2013 Legislative Session

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

2013 Legislative Session2013 Legislative Session

Dr. Richard Abernathy, AAEA Executive DirectorDr. Richard Abernathy, AAEA Executive DirectorMr. Mike Mertens, Asst. Executive DirectorMr. Mike Mertens, Asst. Executive Director


Act 71 – Cell Phones & CommunicationAct 71 – Cell Phones & Communication Devices DevicesAct 71 – Cell Phones & CommunicationAct 71 – Cell Phones & Communication Devices Devices• District may establish written student discipline District may establish written student discipline

policy and exemptions concerning possession andpolicy and exemptions concerning possession anduse by a student of a personal electronic deviceuse by a student of a personal electronic device

• on school propertyon school property• school related eventsschool related events• extracurricular activitiesextracurricular activities• instructional purposesinstructional purposes• Limit time/locationLimit time/location

• District may establish written student discipline District may establish written student discipline policy and exemptions concerning possession andpolicy and exemptions concerning possession anduse by a student of a personal electronic deviceuse by a student of a personal electronic device

• on school propertyon school property• school related eventsschool related events• extracurricular activitiesextracurricular activities• instructional purposesinstructional purposes• Limit time/locationLimit time/location


Act 128 – Reporting Course OfferingsAct 128 – Reporting Course OfferingsAct 128 – Reporting Course OfferingsAct 128 – Reporting Course Offerings

• Repeals requirement for district to mail home Repeals requirement for district to mail home letter of district's obligation to offer certain classesletter of district's obligation to offer certain classes

• Repeals requirement for district to mail home Repeals requirement for district to mail home letter of district's obligation to offer certain classesletter of district's obligation to offer certain classes


Act 228 – Simplify Accessibility of DataAct 228 – Simplify Accessibility of Data on Website on WebsiteAct 228 – Simplify Accessibility of DataAct 228 – Simplify Accessibility of Data on Website on Website• Easily accessible Easily accessible • Home page under a direct link titled "State-Home page under a direct link titled "State-

Required Information”Required Information”• Data required from two previous years and Data required from two previous years and

projected budget for current yearprojected budget for current year• Subdivide the information by categoriesSubdivide the information by categories

• Easily accessible Easily accessible • Home page under a direct link titled "State-Home page under a direct link titled "State-

Required Information”Required Information”• Data required from two previous years and Data required from two previous years and

projected budget for current yearprojected budget for current year• Subdivide the information by categoriesSubdivide the information by categories


Act 231 – Tuberculosis ScreeningAct 231 – Tuberculosis ScreeningAct 231 – Tuberculosis ScreeningAct 231 – Tuberculosis Screening• Repeals tuberculosis Repeals tuberculosis

screening for school screening for school employees and registered employees and registered volunteersvolunteers

• Repeals tuberculosis Repeals tuberculosis screening for school screening for school employees and registered employees and registered volunteersvolunteers


Act 234 – Amends Arkansas AcademicAct 234 – Amends Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Challenge ScholarshipAct 234 – Amends Arkansas AcademicAct 234 – Amends Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Challenge Scholarship• Beginning 2013-2014 Beginning 2013-2014

• Four-Year Institutions:Four-Year Institutions:• Freshman - $2,000Freshman - $2,000• Sophomore - $3,000Sophomore - $3,000• Junior - $4,000Junior - $4,000• Senior - $5,000Senior - $5,000

• Two-Year Institutions - $2,000Two-Year Institutions - $2,000

• Emergency ClauseEmergency Clause

• Beginning 2013-2014 Beginning 2013-2014

• Four-Year Institutions:Four-Year Institutions:• Freshman - $2,000Freshman - $2,000• Sophomore - $3,000Sophomore - $3,000• Junior - $4,000Junior - $4,000• Senior - $5,000Senior - $5,000

• Two-Year Institutions - $2,000Two-Year Institutions - $2,000

• Emergency ClauseEmergency Clause


Act 328 – Foreign LanguageAct 328 – Foreign LanguageAct 328 – Foreign LanguageAct 328 – Foreign Language• Schools may offer Schools may offer

American Sign American Sign Language as a foreign Language as a foreign language creditlanguage credit

• Schools may offer Schools may offer American Sign American Sign Language as a foreign Language as a foreign language creditlanguage credit


Act 411 – Exempt Items Under FOIAAct 411 – Exempt Items Under FOIAAct 411 – Exempt Items Under FOIAAct 411 – Exempt Items Under FOIA• Exempts personal contact information of school Exempts personal contact information of school

employees from Freedom of Informationemployees from Freedom of Information– Home and Mobile Phone NumbersHome and Mobile Phone Numbers– Personal Email AddressesPersonal Email Addresses– Home AddressHome Address

• Exempts personal contact information of school Exempts personal contact information of school employees from Freedom of Informationemployees from Freedom of Information– Home and Mobile Phone NumbersHome and Mobile Phone Numbers– Personal Email AddressesPersonal Email Addresses– Home AddressHome Address


Act 414 – Ensuring Adequate SchoolAct 414 – Ensuring Adequate School Nurses NursesAct 414 – Ensuring Adequate SchoolAct 414 – Ensuring Adequate School Nurses Nurses• Listed job description and duties of school nursesListed job description and duties of school nurses• Creates Public School Health Services Advisory Creates Public School Health Services Advisory

Committee of 19 MembersCommittee of 19 Members• Study to determine:Study to determine:– Best practicesBest practices– Who is providing servicesWho is providing services– Which students are not being servedWhich students are not being served– Existing nursing facilitiesExisting nursing facilities

