12.03 Documentation of the publication shall be posted on the district website under State - Required Information until the State Board of Education removes the status. APPENDIX A - THE STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITATION
Standard 1: Academics
The academic system of a public school district ensures all students have access to a guaranteed viable curriculum aligned to the Arkansas Academic Standards for all academic areas.
Standard 1-A Curriculum and Instruction
1-A.1 Each public school district board of directors shall annually adopt and implement written curriculum aligned to the Arkansas Academic Standards for the operation of the school district in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. Reading, writing, speaking, and personal success skills shall be incorporated into all curriculum areas. (D/C)1-A.1.1 For Grades K-4, all students shall receive instruction annually in each of the following content areas (S/P):1-A. 1.1.1 English Language Arts; 1-A.1.1.3 Social Studies;1-A.1.1.6 Health and Safety Education and Physical Education.1-A.1.2 For Grades 5-8, all students shall receive instruction annually in each of the following content areas (S/P):1-A.1.2.1 English Language Arts;1-A.1.2.4 Social Studies;1-A.1.2.6 Health and Safety and Physical Education; and1-A.1.2.7 Career and Technical Education.1-A.1.2.8 A unit of Arkansas history shall be taught as a social studies subject at each elementary grade level in every elementary school in the state with greater emphasis at the fourth (4th) and fifth (5th) grade levels, and at least one (1) full semester of Arkansas history taught to all students at the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade level in every public secondary school in the state. (S/P)1-A.1.2.9 Upon approval by the Division, courses taught in grades 5-8 may be offered for high school graduation credit. Courses shall have the same rigor as those taught in high school, but content for a single course may be taught over a two-year period. Teachers shall be licensed, or teaching under an approved waiver, in the course taught with students participating in appropriate examinations. (S/P)1-A.1.3 For Grades 9-12, the following content areas shall be offered annually for a total of 38 units, except as otherwise allowed by law and these rules. The list of courses, approved by the State Board of Education for each content area, is posted annually on the Division website. (S/P)1-A.1.3.1 English Language Arts - 6 units;1-A.1.3.2 Science - 5 units;1-A.1.3.3 Mathematics - 6 units;1-A.1.3.4 Computer Science - 1 unit;1-A.1.3.5 Foreign Languages - 2 units of the same language;1-A.1.3.6 Fine Arts - 3 1/2 units;1-A.1.3.7 Social Studies - 4 units; 1-A.1.3.8 Health and Safety Education and Physical Education -1 1/2 units; and 1-A.1.3.9 Career and Technical Education - 9 units of sequenced career and technical education courses representing three (3)occupational areas. 1-A.1.3.10 Courses offerings shall include advanced educational courses in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (S/P)1-A.1.4 Following the Course Approval Process, a public school may request to combine or embed the Arkansas Academic Standards from two (2) separate courses into one (1) combined course. The public school must continue to teach the Arkansas Academic Standards for each separate course that is combined. (S/P)1-A.2 A high school unit of credit shall be awarded for a course which meets for a minimum of 120 clock hours unless the public school district awards units of credit based on subject matter competency in compliance with the public school district's approved plan under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-216. (S/P)1-A.3 Each public school district shall established procedures and monitoring processes to ensure that the content of each course offered by the district is consistent with the Arkansas Academic Standards. (D/C)1-A.4 Each public school district shall adopt a school calendar and provide planned instruction per day in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. By August 1, the school calendar shall be posted on the district website under State - Required Information. (D/C)1-A.4.1 Each public school shall provide a minimum of 178 days of student-teacher interaction time. (S/P)1-A.4.2 Except where otherwise allowed by law, each public school shall provide a planned instructional day that averages no less than six (6) hours per day or thirty (30) hours per week. Any day in which fewer than six (6) hours of instructional time is provided to students shall be counted as one-half (1/2) of a school day if at least three (3) hours of instructional time is provided to students. Any day in which fewer than three (3) hours of instructional time is provided to students shall not be counted as part of a school day. (S/P)1-A.4.3 At least forty (40) minutes of instructional time per school day shall be used for recess for students attending public elementary schools, in accordance with the Division's nutrition and physical activity standards.1-A.5 Each public school district shall comply with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division regarding class size and teaching load. (D/P)1-A.6 Each public school district shall adopt instructional material consistent with the public school district's curriculum and the Arkansas Academic Standards and educational goals established by the State Board of Education in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/P)1-A.7 The district shall provide all necessary instructional materials to each student without cost to the student. (D/P)Standard 1-B Academic Policies
1-B.1 Each public school district shall engage parents, staff, and students in the adoption or review of the written discipline policies, including a code of student behavior, in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. The public school district shall notify the parent(s) or guardian and students of the rules and procedures by which the school is governed and require a signed acknowledgement from the parent(s) or guardian that they have received the school's discipline policies. (D/C)1-B.2 Annually by August 1, each public school district shall post its written discipline policies on the district website under State - Required Information. (D/C)1-B.3 Each public school district shall comply with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division regarding nutrition and physical activity standards. (D/C)1-B.3.1 Each public school and public school district shall develop and implement a written health and wellness plan that must be submitted annually to the Division by October 1. (D-S/C)1-B.4 Each public school district shall comply with any requirements of the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act placed on the public school or public school district. (D/P)Standard 1-C Student Performance
