October 10, 2024 at 9:00 AM - State Board of Education

Description:  In advance of 2024 National School Bus Safety Week, October 21-25, the State Board of Education is pleased to recognize Carl Smith, Pine Bluff School District bus driver, who on August 26, 2024, used his bus's fire extinguisher to save the life of Pine Bluff police officer Anthony Kirkpatrick. Mr. Smith, a retired teacher and coach, has been recognized by many, including the Pine Bluff City Council for his heroic actions. 

The National Association for Pupil Transportation recognizes the third full week of October as National School Bus Safety Week.

Description:  The Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is requesting State Board approval of the cut scores for the Arkansas Teaching, Learning & Assessment System (ATLAS) English Language Arts, math and science assessments for grades K-10 and end of course exams in Algebra 1, Geometry and Biology.

Description:  Presidents and Chancellors of all four-year colleges and universities were invited to submit proposals to host the 2025-2027 Arkansas Governor’s School (AGS).  A proposal was received from Arkansas Tech University (ATU).  The site selection committee reviewed the proposal and conducted a site visit to the institution.  Their recommendation for the proposed site for 2025-2027 is being presented to the State Board for approval. Attached is a summary of the AGS Site Selection Procedures used to determine the site recommendation and the proposal materials submitted by ATU.

Description: 

The following administrative rules are presented for final approval following a 30-day public comment period.

Description: 

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Rule Governing Career-Ready Pathways to Diploma was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on June 13, 2024. The public comment period began on June 14, 2024, and ended on July 14, 2024. Substantive changes were made to the rule, which required a second round of public comment. The second public comment period began on September 1, 2024, and ended on October 4, 2024. No substantive changes were made to the rule following the second public comment period, and the Division requests the State Board of Education's final approval of the rule.

Description: 

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Rule Governing Consolidations and Annexations of School Districts was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on August 8, 2024. The public comment period began on August 14, 2024, and ended on September 13, 2024. Public comments were received, and no substantive changes were made. The Division requests the State Board of Education's final approval of the rule.

Description: 

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Rule Governing Documents Posted to School District and Education Service Cooperative Websites was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on June 13, 2024. The public comment period began on June 14, 2024, and ended on July 14, 2024. Substantive changes were made to the rule, which required a second round of public comment. The second public comment period began on September 1, 2024, and ended on October 4, 2024. No substantive changes were made to the rule following the second public comment period, and the Division requests the State Board of Education's final approval of the rule.

Description: 

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Rule Governing Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and Public School Districts was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on June 13, 2024. The public comment period began on June 14, 2024, and ended on July 14, 2024. Substantive changes were made to the rule, which required a second round of public comment. The second public comment period began on September 1, 2024, and ended on October 4, 2024. No substantive changes were made to the rule following the second public comment period, and the Division requests the State Board of Education's final approval of the rule.

Description: 

The Office of Early Childhood Rule Governing the Arkansas Better Chance Program was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on June 13, 2024. The first public comment period began on June 14, 2024, and ended on July 14, 2024. Substantive changes were made to the rule, which required a second round of public comment. The second public comment period began on September 1, 2024, and ended on October 4, 2024. Minor erroneous internal citations were corrected, but no substantive changes were made to the rule following the second public comment period. The Division requests the State Board of Education's final approval of the rule.
 

Description: 

The Office of Early Childhood Rule Governing Better Beginnings, Arkansas's Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on May 9, 2024. The first public comment period began on May 10, 2024, and ended on June 10, 2024. Substantive changes were made to the rule, which required a second round of public comment. The second public comment period began on September 1, 2024, and ended on October 4, 2024. No substantive changes were made to the rule following the second public comment period, and the Division requests the State Board of Education's final approval of the rule.

Description: 

This request to repeal the DESE Rule Governing Educational Freedom Account Payment Processing is presented to be released for public comment. The substance of this rule was incorporated into the final DESE Rule Governing the Educational Freedom Accounts Program, which became effective on August 10, 2024. This rule is now unnecessary, and the Division is requesting that it be repealed.

Description:  The Arkansas Department of Education received information that the educator has a conviction for a disqualifying offense.  Per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-410, the state board shall not issue a first-time license and shall revoke any existing license not up for renewal of any person who has a conviction for a disqualifying offense.  The educator is requesting a waiver. 

Description:  The educator objected to the Ethics Hearing Subcommittee's hearing findings and recommendation of July 24, 2024, and requested a review by the State Board.

Description:  At its regularly-scheduled meeting on September 12, 2024, the State Board of Education requested the PLSB recommendation for Case 24-199, James Wilson, be moved from the consent agenda to the next available action agenda.  Today's hearing was scheduled, and James Wilson was notified of the hearing date. 

Description:  Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-309 requires local school districts to secure a waiver when classrooms are staffed with unlicensed teachers for longer than 60 days. 

Description:  Per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-422, members of the PLSB serve rotating terms and are appointed by the State Board following nominations made by professional education associations.  The Arkansas Professors of Educational Leadership (ARPEL) has nominated Dr. Alicia Shaw to replace Dr. Annette Hux, who is no longer an active member of ARPEL. Dr. Shaw will complete Dr. Hux's term on the PLSB which ends on June 30, 2027.

