On April 14, 2024, Pulaski Academy senior Siyona Karkera was named Miss Arkansas TEEN USA 2024. The first Indian American to hold this title, Siyona serves as a National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) state youth ambassador and an advocate for children's mental health. Through classroom presentations and education videos, Ms. Karkera's shares her message, positively impacting many Arkansans and others.

Districts impacted by severe weather on Memorial Day weekend are requesting a waiver of Standards for Accreditation 1-A.4.1, each public school shall provide a minimum of 178 days of student teacher interaction time.

The Prairie Grove School District filed a petition to change its school district boundary pursuant to Arkansas Code § 6-13-1414. The affected school district is the Lincoln School District, which objected to the petition. The petition by the Prairie Grove School District, the response by the Lincoln School District, as well as maps detailing the affected area prepared by the Arkansas Geographic Information Systems Office are attached. 

Pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, Arkansas Code 25-15-201 et. seq, the following six (6) rules are presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing Career Pathways to Diploma is presented for approval to be released for public comment. 

The DESE Rule Governing the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and Public School Districts is presented for approval to be released for public comment. 

The DESE Rule Governing the Documents Posted to School District and Education Service Cooperative Websites is presented for approval to be released for public comment. 

The DESE OEC Rule Governing the Arkansas Better Chance Program is presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing Math Intervention is presented for approval to be released for public comment.

The DESE Rule Governing the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act (AESAA) is presented 

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

The DCTE Rule Governing the Adult Diploma Program was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on April 11, 2024. The public comment period began on April 14, 2024, and ended on May 15, 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.

The DESE OEC Rule Governing the Requirements and Procedures for Obtaining an Arkansas Birth through Prekindergarten Teaching Credential was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on May 9, 2024. The public comment period began on May 10, 2024, and ended on June 10, 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.
 

The DESE Rule Governing Background Checks was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on May 9, 2024.

The DESE Rule Governing the Code of Ethics was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on May 9, 2024.

The DESE Rule Governing Maternity Leave Cost Sharing was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on May 9, 2024.

The DESE Rule Governing Public School Policies Relating to Overnight Travel and Use of Public School Lavatories was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on March 14, 2024 The first comment period ended on April 25, 2024. Based on significant public input and feedback from stakeholders, many substantive changes were made to the rule, necessitating a second round of public comment which ended on June 10, 2024. 

The DESE Rule Governing the Educational Freedom Account Program was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on July 13, 2023. The first public comment period began July 22, 2023, and ended August 28, 2023. Based on significant public input and feedback from stakeholders, many substantive changes were made to the rule, necessitating a second round of public comment. The second public comment period began on April 27, 2024, and ended on May 28, 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.  

The DESE Rule Governing Professional Development was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on December 15, 2023. The first public comment period began on December 20, 2023, and ended on January 22, 2024. Based on significant public input and feedback from stakeholders, substantive changes were made to the rule, necessitating a second round of public comment. 

The DESE Rule Governing School Transformation Contracts was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on April 11, 2024. The public comment period began on April 14, 2024, and ended on May 15, 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.

The DESE Rule Governing Emergency Response Equipment and Training in Arkansas Public Schools was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on May 9, 2024.

The DESE Rule Governing Water Safety Information Provided by Public Schools was approved to be released for public comment by the State Board of Education on May 9, 2024.

The following eight (8) administrative rules are presented for final approval to repeal, following a 30-day public comment period. All eight (8) rule repeals were approved to be released for public comment by the State Board on May 9, 2024, and the public comment period for all eight (8) rules began May 10, 2024 and ended June 10, 2024. 

The DESE Rule Governing the Educator Compensation Reform Program repeal is being presented for release for final approval.

The DESE Rule Governing Eligibility of Participating School Districts in the Traveling Teacher Program repeal is being presented for final approval

The DESE Rule Governing Incentives for Teacher Recruitment and Retention in High-Priority Districts repeal is being presented for final approval. 

The DESE Rule Governing Reimbursement by School Districts for Election Expenses repeal is being presented for final approval.

The DESE Rule Governing School Board Zones and Rezoning repeal is being presented for final approval.

The DESE Rule Governing School District Duty to Report Student Criminal Acts repeal is being presented for final approval.

The DESE Rule Governing the Succeed Scholarship Program repeal is being presented for release for final approval.

The DCTE Rule Governing Methods of Administration of Career and Technical Education Programs repeal is being presented for final approval.

A list of nationally norm-referenced tests are presented for consideration of approval as testing options for Education Freedom Account participating students to meet the requirements of Arkansas Code §6-18-2509(a)(1)(B) and Education Freedom Account rule 12.01.2.

A list of accrediting associations are presented for consideration of approval as accrediting organizations for Education Freedom Account participating schools to meet the requirements of Arkansas Code §6-18-2507(a)(1)(A) and Education Freedom Account rule 7.01.2.

At its regularly scheduled meeting on May 9, 2024, the State Board of Education requested the PLSB recommendation for Case 21-075 Steven Shook be moved from the consent agenda to June's action agenda. Today's hearing was scheduled, and Steven Shook's attorney was notified of the hearing date via certified mail.