1-C.1 Each public school district must comply with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division regarding the statewide student assessment system. (D/P)1-C.1.1 Each public school shall assess at least 95% of its students on the annual statewide student assessment. (S/C)1-C.1.2 Selected public schools shall participate in any and all components of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). (S/C)1-C.2 Each public school district shall adopt graduation requirements in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division and include the graduation requirements in the student handbook. (D/P)1-C.2.1 Each public school district shall maintain accurate student records including graduation requirements. (D/P)1-C.2.2 For graduation, students must have acquired a minimum of twenty-two (22) units of credit as determined by the State Board of Education. (S/P)1-C.2.3 All students must pass the Arkansas civics exam with a score of at least 60% in order to graduate. This requirement shall not apply to those students exempt by law. (S/P)1-C.2.4 Beginning with the freshman class of 2017-2018, students in grades nine through twelve (9-12) must earn credit in a course that meets personal and family finance standards to graduate. (S/P)1-C.2.5 Students in grades nine through twelve (9-12) must complete at least one digital course for credit to graduate. (S/P)1-C.2.6 Students in grades nine through twelve (9-12) shall be trained in quality psychomotor skill bases in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to graduate. (S/P)Standard 2: Student Support Services
The student support system of a public school district ensures that all students have equitable access to opportunities and supports to meet college, career and community readiness.
Standard 2-A Equitable Opportunities
2-A.1 All policies and actions of a school district's board of directors shall be nondiscriminatory and shall be in accordance with state and federal laws and the rules of the Division. (D/P)2-A.1.1 Each public school district shall file an accurate and timely Equity Compliance Report by October 15 as part of the cycle 2 submission. (D/P)2-A.2 The board of directors, administrators, and employees of a public school district.shall not knowingly authorize the participation of students in events or activities held at a location where some students would be excluded or not given equal treatment because of the student's race, national origin, disability, sex, or ethnic background. (D/P)Standard 2-B Attendance and Enrollment
2-B.1 Each public school district board of directors shall adopt a student attendance policy and include the attendance policy in the student handbook. (D/C)2-B.2 Each public school shall maintain accurate student attendance records in a format prescribed by the Division. (D/P)2-B.3 Each public school shall not admit any student who has not been age-appropriately immunized as required by state and federal laws and rules unless the student has an exemption. By December 1, the school must post the required exemption report pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-702 on the district website under State -Required Information. (S/C)Standard 2-C Comprehensive School Counseling Plan
2-C.1 Each public school district shall develop and implement a written plan for providing comprehensive school counseling services to all students in the public school system in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. By August 1, the written plan shall be posted on the district website under State - Required Information. (D/C)2-C.2 Each public school district shall provide a developmentally appropriate guidance program to aid students in educational, personal/social, and career development. (D/C)Standard 2-D Media Center for Student Support
2-D.1 Each public school district shall annually budget and expend sufficient resources to purchase and maintain an appropriate balance of print, non-print, and electronic media that is adequate in quality and quantity to meet the academic standards for all students. (D/C)Standard 2-E Health and Safety Services
2-E.1 Each public school district shall provide a health services program under the direction of a licensed registered nurse in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)2-E.2 Each public school and public school district shall maintain appropriate materials and expertise to reasonably ensure the safety of students, employees, and visitors. (D/C)Standard 2-F Special Education Services
2-F.1 All public school district personnel, teachers, and administrators must comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 300, Ark. Code Ann. § 6-41-101 et seq., the laws of the State of Arkansas, and the rules of the Division. (D/P)2-F.2 Each public school district shall offer a full continuum of special education services as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 300, Ark. Code Ann. § 6-41-101 et seq., the laws of the State of Arkansas, and the rules of the Division. (D/P)Standard 2-G Gifted and Talented Services
2-G.1 Each public school district shall provide gifted and talented services in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)Standard 2-H Dyslexia Services
2-H.1 Each public school district shall provide screening and intervention for dyslexia in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/P)2-H.2 Each public school district shall comply with the annual dyslexia reporting as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 6-41-606. (D/P)Standard 2-1 Alternative Education Services
2-1.1 Each public school district shall provide appropriate alternative programs for students who are identified as requiring such programs to continue their education.(D/C)Standard 2-J English Learner Services
2-J.1 Each public school district shall conduct a home language usage survey for each student upon the student's initial enrollment to identify students that need to be screened for English for Speakers of other Language Services. (D/C)2-J.2 Each public school district shall offer a Language Instruction Educational Program for identified English Learners in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)Standard 3: District Operations and Fiscal Governance
The district operations and fiscal governance system of a public school district ensures alignment between resource allocation and meeting the needs of each student's academic success and well-being.
