005.28.22 Ark. Code R. 017

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 10, October, 2024

Rule 005.28.22-017 - Division of Elementary and Seondary Education Rules Governing Grading and Course Credit

DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING GRADING AND COURSE CREDIT

CHAPTER 1:

REGULATORY AUTHORITY AND DEFINITIONS

1-1.00REGULATORY AUTHORITY

1-1.01 These Rules are enacted pursuant to the State Board of Education's authority under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 6-15-216, 6-15-902, 6-16-152, 6-16-801 et seq., 6-16-1201 et seq., 6-18-223, 6-18-232, and 6-85-401 et seq.

1-2.00DEFINITIONS

1-2.01 "Additional Training Plan" (ATP) requires Advanced Placement (AP) and Pre-AP teachers to attend appropriate College Board training. Teachers in the plan have up to three (3) years to complete this requirement.

1-2.02 "Advanced Placement (AP)" courses are those courses taught following guidelines as provided for Advanced Placement courses by The College Board. Advanced Placement courses provide the opportunity for students to take a national examination through which they may qualify for college/university level credit.

1-2.03 "Advanced Placement Course" means a high school preparatory course for a College Board Advanced Placement Exam that incorporates all topics specified by The College Board and the Educational Testing Service on the syllabus for a given subject area and is approved through The College Board and Educational Testing Service.

1-2.04 "Approved institution of higher education" means an institution of higher education that meets the requirements of the definition under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-85-402.

1-2.05 "College Board" means The College Board, a mission-driven not-for-profit organization.

1-2.06 "College Board Advanced Placement Exam" means a standardized exam designed to measure how well a student has mastered the content and skills of a specific AP course. An Advanced Placement Exam is administered by Educational Testing Service on behalf of The College Board.

1-2.07 "College Courses" are courses that are offered and taught under the direction of an accredited institution of higher education. Students may qualify for concurrent credit for such courses. For a concurrent college course to receive a weighted grade, it must be approved through the process described in these rules.

1-2.08 "Computer science credit" means one (1) unit of credit earned through the completion of a course or courses approved by the State Board and Division of Elementary and Secondary Education that meet the requirements of Chapter 7 of these rules.

1-2.09 "Computer science teacher" means an individual who holds an Arkansas teaching license or technical permit that includes a computer science certification, endorsement, approval, or technical permit code that meets the Division's requirement for a computer science teacher.

1-2.10 "Division" means the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

1-2.11 "Elementary school" is a school having any combination of one or more grades from kindergarten through grade 6.

1-2.12 "Endorsed concurrent enrollment course" means a college level course offered by an institution of higher education in this state, that upon completion would qualify for academic credit in both the institution of higher education and a public high school that:

1-2.12.1 Is one of the four core areas of math, English, science, and social studies; and

1-2.12.2 Meets the requirements of Section 5-4.00 of these Rules; and

1-2.12.3 Is listed in the Arkansas Course Transfer System of the Division of Higher Education.

1-2.12.4 This definition does not affect the ability of school districts to award concurrent credit for those courses which comply with the requirements of Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-223.

1-2.13 "High school" means any Arkansas public school, including an openenrollment charter school, which provides instruction to students in grades nine (9), ten (10), eleven (11), or twelve (12).

1-2.14 A "Home-schooled student" means a student legally enrolled in an Arkansas home school.

1-2.15 "International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB)" means an international education program offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

1-2.16 "International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program Courses" are those taught following guidelines as provided for IB courses by the IB Organization. IB courses provide the opportunity for students to take a national examination.

1-2.17 "National School Lunch Student" means those students from low socioeconomic backgrounds as indicated by eligibility for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1751 et seq. and Ark. Code Ann. § 6-202303.

1-2.18 "Pre-Advanced Placement" course means a College Board developed and trademarked course designed to deliver grade-level-appropriate instruction.

1-2.19 "Private institution" is defined as an institution of higher education accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, or North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

1-2.20 "Secondary school" is any school containing one or more grades from 7 through 12 or any middle school having any combination of grades 5-8 with the exception of a school having only grade 5, grade 6, or the combination of grades 5-6.

1-2.20.1 A student in grades 9-12 is considered "enrolled" in a public secondary school so long as he/she is counted for average daily membership of the school pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-2303(3)(C).

