Section 6-44-304 - Approved program provider - Qualifications - Notice(a) Annually by August 15, the Department of Education shall issue a request for qualifications for public, nonprofit, or other entities to apply to become approved program providers and participate in the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program.(b)(1) The department shall promulgate rules necessary to establish the: (A) Criteria as described under subdivision (b)(2) of this section under which an entity becomes an approved program provider; and(B) Performance standards as specified under this subchapter for an approved program provider to continue to participate in the program.(2) The criteria to become an approved program provider described under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall include that the entity:(A) Is a regionally accredited high school diploma-granting entity;(B) Has a minimum of two (2) years of experience providing adult dropout recovery services;(C) Provides a course catalog that includes all courses necessary to meet graduation requirements; and(D) Has the ability to: (i) Provide academic skill intake assessments and transcript evaluations;(ii) Develop a learning plan for each student that integrates graduation requirements and career goals;(iii) Provide remediation opportunities in literacy and numeracy;(iv) Provide an employability skills certification;(v) Provide career pathways coursework;(vi) Provide preparation for workforce credentials; and(vii) Provide career advising services.(c)(1) The department shall announce the approved program providers no later than October 15 annually.(2) Upon the announcement of approval, an approved program provider may begin enrolling students starting no later than November 15 each year.(d) An approved program provider shall not be removed from the list of approved program providers except as provided under § 6-44-308.Added by Act 2023, No. 546,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.