Standard 3-A Operating Policies, Procedures, and Training
3-A.1 Each public school district board of directors shall adopt and update written policies for the fiscal operation of the school district in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. By August 1, the written policies shall be posted on the district website under State - Required Information. (D/C)3-A.2 Each public school district shall adopt written personnel policies, including the salary schedules for the licensed and classified staff. By August 1, the written policies shall be posted on the district website under State - Required Information. (D/C)3-A.3 Each public school district shall submit accurate and timely reports deemed necessary to assure compliance with federal and state law and the rules of the Division, as requested. (D/C)3-A.4 Each public school district shall ensure compliance with the Arkansas Public School Computer Network ("APSCN") reporting and annual training requirements required by the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)3-A.5 Each public school district shall employ a general business manager responsible for the fiscal operations of the school district. (D/C)3-A.6 Each member of a public school district board of directors shall receive annual training in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. A statement of the hours of training and instruction received by each board member for the preceding year shall be included in the annual school performance report required by the laws of the State of Arkansas. (D/C)3-A.7 Each public school district superintendent shall file a written statement of assurance annually by October 1 in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)3-A.8 Except where otherwise allowed by law, each public school district shall comply with the Standards for Accreditation without using enhanced student achievement funding. (D/C)3-A.9 By August 1, each public school district shall post all student handbooks on the district website under State - Required Information. (D/C)3-A.10 Each public school district which has not obtained full and complete unitary status and has not been released from court supervised desegregation obligations shall seek to obtain a declaration of full and complete unitary status and release from all court supervision from the federal courts. (D/P)3-A.10.1 Beginning September 15 of each year, any public school district identified in Section 3-A.10 shall submit written quarterly reports to the Division detailing the district's outstanding desegregation obligations and the district's efforts towards obtaining full unitary status and release from court supervision. The detailed plan shall include the district's progress towards meeting its obligations and timelines for reaching a determination of full unitary status and release from court supervision.3-A.10.2 If the Division is unable to verify the public school district's efforts to comply with the submitted detailed plan required by these Rules, the Division shall recommend to the State Board of Education whether the public school district should be placed on Accredited - Probation status in accordance with these Rules.Standard 3-B School-level Improvement Plans and Reporting
3-B.1 Each public school in Arkansas shall develop, with appropriate staff and community participation, a school-level improvement plan. School goals shall be compatible with district, state and national educational goals and shall address local needs in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. The school-level improvement plans must be approved by the district and school board and posted to the district website under State - Required Information by August 1. (D/C)3-B.2 Each public school district board of directors shall systematically and, at least annually, explain its policies, programs, and goals to the community in a public meeting that provides opportunities for parents and other members of the community to ask questions and make suggestions concerning the school program in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. The report shall detail the progress of the district and schools toward accomplishing program goals, accreditation standards, and proposals to correct deficiencies. The report shall be made available to the public and the public shall be notified of the meeting. (D/C)3-B.2.1 The annual report to the public shall be posted on the district website under State - Required Information no later than 10 days after the public meeting is held. (D/C)Standard 3-C Maintenance of Records and Reports
3-C.1 Each public school and public school district shall develop and implement a records retention policy that retains all reports and records necessary for effective planning, operation, and education in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)3-C.2 Each public school and public school district shall maintain permanent student records in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)Standard 3-D Food Service
3-D.1 Each public school district shall provide food services in accordance with federal and state laws and the rules of the Division. (D/C)Standard 4: Human Capital
The human capital system of a public school district ensures recruitment, retention, and development of effective educators and support personnel to meet the needs of the whole child.