1-2.21 "Standards-based grading" is a system of reporting which focuses on student learning and the demonstration of competency or mastery of a set of standards.

1-2.22 "Weighted Credit" means additional quality points for designated AP and IB courses that will be contingent upon meeting the requirements set forth in Chapter 6 of this rule. "Weighted Credit" also means additional quality points for courses approved by the Division that meet or exceed the standards of a comparable AP course or for approved career and technical education (CTE) courses, as set forth in Chapter 4 of this rule.

1-2.23 "Weighted Credit and AP Training Approval Committee" means a review committee composed of Division program directors and advisors with AP and content expertise, including but not limited to personnel in DESE's curriculum and gifted and talented offices.

DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING GRADING AND COURSE CREDIT

CHAPTER 2:UNIFORM GRADING SCALES

2-1.00PURPOSE

2-1.01 The purpose of this Chapter is to establish the uniform grading scales to be used by all public secondary schools in the state for regular courses.

2-1.02 This Chapter establishes the numeric value given to each letter grade for the purpose of determining grade average in all public secondary schools in the state for regular courses.

2-1.03 This Chapter provides an optional grading scale for public elementary schools.

2-2.00GRADING SCALE AND NUMERICAL VALUES

2-2.01 The following scale is to be the Uniform Grading Scale and numeric values for secondary schools and the optional Uniform Grading Scale for elementary schools. Grades earned in courses will be assigned the following numeric values when such courses are used to compute student grade point average.

A 90 - 100 = 4 points

B 80 - 89 = 3 points

C 70 - 79 = 2 points

D 60 - 69 = 1 point

F 0 - 59 = 0 points

2-2.02 Student grades should reflect the knowledge and skills demonstrated by the student through class assignments, tests, presentations, and projects that reflect the Arkansas Academic Standards. The purpose of grading is to communicate how well a student has achieved the learning objectives or criteria for a class.

2-2.03 A public school district may use the grading scale in this section in the public school district's elementary schools or standards-based grading.

2-2.04 Methods for recording and reporting competency maybe used as long as the district has an approved CDM application.

DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING GRADING AND COURSE CREDIT

CHAPTER 3:

FLEXIBILITY IN AWARDING HIGH SCHOOL COURSE CREDIT

3-1.00AWARDING CREDIT BY DEMONSTRATED MASTERY

3-1.01 Credit by Demonstrated Mastery is the process by which a student may earn credit for a high school course by demonstrating a deep understanding of the content without course enrollment or the minimum of 120 clock hours required by the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

3-1.02 A public school district may submit a Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM) application for approval to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to award units of high school course credit based on a demonstration of subject matter competency instead of, or in combination with, completing hours of classroom instruction.

3-1.02.1 Weighted credit is not available for CDM.

3-1.03 Students shall demonstrate mastery through a multi-phase assessment, consisting of:

3-1.03.1 Phase 1: A standard examination assessing course standards, and

3-1.03.2 Phase 2: At least one artifact which requires the student to apply knowledge and skills relevant to the content standards.

3-1.03.3 Students who are unable to meet the established minimum score in Phase I shall not progress to Phase 2.

3-1.04 The CDM process is designed to allow students to demonstrate competency of a required graduation credit and provide the opportunity for the student to take additional courses. The CDM process is not designed for whole groups of students and shall not replace the general accelerated pathways provided for advanced students.

3-1.05 Each public school district shall form a committee to review submissions of work to determine if the student has demonstrated sufficient competency to meet the standards for credit in the course.

3-1.06 Upon approval, a public school district shall not be in violation of any requirement in the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts that units of credit be awarded for a minimum number of clock hours if the public school district awards units of credit based on a demonstration of subject matter competency instead of, or in combination with, completing hours of classroom instruction if the awarding of credit is in compliance with the public school district's approved plan.

3-1.07 The Department of Education and its Divisions shall monitor schools offering CDM to ensure compliance with these rules.

DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING GRADING AND COURSE CREDIT

CHAPTER 4:

COURSES FOR WEIGHTED CREDIT

4-1.00GENERAL PROVISIONS

4-1.01 The following weighted scale is to be used for Advanced Placement courses, courses offered under the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, and Division approved weighted courses.

A = 90-100= 5 points;

B = 80-89= 4 points;

C = 70-79= 3 points;

D = 60-69= 2 points;

F = 59 and below=0 points.

