National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) is an all-expense paid program proudly hosted in West Virginia since 1963 for students from across the nation. The NYSCamp is operated by the National Youth Science Foundation and honors high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 NYSCamp will be a virtual experience including world-class lectures, directed studies, and seminars with prestigious and up-and coming-STEM professionals who are making a difference in their fields of study and changing the world for good. The camp will also provide significant opportunities for delegates to interact and engage with STEM professionals, camp staff, and other delegates in exciting, fun, and meaningful ways.

2022 Arkansas High School Senior Delegates:
Samera Orrantia, Hillcrest High School, Strawberry, AR
Alexander Soto, Springdale High School, Springdale, AR

PAEMST Awardees for 2019 and 2020
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching.

The Awards were established by Congress in 1983 and the President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year. Awards are given to STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science) teachers from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories.

2019 PAEMST Mathematics and Science Awardees, Grades 7-12 Cycle
Math Category: Melodie Murray, Pocahontas High School, Pocahontas, AR
Ms. Murray teaches general and AP high school mathematics courses, grades 10-12.

Science Category: Mary Beth Hatch, Harrison Middle School, Harrison, AR
Ms. Hatch taught Environmental and Spatial Technology EAST, grades 6-8 and currently leads the STEM Model Program for the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education - Office of Learning Services.

2020 PAEMST Mathematics and Science Awardees, Grades K-6 Cycle
Math Category: Lindsay Hall, Bernice Young Elementary, Springdale, AR
Mrs. Hall teaches all subject areas in grade 3.

Science Category: Lisa Taylor, Willis D. Shaw Elementary, Springdale, AR
Mrs. Taylor is a National Board Certified teacher who teaches science in grade 5.

The applicant data from this information is used to compile the Applicant Flow Chart forms for the Affirmative Action Report, which demonstrates the composition of applicants through the selecting, hiring, promoting and terminating process.  The information is needed to measure the effectiveness of the agency's recruitment, hiring and promotion efforts and is in conformity with federal government guidelines, which require the agency to compile statistical information about applicants for employment. 

The members of the Arkansas State Board of Education are requested to review the following:
Commercial Bond Applications - 1 Second Lien
With the recommendation to approve all applications from the Loan Committee and additional information provided by the school district in its application package and:
Pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 6-20-1205 concerning school district bonds, a school district shall not sell bonds until the issue is approved by the State Board of Education.  Therefore, the State Board of Education, in its discretion and after considering the merits of each application with the loan committee recommendation, may approve a school district bond application for the full amount of the proposed bond issue, approve the application for a lesser amount than requested, or disapprove the application

Arkansas Code Annotated §6-17-309 requires local school districts to secure a waiver when classrooms are staffed with unlicensed teachers for longer than 30 days. Requests were received from  school 10 districts for a total of 15  waivers. There were also requests for long-term substitutes from 42 school districts requesting a total of 74 waivers for long-term substitutes. These requests have been reviewed, were either approved or denied by Department staff, and are consistent with program guidelines.

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 Written Reprimand and assess a
$100 fine. (All costs paid by Educator Alexander); Code of Ethics in person as provided by the PLSB staff with written reflections to be provided to the PLSB regarding how her interactions violated the code of ethics and how impactful that is in hiring. Require Educator to prepare written reflection on each individual training to show how she will utilize the trainings in her professional practices and interactions with students.
 

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 the Educator’s license and assess a $500 fine.
 

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, 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 1.5 years and assess a $250 fine. (All cost paid by Educator Arrington), Code of Ethics in person training provided by PLSB. Educator to provide written reflections to the PLSB for approval on how his actions violated the Code of Ethics and how he will utilize this training in future interactions. Clean: Overcoming Addiction and Ending America's Greatest Tragedy (400p) Author: David Sheff ISBN 10: 0544112326 ISBN 13: 978-0544112322. Educator to provide written reflection on how this training will impact his interactions and practices in the future. The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior (144p) Author: Craig Nakken ISBN 10: 1568381298 ISBN 13: 978-1568381299. Educator to provide written reflection on how this training will impact his interactions and practices in the future. Quarterly reporting to the PLSB from a licensed treatment provider on educator's fitness to be employed in an educational setting. Require Educator to prepare written reflection on each individual training to show how he will utilize the trainings in his professional practices and interactions with students.  Trainings to be completed within 90 days of the State Board Final Order.

Pursuant to the authority granted to the State Board of Education, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) - Office of Learning Services-Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) respectfully requests approval of the ABC Renewal Grants for the 2022-2023 school year in the total amount of $105,431,010.

Pursuant to the authority granted to the State Board of Education, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) - Office of Learning Services-Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) respectfully requests approval of the ABC Professional Service Grants for the 2022-2023 school year in the total amount of $6,514,219.10.

 The Charter is requesting:

• To add a new virtual building with statewide enrollment.
• To increase the enrollment cap from 2,500 to 3,000

The Charter is requesting:

• To add a new virtual building with statewide enrollment.
• To increase the enrollment cap from 625 to 875

The State Board gave its final approval of the DESE Rules Governing Arkansas Military Child School Transitions on March 10, 2022.  Prior to approval by the Arkansas Legislative Council, an additional change was recommended and incorporated to the rules at Section 3-5.00.  The Division requests the final approval of the rules.

In accordance with A.C.A. § 6-42-104, the Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented Children (Council) prepares a report each year that includes updates related to gifted education and the Council’s recommendations for continued growth in gifted education in Arkansas. 

The Council’s recommendations include 1) removing the option to waive Gifted and Talented services for charters and districts with charter-like waivers and 2) increasing the award amount to districts that receive the Act 56 Award for Outstanding Gifted Programs.