Description: 

Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Suspension of License for 1 year followed by a Probation of License for 3 years and assess a $400.00 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292, Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163, and LAG17029 Success Favors Well-Prepared Adults: Unpacking your Personality Package (1 Credit Hour).Require Educator to prepare written reflection on each training/book regarding how the educator will improve his professional practices and interactions with staff. Quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor regarding the educator’s progress on professional practices and interactions with staff. (All costs paid by Educator Ferrell)

Description: 

Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. Violation of Standard 4. An educator entrusted with public funds and property, including school sponsored activity funds, honors that trust with honest, responsible stewardship. Violation of Standard 8. An educator, while on school premises or at school-sponsored activities involving students, refrains from: a) using, possessing and/or being under the influence of alcohol or unauthorized drugs/substances, and/or possessing items prohibited by law, or b) possessing or using tobacco or tobacco-related products, e-cigarettes, e-liquid, or vapor products, or c) abusing/misusing prescription medications or other authorized substances as evidenced by impairment. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Permanent Revocation and assess a $500.00 fine.

Description: 

Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Permanent Revocation of License and assess a $500.00 fine.

Description: 

Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Probation of License for 2 years and assess a $250.00 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Real Talk About Classroom Management: 57 Best Practices That Work and Show You Believe in Your Students (Corwin Teaching Essentials) Second Edition Author: Serena Parker ISBN-10: 1071922556, ERC23010: Code of Ethics Part Seven: An Educator’s Influence (1 Credit Hour), and ERC23011: Code of Ethics Part Eight: Effective Communication (1 Credit Hour). Require Educator to prepare written reflection on each training/book regarding how the trainings will impact his interactions with students in the future (due to the PLSB?for approval within 90 days of the State Board Order). Quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor regarding the educator’s interactions with students. (All costs paid by Educator Fitzgerald)

Description: 

Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Probation of License for 2 years and assess a $250.00 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292,  Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163, ERC23010: Code of Ethics Part Seven: An Educator’s Influence (1 Credit Hour), and ERC20080 We Are All in This Together: Building Student Relationships (1 Credit Hour). Require Educator to prepare written reflection on each training/book regarding how the educator will improve his interactions with students in the future. (due to the PLSB?for approval within 90 days of the State Board Order). Quarterly reports from his supervisor regarding the educator’s relationships with his students. (All costs paid by Educator Carter)

Description: 

Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Permanent Revocation of License and assess a $500.00 fine.

Description: 

Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. Violation of Standard 8. An educator, while on school premises or at school-sponsored activities involving students, refrains from: a) using, possessing and/or being under the influence of alcohol or unauthorized drugs/substances, and/or possessing items prohibited by law, or b) possessing or using tobacco or tobacco-related products, e-cigarettes, e-liquid, or vapor products, or c) abusing/misusing prescription medications or other authorized substances as evidenced by impairment. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Probation of License for 1 year and assess a $250.00 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292 and ERC23010: Code of Ethics Part Seven: An Educator’s Influence (1 Credit Hour). Require Educator to prepare written reflections on each book/training on how they will impact the educator’s professional practices in the future (due to the PLSB for approval within 90 days of the State Board Order). Quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor regarding the educator’s progress on professional practices. (All costs paid by Educator Stokes)

Description: 

Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. Violation of Standard 3. An educator honestly fulfills reporting obligations associated with professional practices. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Probation of License for 2 years and assess a $250.00 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Mandated Reporter: Requirements in Arkansas (1.5 Credit Hours) https://ar.mandatedreporter.org/UserAuth/Login!loginPage.action, ERC23007: Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities (1 Credit Hour), ERC23008: Code of Ethics Part Five: Reporting Obligations (.5 Credit Hour), ERC23012: Code of Ethics Part Nine: Professional Responsibilities II (1 Credit Hour), and Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 13: 9780470500163.  Require Educator to prepare written reflection on each book/training on how they will impact the educator’s future interactions with students. Quarterly reports from her supervisor regarding the educator’s relationships with her students. (All costs paid by Educator Dalby-Riddle)

Description: 

Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. Violation of Standard 3. An educator honestly fulfills reporting obligations associated with professional practices. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Permanent Revocation of License and assess a $500.00 fine.

Description: 

Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Permanent Revocation of License and assess a $500.00 fine.

Description: 

Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Probation of License for 1 year. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours) and Title:  The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292 ISBN 13: 978-0143110293. Require educator to prepare written reflection on the book and how it will impact the educator’s future interactions with students. (All costs paid by Educator Brown)

Description: 

Somerset Academy Arkansas submitted an application to establish six open-enrollment charter schools, three in Bentonville: Somerset Academy Bentonville Elementary School, Somerset Academy Bentonville Middle School, and Somerset Academy Bentonville High School; and three in Little Rock: Somerset Academy Little Rock Elementary School, Somerset Academy Little Rock Middle School, and Somerset Academy Little Rock High School. The schools will begin in the 2025-2026 academic year and follow a traditional and college prep model. The Charter Authorizing Panel voted unanimously to approve the application.  

Description:  The State Board of Education requested an update on the Watson Chapel School District from the new superintendent.

Description:  Sheila Whitlow from the Office of Coordinated Support and Service (OCSS) will give an update on district site visits and highlight other significant activities in the districts supported by OCSS.