4-1.02 Courses approved by the Division for weighted credit must meet or exceed the standards of a comparable Advanced Placement class or exceed the curriculum standards for a non-weighted course.

4-1.03 The Division in collaboration with the Division of Career and Technical Education may approve a career and technical course for weighted credit if the course:

4-1.03.1 Exceeds the curriculum standards for non-weighted course in a pathway; and

4-1.03.2 Leads to an approved industry recognized certification.

4-2.00SCHOOL DISTRICT WEIGHTED CREDIT POLICIES FOR COLLEGE COURSES

4-2.01 A local school district board of directors may adopt a policy to allow high school students in the public school district to take college courses for weighted credit equal to the numeric grade awarded in Advanced Placement courses, courses offered under the International Baccalaureate program, and approved weighted classes.

4-2.02 If a local school board adopts such a policy, the district shall apply to the DESE Weighted Credit and AP Training Approval Committee for approval of concurrent enrollment college courses to be designated as a weighted course, under Chapter 5 of these rules.

4-2.03 An application shall be reviewed for approval to assign a numeric grade value, which may include weighted credit, based on the following:

4-2.03.1 A letter from the superintendent of the public school district or principal of the public school describing how the course exceeds expectations for coursework required under the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts;

4-2.03.2 The grade level or levels of public school students who will be enrolled in the course; and

4-2.03.3 Clear evidence that the concurrent credit course is substantially the same as an Advanced Placement Course.

4-2.03.4 Statement of learner outcomes, objectives and/or learning expectations based on revised curriculum frameworks where appropriate.

4-2.03.5 Description of instructional strategies demonstrating problem solving, critical thinking, and higher order learning processes. This description should include at least one exemplary lesson.

DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING GRADING AND COURSE CREDIT

CHAPTER 5:

CONCURRENT CREDIT

5-1.00ENROLLMENT GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN GRADES 9-12

5-1.01 Any student who is enrolled in grades 9-12 in an Arkansas public school shall be eligible to enroll in a publicly supported community college, technical college, four-year college or university, or private institution of higher education in accordance with the rules adopted by the college or university.

5-1.01.1 If an Arkansas public college or university or private institution of higher education requires a college course placement score greater than a score of 19 on the ACT, a comparable score on the SAT, or an equivalent measure, the public school student must meet that institution's concurrent admissions and course placement requirements. Districts should consider the ACT benchmark readiness scores in addition to the minimum requirement for proper identification and placement of students in college coursework.

5-1.01.2 A student in grade 12 who possesses at least an ACT sub-score of 17, or a comparable score on the SAT, in English, reading or mathematics (or an equivalent measure) may enroll in remedial/developmental education courses in English, reading and mathematics at a publicly supported community college, technical college, four-year college or university, or private institution of higher education.

5-1.01.3 Any institution of higher education offering a remedial/developmental education course(s) must inform the public school student, verbally and in writing, that successful completion of remedial/developmental education courses in English, reading and mathematics at one college or university does not guarantee college course placement at another Arkansas college or university, unless there is a written/signed college course placement agreement with the other Arkansas college or university. A list of the institutions of higher education with a signed college course placement agreement must be 1) included in the signed Memorandum of Agreement between the school district and college/university, 2) published in the current college/university catalog, and 3) posted on the college/university website.

5-1.02 Any public school student in grades 9-12 who enrolls in and successfully completes a course(s) offered by a publicly supported community college, technical college, four-year college or university, or private institution of higher education shall be entitled to receive both high school and college grades and credit (credit earned by CLEP examination may not be counted as high school credit) toward graduation, as outlined in these rules. Participation in the concurrent high school and college credit program must be documented by a written agreement between:

5-1.02.1 The public school student, and his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) if the public school student is under the age of eighteen (18);

5-1.02.2 The public school or public school district where the student is enrolled; and

5-1.02.3 The publicly supported community college, technical college, four-year College or university, or private institution of higher education.

5-1.03 Students must comply with applicable enrollment or graduation requirements of the public high school the student attends while the student participates in the concurrent credit program. Public school students who previously earned high school credit through the concurrent credit program shall maintain the earned credit through graduation, regardless of whether the student subsequently transfers to a public school or school district that opts not to participate in the concurrent credit program.