Standard 4-A Background Checks
4-A.1 Each public school district shall not employ personnel, whether licensed or non-licensed, who have not successfully completed background checks in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)Standard 4-B Superintendent
4-B.1 Each public school district shall employ a full-time superintendent to oversee all operations of the public school district. (D/P)4-B.2 Each public school district superintendent shall meet the licensure requirements in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division unless the public school district has a licensure exception in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)Standard 4-C Principals and other Building and District Administrators
4-C.1 Each public school shall employ at least a half-time principal. A full-time principal shall be employed when a public school's enrollment reaches three hundred (300). A public school district superintendent may be permitted to serve as a half-time principal when district enrollment is less than 300 providing the superintendent is appropriately certified and is not already teaching classes. Schools with an enrollment exceeding five hundred (500) shall employ at least one full-time principal and a half-time assistant principal, instructional supervisor, or curriculum specialist. (D/P)4.C-2 Each public school district shall employ public school principals that meet the licensure requirements in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division unless the public school district has a licensure exception in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division.(D/C)4-C.3 Each public school district shall register with the Division any building or district level administrator, with the exception of the superintendent, that is in his or her first year of employment as an administrator and ensure these administrators receive mentoring support for their first three years. (D/C)4-C.A At least once every four years, the district shall report in the state approved platform a summative rating for each building and district level administrator, with the exception of the superintendent. (D/C)Standard 4-D Teachers
4-D.1 Each public school district shall employ classroom teachers that meet the licensure requirements in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division or are teaching under a licensure exception in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)4-D.2 Each public school district shall not employ an individual, including as a substitute teacher whether directly employed by the school or through a teaching services contract, whose license has been suspended or revoked by the State Board of Education for a disqualifying offense or those, licensed or unlicensed individuals, who have been sanctioned for an ethical violation in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)4-D.3 Each public school district must comply with the Right to Read Act, codified in Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-429, regarding the hiring of teachers who demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction. (D/P)4-D.4 Each public school district shall register with the Division any teacher that is in his or her first year of employment as a teacher and ensure these teachers receive mentoring support for their first three years. (D/C)4-D.5 At least once every four years, the district shall report in the state approved platform a summative rating for each teacher. (D/C)Standard 4-E School Counselors
4-E.1 Each public school district shall employ school counselors that meet the licensure requirements in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division or are working under a licensure exception in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)4-E.2 Each public school district shall have a student/school counselor ratio of no more than one to 450 students. (D/P)4-E.3 Each public school district shall allot sufficient time for each school counselor to carry out the duties stated in the comprehensive school counseling plan, pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2004. (D/P)Standard 4-F Library Media Specialists
4-F.1 Each public school district shall employ library media specialists that meet the licensure requirements in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division or are working under a licensure exception in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/C)4-F.2 Public schools with fewer than three hundred (300) students shall employ at least one half-time library media specialist. Public schools with three hundred (300) or more students shall employ at least one full-time library media specialist. Schools enrolling fifteen hundred (1,500) or more students shall employ at least two full-time library media specialists. (S/P)Standard 4-G Professional Development
4-G.1 Teachers and administrators must comply with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division regarding professional development. (D/C)4-G.2 Each public school district shall provide professional development in scientific reading instruction in compliance with the Right to Read Act, codified in Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-429. (D/P)Standard 5: Stakeholder Communication / Family and Community Engagement
The stakeholder communication / family and community engagement system of a public school district ensures stakeholders are engaged in meaningful communication to provide an effective learning experience for each student.
Standard 5-A Comprehensive Plan for Communication and Engagement
5-A.1 Each public school district shall have a written plan for parent, family, and community engagement, including the scheduling of at least two (2) parent-teacher conferences each year, in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. By August 1, the plan shall be posted on the district website under State - Required Information. (D/C)Standard 6: Facilities and Transportation
The facilities and transportation system of a public school district ensures a quality learning environment for Arkansas students.
Standard 6-A Facilities and Equipment
6-A.1 Each public school district shall plan, construct, and maintain school facilities in accordance with federal laws, the laws of the State of Arkansas, and the rules of the Arkansas Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation. (D/C)6-A.2 Each public school districts shall adopt and implement school safety policies and procedures in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and the rules of the Division. (D/P)