by the state board except The Teacher Fair Dismissal Act of 1983, §
6-17-1501
et seq. [repealed].
(d)
A public school district with a negotiated employment contract in place shall follow the procedure set forth within the contract that allows the implementation of a school of innovation.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 10, eff. 6/30/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1290, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1289, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 871,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1136,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.
Added by Act 2013, No. 601,§ 1, eff. 4/4/2013.
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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 29 - ARKANSAS EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (§§ 6-15-2901 — 6-15-2918) › Section 6-15-2901 - Title

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act".
Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 29 - ARKANSAS EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (§§ 6-15-2901 — 6-15-2918) › Section 6-15-2902 - Legislative findings

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)
Arkansas Constitution, Article 14, § 1, requires the State of Arkansas to provide a general, suitable, and efficient system of free public schools to the children of the state;
(2)
Under the decision of the Supreme Court in Lake View School District No. 25 v. Huckabee, 351 Ark. 31 (2002), it is the absolute duty of the State of Arkansas to provide all public school children with a substantially equal opportunity for an adequate education;
(3)
It is the state's responsibility to provide the statutory framework necessary to ensure that all students in the public schools of this state have a substantially equal opportunity to achieve and demonstrate academic readiness, individual academic growth, and competencies through the application of knowledge and skills in core subjects, consistent with state academic standards through a student-focused learning system;
(4)
(A)
In Lake View School District No. 25 v. Huckabee, the Supreme Court explicitly addressed the relationship between local control versus the state's responsibility when, in quoting DuPree v. Alma School District No. 30, 279 Ark. 340 (1983), it opined, "[i]f local government fails, the state government must compel it to act, and if the local government cannot carry the burden, the state must itself meet its continuing obligation".
(B)
An accountability system that provides increasing levels of state assistance would help the local government or the local public school district board of directors to meet this burden, while allowing state intervention to occur if the local government chronically fails to meet the burden in spite of the state assistance;
(5)
Arkansas public schools and school districts would benefit from an accountability system that:
(A)
Uses multiple measures of student academic achievement and growth; and
(B)
Allows flexibility for public schools and school districts to utilize local decision-making while maintaining quality in education;
(6)
A comprehensive accountability system would empower the state and public school districts to assess the effectiveness of student-focused education using multiple factors, measures, and indicators of student achievement and school quality, rather than relying solely on an annual statewide assessment; and
(7)
(A)
The State of Arkansas cannot be the sole guarantor of each individual student's success.
(B)
Parents, students, families, educational institutions, and communities, as collaborative partners in education, play an important role in the success of individual students.
Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 29 - ARKANSAS EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (§§ 6-15-2901 — 6-15-2918) › Section 6-15-2904 - Responsibility of Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall develop and implement a comprehensive accountability system for Arkansas public schools and school districts that:
(1)
Establishes clear academic standards that are periodically reviewed and revised;
(2)
Maintains a statewide student assessment system that includes a variety of assessment measures;
(3)
Assesses whether all students have equitable access to excellent educators;
(4)
Establishes levels of support for public school districts; and
(5)
Maintains information systems composed of performance indicators that allow the division to identify levels of public school district support and generate reports for the public.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1291, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 29 - ARKANSAS EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (§§ 6-15-2901 — 6-15-2918) › Section 6-15-2905 - Authority of State Board of Education

The State Board of Education shall:
(1)
Approve:
(A)
Academic standards for each content area; and
(B)
A statewide student assessment system, including without limitation performance levels for statewide assessments;
(2)
Promulgate rules to implement the comprehensive accountability system for Arkansas public schools and school districts and this subchapter; and
(3)
Take any other appropriate action required or authorized by this subchapter.
Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 29 - ARKANSAS EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (§§ 6-15-2901 — 6-15-2918) › Section 6-15-2908 - Analyses of statewide student assessment data