5-1.04 Three semester hours of college credit taken by a student in grades 9-12 at a publicly supported community college, technical college, four-year college or university, or private institution of higher education shall be the equivalent of one unit of high school credit in the same subject area. A three-semester hour remedial/developmental education course shall be the equivalent of one-half unit of credit for a high school career focus elective. A remedial/developmental education course cannot be used to meet the core subject area/unit requirements.

5-1.05 College credit earned at a publicly supported community college, technical college, four-year college or university or private institution of higher education by an eligible student shall be counted by the high school toward graduation, including credit earned through summer terms.

5-1.06 Public school students in grade 12 who are enrolled in remedial/developmental education courses will not be counted for public higher education funding purposes.

5-1.07 Nothing in these rules shall be construed to require Arkansas public schools, publicly supported community colleges, technical colleges, four-year colleges or universities, or private institutions of higher education to participate in a concurrent credit program.

5-1.08 Any public school district and publicly supported or private institution of higher education that chooses to participate in a concurrent credit program shall implement and carry out the concurrent credit program in accordance with the rules of the Arkansas State Board of Education and the policies of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

5-2.00ELIGIBILITY

5-2.01 To be eligible to enroll in an endorsed concurrent enrollment course, the student must:

5-2.01.1 Be admitted by the institution of higher education as a non- degree or non-certificate seeking student; and

5-2.01.2 Meet all of the prerequisites for the course in which he or she is enrolled.

5-2.02 All accelerated or advanced course work shall be reflected in a student success plan, including but not limited to AP and International Baccalaureate courses, CTE courses and endorsed concurrent credit courses.

5-3.00TUITION

5-3.01 A state-supported two-year or four-year institution of higher education may offer a reduced tuition rate for endorsed concurrent enrollment courses offered by the institution of higher education to high school students.

5-3.02 A student who qualifies under the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) shall not be required to pay any of the costs up to a maximum of six credit hours of endorsed concurrent enrollment courses that are taught:

5-3.02.1 On the grounds of the public school district in which the student is enrolled; and

5-3.02.2 By a teacher employed by the public school district in which the student is enrolled who meets the requirements of Section 5-4.03.

5-3.03 The costs for endorsed concurrent enrollment courses for a student who qualifies under NSLA shall be paid:

5-3.03.1 By the public school district in which the student is enrolled;

5-3.03.2 By the institution of higher education offering the course; or

5-3.03.3 Through a cost-sharing agreement between the public school district and the institution of higher education.

5-3.04 The student shall be responsible for all costs of higher education courses taken for concurrent college credit, unless the costs for these courses are paid by the public school district, a college/university scholarship, a grant, or a private foundation. If the costs for a higher education course(s) are paid by the public school district, a college/university scholarship, a grant, or a private foundation, a signed agreement must exist between the public school district, the external entity or foundation, and the publicly-supported or private institution of higher education.

5-3.05 A student who attends a private school or a home school and enrolls in an endorsed concurrent enrollment course shall not be charged unless the public school district also charges public school students for the endorsed concurrent enrollment course. A public school district may provide transportation to a private school or home-schooled student to or from the location of the academic course.

5-4.00ENDORSED CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT COURSE REQUIREMENTS

5-4.01 The course must be a course offered by an institution of higher education in this state that is:

5-4.01.1 Approved through the institution of higher education's normal process; and

5-4.01.2 Listed in the institution of higher education's catalog.

5-4.02 The course content and instruction must meet or exceed the same standards and adopt the same learning outcomes as those developed for a course taught on the campus of the institution of higher education, including without limitation:

5-4.02.1 The administration of any departmental exams applicable to the course; and

5-4.02.2 The use of substantially the same book and syllabus as is used at the college level.

5-4.03 An Instructor of an endorsed concurrent enrollment course shall have:

5-4.03.1 No less than a master's degree that includes at least eighteen (18) hours of completed course work in the subject area of the endorsed concurrent enrollment course;

5-4.03.2 The instructor's credentials shall be approved by the academic unit or chief academic officer of the institution of higher education offering the endorsed concurrent enrollment course; and

5-4.03.3 The relevant credentials and experience necessary to teach from the syllabus approved by the institution of higher education granting the course credit.