The educator objected to the Ethics Hearing Subcommittee's evidentiary hearing findings and recommendation of April 3, 2024, and requested a review by the State Board. 

The State Board of Education Nominating Committee, Randy Henderson, Lisa Hunter, and Adrienne Woods, met on June 4, 2024, and Ms. Woods will present chair and vice chair candidates for the 2024-2025 academic year. The term for newly elected officers begins July 1, 2024, and ends on June 30, 2025.

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. 

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 6 months followed by a Probation of License for 2 years and assess a $250 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: ERC23004: Code of Ethics Part One: Professional Relationships (.5 Credit Hour), ERC23005: Code of Ethics Part Two: Mental Health Awareness (.5 Credit Hour), ERC23006: Code of Ethics Part Three: Social Media (1 Credit Hour), ERC23007: Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities (1 Credit Hour), and Title: Addressing Appropriate and Inappropriate Teacher-Student Relationships: A Secondary Education Professional Development Model Author: Ernest J. Zarra, III, Kern High School District Publication: CLEARvoz Journal Vol. 3, No. 2 (2016) Link: http://journals.sfu.ca/cvj/index.php/cvj/article/viewFile/26/29 (Answer questions on topics 1-8, Page 22-26)  Require educator to provide written reflection on each training/book due to the PLSB?for approval no later than December 31, 2024. (All cost paid by Educator Utley)

 

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 Level 4 Public Notification of Ethics Violation 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 3. An educator honestly fulfills reporting obligations associated with professional practices. Violation of Standard 4. An educator entrusted with public funds and property, including school sponsored activity funds, honors that trust with honest, responsible stewardship. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Probation of License for 2 years and assess a $250 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163, 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 provide written reflection on how they will impact the educator’s future professional practices and record keeping. Require quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor that the educator is adhering to the policies and practices in place for the position that they hold. (All cost paid by Educator Ashcraft)

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. Violation of Standard 4. An educator entrusted with public funds and property, including school sponsored activity funds, honors that trust with honest, responsible stewardship. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Suspension of License for 1 year and assess a $500 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163, 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 provide written reflection on each book/training on how they will impact the educator’s future professional practices and record keeping. (All cost paid by Educator Eoff) 

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. Violation of Standard 4. An educator entrusted with public funds and property, including school sponsored activity funds, honors that trust with honest, responsible stewardship. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Probation of License for 2 years and assess a $250 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163, 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 provide written reflection on each book/training on how they will impact the educator’s future professional practices and record keeping. Quarterly reports from the educator’s supervisor that the educator is adhering to the policies and practices in place for the position that they hold. (All cost paid by Educator Boyce)   

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 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), ERC23004: Code of Ethics Part One: Professional Relationships (.5 Credit Hour), Title: The Power Paradox: How We Gain and Lose Influence (208p) Author: Dacher Keltner ISBN 10: 0143110292 ISBN 13: 978-0143110293, and Title: Addressing Appropriate and Inappropriate Teacher-Student Relationships: A Secondary Education Professional Development Model Author: Ernest J. Zarra, III, Kern High School District Publication: CLEARvoz Journal Vol. 3, No. 2 (2016) Link: http://journals.sfu.ca/cvj/index.php/cvj/article/viewFile/26/29. Require educator to provide written reflection on each book/training on how they will impact the educator’s future communication and interactions with students. (All cost paid by Educator Liddle)   

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 1 year and assess a $500 fine. Require Educator to complete the following coursework/readings: Code of Ethics Training Provided by the PLSB (1.5 Hours), IAA14075 Understanding Alternative Education in Arkansas, and Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success -- No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10:ISBN 13: 9780470500163. Require educator to provide written reflection on each book/training on how they will impact the educator’s future interactions with students. (All cost paid by Educator Manry)

Friendship Aspire Academy North Little Rock is requesting a change of the current grade levels served from Grades K-5 to Grades K-3.  The Charter Authorizing Panel voted to approve the amendment request.  

eStem Public Charter School is requesting a change to the grade levels served from Grades 7-9 (Junior High) and Grades 10-12 (High School) to Grades 7-8 (Junior High) and Grades 9-12 (High School).  The Charter Authorizing Panel voted to approve the amendment request.  

Act 421 of 2013 allows curriculum frameworks from two separate courses to be taught in a single course, known as a combined or embedded course.  School districts have applied for approval of combined or embedded courses and assured, in writing, that the curriculum frameworks for both courses will be fully taught in the combined or embedded course.  The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education respectfully requests the State Board of Education (SBE) approve the attached embedded courses, understanding that when the curriculum frameworks for one of the courses are revised, a new course approval request must be submitted to the SBE and approval must be granted before a school is allowed to offer the embedded course.
 

Dr. Phong Tran, Superintendent of Marvell-Elaine School District, is providing an update on progress made in the district.

A monthly update on the progress made by Watson Chapel School District in correcting Standards for Accreditation violations and addressing other concerns noted by DESE is being presented, as requested.