(a)
(1)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide analyses of data produced by statewide student assessments.
(2)
The analyses of data shall:
(A)
Use statewide student assessment results and other valid and reliable measures of student learning, as determined by the State Board of Education, that measure student performance and growth for the purposes of improving student achievement, accountability, and recognition; and
(B)
Provide the best measures of the effects of the classroom, school, and school district on student performance or progress.
(3)
The model used by the division shall:
(A)
Be approved by the state board before implementation; and
(B)
Include without limitation sufficient transparency in the model's selection, development, and operational use to:
(i)
Ensure that clear documentation, justification, and technical qualities are reported; and
(ii)
Allow others in the field to assess the nature and quality of the model, the resulting scores, and interpretations based on the model's scores.
(b)
The state board shall approve the process and timeline for a public school district to verify the accuracy or request correction of the statewide student assessment data.
(c)
The score on statewide student assessments for an English learner:
(1)
Shall not be counted for growth or achievement purposes in the accountability ratings of a public school or public school district if the English learner has been enrolled in a public school or private school in the United States for less than twelve (12) months; and
(2)
Shall be counted for growth purposes only and not for achievement purposes in the accountability ratings of a public school or public school district if the English learner has been enrolled in a public school or private school in the United States for at least twelve (12) months but not more than twenty-four (24) months.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1299, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1298, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 29 - ARKANSAS EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (§§ 6-15-2901 — 6-15-2918) › Section 6-15-2909 - Public availability of test instruments and scores

(a)
Any material containing the personally identifiable information, including without limitation identifiable scores, of individual students on any test taken under the provisions of this subchapter shall not be:
(1)
Considered a public record within the meaning of the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, §
25-19-101
et seq.; or
(2)
Disseminated or otherwise made available to the public by a member of the State Board of Education, an employee of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, a member of the board of directors of a school district, an employee of a school district, or any other person, except as permitted under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974,
20 U.S.C. § 1232g
, as it existed on January 1, 2017.
(b)
All analyses, reports, and compilations of test scores that do not contain personally identifiable information are a public record within the meaning of the Freedom of Information Act of 1967, §
25-19-101
et seq., if the release complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974,
20 U.S.C. § 1232g
, as it existed on January 1, 2017, and with §
6-18-109
.
(c)
In order to protect the validity and reliability of statewide student assessments, the test instruments shall not be made available to the public.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1300, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 29 - ARKANSAS EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (§§ 6-15-2901 — 6-15-2918) › Section 6-15-2910 - Student performance levels

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall recommend student performance levels for the statewide student assessment system to the State Board of Education for its approval.
(b)
Student performance levels shall be adopted for the following academic content areas, including without limitation:
(1)
English language arts;
(2)
Mathematics; and
(3)
Science.
(c)
Student performance levels for academic content areas shall indicate the skills and competencies necessary for a student to be college and career ready by the completion of high school.
(d)
Student performance levels shall be adopted for English language proficiency.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1301, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 29 - ARKANSAS EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (§§ 6-15-2901 — 6-15-2918) › Section 6-15-2912 - Educator excellence - Intent

(a)
It is the intent of the General Assembly that all students in Arkansas public schools be taught by qualified and effective educators and that low-income or minority students not be taught at disproportionate rates by educators who are ineffective, inexperienced, or teaching a subject for which they are not currently licensed.
(b)
The State Board of Education may promulgate rules that promote the state's goal of providing all Arkansas public school students with qualified and effective educators and include without limitation:
(1)
Systems to support educator effectiveness;
(2)
The method of reporting educator effectiveness by public schools and school districts, including without limitation:
(A)
The professional qualifications of educators; and
(B)
The number and percentage of:
(i)
Teacher educators, principals, and school leaders who are inexperienced;
(ii)
Educators with emergency or provisional credentials; and
(iii)
Educators who are teaching a subject for which they are not currently licensed; and
(3)
The methods of calculating and reporting the rate at which low-income and minority students are disproportionately taught by educators who are ineffective, inexperienced, or teaching a subject for which they are not currently licensed.
(c)
Each public school and school district shall:
(1)
Report the data needed by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to identify and evaluate educator effectiveness in accordance with state and federal reporting requirements; and
(2)
Ensure that its educators provide instruction that aligns with the academic standards established to prepare students to demonstrate the skills and competencies necessary for successful academic growth and high school graduation.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1303, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 29 - ARKANSAS EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (§§ 6-15-2901 — 6-15-2918) › Section 6-15-2915 - School district classification as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support - Student transfer eligibility