5-4.04 The institution of higher education offering the course must:

5-4.04.1 Provide to the course instructor staff development, supervision and evaluation; and

5-4.04.2 Provide the students enrolled in the course with:

5-4.04.2.1 Academic guidance counseling; and

5-4.04.2.2 The opportunity to utilize the on-campus library or other academic resources of the institution of higher education.

5-4.05 Credit for the endorsed concurrent enrollment course may only be awarded by the institution of higher education offering the course and, when subject to an agreement with the college offering the course, must be accepted by the high school which the student attends.

5-4.06 Institutions of higher education may collaborate to provide the course and award course credit.

DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING GRADING AND COURSE CREDIT

CHAPTER 6:

ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA INCENTIVE PROGRAM

6-1.00PURPOSE

6-1.01 The purpose of these Rules is to establish, organize, and administer a program designed to improve the course offerings available to middle school, junior high school and high school students throughout the state. The program established under this act will provide advanced educational courses that are easily accessible and will prepare students for admission to and success in a postsecondary educational environment.

6-1.02 To ensure that each school district provides high school students with the opportunity to enroll in at least one (1) College Board Advanced Placement course in the four (4) core areas of English, math, science, and social studies, and to outline teacher training requirements.

6-2.00TEACHER TRAINING

6-2.01 A teacher of an AP course must meet Arkansas Teacher Licensure requirements and meet the requirements of either Section 6-2.01.1 or 6-2.01.2:

6-2.01.1 Attend at least one (1) of the following trainings no less than one (1) time every five (5) years:

6-2.01.1.1 College Board Advanced Placement Summer Institute;

6-2.01.1.2 College Board-endorsed training; or

6-2.01.1.3 Other similarly rigorous training approved by the DESE Weighted Credit and AP Training Approval Committee.

6-2.01.2 Complete an Additional Training Plan (ATP) for Advanced Placement within three (3) years of commencing the ATP.

6-2.01.2.1 The ATP must be filed with the Division's Office of Gifted and Talented and Advanced Placement in the first year of the teaching assignment, and an update must be filed in the additional years the teacher is in need of the plan, for up to two additional years.

6-2.01.2.2 When a teacher completes the requirements of the ATP, completion documentation must be submitted to the Division's Office of Gifted and Talented and Advanced Placement.

6-2.01.2.3 Districts that do not have a teacher who completes the ATP within 3 years may be found in violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Public Schools and School Districts and may be held responsible for the cost of the associated AP exams.

6-2.02 A teacher of a Pre-AP course must meet Arkansas Teacher Licensure requirements and meet the requirements of either Section 6-2.03.1 or 6-2.03.2:

6-2.02.1 Attend at least one (1) of the following trainings no less than one (1) time every five (5) years:

6-2.02.1.1 College Board-endorsed training in the teacher's content area; or

6-2.02.1.2 Other similarly rigorous training approved by the DESE Weighted Credit and AP Training Approval Committee.

6-2.02.2 Complete an Additional Training Plan (ATP) for pre-Advanced Placement within three (3) years of commencing the ATP.

6-2.02.2.1 The ATP must be filed with the Division's Office of Gifted and Talented and Advanced Placement in the first year of the teaching assignment, and an update must be filed in the additional years the teacher is in need of the plan, for up to two additional years.

6-2.02.2.2 When a teacher completes the requirements of the ATP, completion documentation must be submitted to the Division's Office of Gifted and Talented and Advanced Placement.

6-2.03 A teacher of a course offered under the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program must meet Arkansas Teacher Licensure requirements and attend the training required by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

6-2.04 Weighted Credit for designated AP and IB courses will be contingent upon the AP teacher obtaining training as outlined in Section 6-2.01 of this Chapter and the IB teacher obtaining training as outlined in Section 6-2.03 of this Chapter; the student taking the entire AP or the entire IB course offered in a particular subject; the student completing the applicable test offered by the College Board for AP courses at the end of the AP course or the applicable test offered by the IBO at the time prescribed by the IBO.

6-3.00TEACHER TRAINING SUBSIDY

6-3.01 Teachers of Advanced Placement Courses, Pre-Advanced Placement Courses, or International Baccalaureate Diploma courses, must meet Arkansas Teacher Licensure requirements and participate in training program(s) outlined in 6-2.00 of these Rules.