(a)
The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules governing the classification of public school districts as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support and the support to be provided.
(b)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall notify in writing the public school district superintendent and the president of the public school district board of directors of the recommendation to the state board for classification as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support.
(c)
(1)
A public school district recommended for classification as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support may appeal to the state board by filing a written appeal with the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education in accordance with the procedure established in the rules of the state board.
(2)
A public school district shall be classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support and receive support upon final determination by the state board.
(3)
A public school district may appeal the state board's final determination to the Pulaski County Circuit Court under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, §
25-15-201
et seq.
(d)
A student attending a public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support may transfer under the Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act, §
6-18-227
, to another public school district that is not classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1307, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1306, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 29 - ARKANSAS EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (§§ 6-15-2901 — 6-15-2918) › Section 6-15-2918 - Comprehensive information systems

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall:
(1)
Establish and maintain comprehensive information systems that allow reporting, analysis, and data-driven decision-making by public school districts;
(2)
Provide technical assistance to public school districts in the use of the data; and
(3)
Provide data access to any authorized entity for analyzing computations and posting public school, public school district, and state student achievement, if the disclosures are not in conflict with applicable federal and state law.
(b)
The division shall provide electronic resources for educators to support and augment student achievement, efficiency, and educational initiatives.
(c)
The division may contract with providers to collect, maintain, and analyze data and prepare reports.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1311, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1310, eff. 7/1/2019.
Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, 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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 30 - COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ACT (§§ 6-15-3001 — 6-15-3003) › Section 6-15-3001 - Title

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Community Schools Act".
Added by Act 2021, No. 744,§ 1, eff. 4/19/2021.
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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 30 - COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ACT (§§ 6-15-3001 — 6-15-3003) › Section 6-15-3002 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter:
(1)
(A)
"Community school" means a public school that implements a service and inclusion strategy that coordinates resources and relationships in order to accelerate equitable outcomes.
(B)
Community school strategies may vary among public schools based on the needs of individual communities, but at a minimum include the following without limitation:
(i)
The four (4) key pillars of an evidence-based community school approach, which include:
(a)
Integrated student supports;
(b)
Expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities;
(c)
Active family and community engagement; and
(d)
Collaborative leadership and practices that:
(1)
Promote conditions found in high-quality schools; and
(2)
Address out-of-school barriers to learning;
(ii)
A community school coordinator at each community school site; and
(iii)
A community school plan.
(C)
Community school strategies require that public schools obtain consent from parents and legal guardians of public school students for services provided;
(2)
(A)
"Community school coordinator" means a designated site resource coordinator at a public school or local education agency who provides a variety of resources, including partnerships with community resources, and whose primary responsibilities include:
(i)
Leading needs and assets analyses;
(ii)
Facilitating development and implementation of a community school plan in collaboration with other members of school-based leadership;
(iii)
Building relationships between the school and community partners for the provision of identified supports and services; and
(iv)
Connecting public school students and families to available services and opportunities.
(B)
To the extent possible, the responsibilities of a community school coordinator may be undertaken in coordination with a parent facilitator appointed under §
6-15-1702
; and
(3)
"Community school plan" means a plan that establishes how educators, school staff, governmental entities, and community partners will use and leverage all available assets to meet specific student and family needs in order to improve opportunities and outcomes for students.
Added by Act 2021, No. 744,§ 1, eff. 4/19/2021.
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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 30 - COMMUNITY SCHOOLS ACT (§§ 6-15-3001 — 6-15-3003) › Section 6-15-3003 - Assistance by Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may:
(1)
Provide professional development programs that teach the competencies required for:
(A)
Managing successful community schools and expanded learning time;
(B)
Planning and implementing services and strategies in collaboration with communities; and
(C)
Blending and braiding funding to support community schools;
(2)
(A)
Require sufficient data to:
(i)
Enable oversight of community schools; and
(ii)
Inform ongoing school improvement.
(B)
(i)
Any data required under subdivision (2)(A) of this section shall be protected by all applicable federal and state data privacy laws.
(ii)
No additional data mining is permitted under this section; and
(3)
Work to position community schools to become hubs for aligned and coordinated programs across state agencies.
Added by Act 2021, No. 744,§ 1, eff. 4/19/2021.
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 15 - EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY GENERALLY (§§ 6-15-101 — 6-15-3204) › Subchapter 31 - ARKANSAS TUTORING CORPS ACT (§§ 6-15-3101 — 6-15-3104) › Section 6-15-3101 - Title

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Arkansas Tutoring Corps Act".
Added by Act 2021, No. 912,§ 1, eff. 4/26/2021.