6-3.02 For a teacher designated by a local school district as an instructor of an Advanced Placement course, Pre-Advanced Placement Course, or an International Baccalaureate Diploma course, training costs may be covered by a grant administered by the host of the Advanced Placement Summer Institute to cover the cost of tuition, expenses and materials of approved training programs, not to exceed six hundred fifty dollars ($650) per teacher contingent upon appropriated funding. Priority for training will be given to teachers who have not been previously trained. Training not covered by grant funds will be the responsibility of the district, if training is required as a part of the teacher's job requirements.

6-3.03 A teacher who is assigned to teach more than one Advanced Placement, PreAdvanced Placement, or International Baccalaureate course (i.e., biology, chemistry, etc.) may apply for more than one teacher training stipend, contingent upon appropriated funding.

6-4.00EQUIPMENT GRANT

6-4.01 Contingent upon appropriated funding, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may annually set aside funds from which schools providing Advanced Placement courses or International Baccalaureate Diploma courses may apply for a one-time equipment and materials grant.

6-4.02 Equipment and materials grants will be administered by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Division will establish a request for proposal form and disseminate it to each local school district each year that funds are available.

6-4.03 A school may apply for a one-time equipment grant for each Advanced Placement course or International Baccalaureate course (Two sections of a course such as Advanced Placement American History are considered one course).

6-4.04 School districts with more than one high school providing Advanced Placement courses or International Baccalaureate courses, may apply for the one-time equipment grants for each high school.

6-5.00FEES FOR STUDENTS

6-5.01 Contingent upon legislative appropriation and the availability of funding, the state may pay in full or on a pro-rata basis the cost of the Advanced Placement Exam fee or the equivalent test fee under the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, or both, for students who have successfully completed an associated Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate Diploma course that meets the requirements of this Chapter.

6-5.02 Each school requesting fee payment of students taking Advanced Placement Exams and/or International Baccalaureate exams must submit to the Division a copy of the invoice as generated and submitted to either the College Board or the International Baccalaureate Organization upon completion of the exams. The Division will contract with the College Board and Educational Testing Services for payment of AP exams contingent upon legislative approval and the availability of funds.

6-6.00SCHOOL AWARD FOR EXAM SCORES

6-6.01 Depending on the availability of funds, schools may be awarded up to fifty dollars ($50.00) for each score of a three (3) or better earned by a student on any Advanced Placement test or the equivalent on any International Baccalaureate Program Exam.

6-6.02 Schools must utilize the funds awarded from students' scores on the Advanced Placement exam for the schools' Advanced Placement program and funds awarded from students' scores on the International Baccalaureate exams for the schools International Baccalaureate program.

6-6.03 An annual report with detailed expenditures of funds awarded to schools from students' scores on the Advanced Placement exam(s)and International Baccalaureate exams will be submitted to the Office of Gifted and Talented, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education by July 1 of each school year.

6-7.00DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS

6-7.01 Districts are required to offer a minimum of one AP course per year in each of the four (4) core courses of English, math, science, and social studies.

6-7.02 All accelerated or advanced course work shall be reflected in a student success plan, including but not limited to AP and International Baccalaureate courses, CTE courses and endorsed concurrent credit courses.

DIVISION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION RULES GOVERNING GRADING AND COURSE CREDIT

CHAPTER 7:

COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION

7-1.00Computer Science Graduation Credit Requirement

7-1.01 Beginning with the entering ninth grade class of 2022-2023, a high school student shall be required to earn one (1) unit of computer science credit before the student graduates.

7-1.02 A computer science course offered by a high school shall:

7-1.02.1 Be of high quality;

7-1.02.2 Meet or exceed the curriculum standards and requirements established by the State Board of Education; and

7-1.02.3 Be made available in a traditional classroom setting, a blended learning environment, an online-based or other technology-based format that is tailored to meet the needs of each participating student.

7-2.00Computer Science Teacher Requirement

7-2.01 Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, a public school district shall employ a computer science teacher at each high school in the district.

7-2.02 The computer science teacher shall be the teacher of record for at least one course each school year through which a student may earn a computer science credit.

7-2.03 A computer science teacher may be shared among high schools within the same public school district provided the computer science teacher acts as the teacher of record at each high school in accordance with Section 7-2.02.

005.28.22 Ark. Code R. 017

Adopted by Arkansas Register Volume 47 Number 05, Effective 5/2/2022