• Listed job description and duties of school nursesListed job description and duties of school nurses• Creates Public School Health Services Advisory Creates Public School Health Services Advisory

Committee of 19 MembersCommittee of 19 Members• Study to determine:Study to determine:– Best practicesBest practices– Who is providing servicesWho is providing services– Which students are not being servedWhich students are not being served– Existing nursing facilitiesExisting nursing facilities


Act 414, continuedAct 414, continuedAct 414, continuedAct 414, continued– Cost of providing on-campus servicesCost of providing on-campus services– Nurse related duties and non-health care dutiesNurse related duties and non-health care duties– Advisory committee shall develop guidelines including:Advisory committee shall develop guidelines including:• number of nurses needednumber of nurses needed• salarysalary• job requirements, etc. job requirements, etc.

– Submit report to Joint Adequacy Committee by Submit report to Joint Adequacy Committee by September 1, 2014September 1, 2014

– Cost of providing on-campus servicesCost of providing on-campus services– Nurse related duties and non-health care dutiesNurse related duties and non-health care duties– Advisory committee shall develop guidelines including:Advisory committee shall develop guidelines including:• number of nurses needednumber of nurses needed• salarysalary• job requirements, etc. job requirements, etc.

– Submit report to Joint Adequacy Committee by Submit report to Joint Adequacy Committee by September 1, 2014September 1, 2014


Act 444 – Veteran PreferenceAct 444 – Veteran PreferenceAct 444 – Veteran PreferenceAct 444 – Veteran Preference• School district shall provide a veterans preference School district shall provide a veterans preference

in interviewing and hiring if:in interviewing and hiring if:– Indicates on application that he/she is veteran, disabled Indicates on application that he/she is veteran, disabled

veteran, or surviving spouse of veteran who is unmarried veteran, or surviving spouse of veteran who is unmarried at the time of hiringat the time of hiring

– Is a citizen and resident of this stateIs a citizen and resident of this state– Meets substantially equal qualifications of other Meets substantially equal qualifications of other

applicantsapplicants

• School district shall provide a veterans preference School district shall provide a veterans preference in interviewing and hiring if:in interviewing and hiring if:– Indicates on application that he/she is veteran, disabled Indicates on application that he/she is veteran, disabled

veteran, or surviving spouse of veteran who is unmarried veteran, or surviving spouse of veteran who is unmarried at the time of hiringat the time of hiring

– Is a citizen and resident of this stateIs a citizen and resident of this state– Meets substantially equal qualifications of other Meets substantially equal qualifications of other

applicantsapplicants


Act 517 – Health InsuranceAct 517 – Health InsuranceAct 517 – Health InsuranceAct 517 – Health Insurance• January 1, 2014 district rate will go from $131 to January 1, 2014 district rate will go from $131 to

$150 per employee participating in the program$150 per employee participating in the program

• Shall increase annually by the same percentage the Shall increase annually by the same percentage the foundation amount is increasedfoundation amount is increased

• Side note - State contributes $390 per budgeted Side note - State contributes $390 per budgeted position for state employeesposition for state employeesAct 1443 would have helped fund school employee Act 1443 would have helped fund school employee health insurance (Not Funded), but this session did health insurance (Not Funded), but this session did not solve dramatic increases facing school not solve dramatic increases facing school employeesemployees

• January 1, 2014 district rate will go from $131 to January 1, 2014 district rate will go from $131 to $150 per employee participating in the program$150 per employee participating in the program

• Shall increase annually by the same percentage the Shall increase annually by the same percentage the foundation amount is increasedfoundation amount is increased

• Side note - State contributes $390 per budgeted Side note - State contributes $390 per budgeted position for state employeesposition for state employeesAct 1443 would have helped fund school employee Act 1443 would have helped fund school employee health insurance (Not Funded), but this session did health insurance (Not Funded), but this session did not solve dramatic increases facing school not solve dramatic increases facing school employeesemployees


Act 559 – Requirements for Meeting ofAct 559 – Requirements for Meeting of Board of Directors Board of DirectorsAct 559 – Requirements for Meeting ofAct 559 – Requirements for Meeting of Board of Directors Board of Directors• Meeting called when petitioned to do so in writing Meeting called when petitioned to do so in writing

by 50 qualified electors after verifiedby 50 qualified electors after verified• Contains printed names and address of each Contains printed names and address of each

qualified electorqualified elector• State purpose of meetingState purpose of meeting

• Meeting called when petitioned to do so in writing Meeting called when petitioned to do so in writing by 50 qualified electors after verifiedby 50 qualified electors after verified

• Contains printed names and address of each Contains printed names and address of each qualified electorqualified elector

• State purpose of meetingState purpose of meeting


Act 559, continuedAct 559, continuedAct 559, continuedAct 559, continued• At least five days prior to board meeting, At least five days prior to board meeting,

superintendent shall notify board president of all superintendent shall notify board president of all written requests to be placed on agenda along with written requests to be placed on agenda along with a recommendation concerning each requesta recommendation concerning each request

• Shall not place item on agenda if prejudices the Shall not place item on agenda if prejudices the board concerning student or personnel matters or board concerning student or personnel matters or conflicts with district policyconflicts with district policy

• At least five days prior to board meeting, At least five days prior to board meeting, superintendent shall notify board president of all superintendent shall notify board president of all written requests to be placed on agenda along with written requests to be placed on agenda along with a recommendation concerning each requesta recommendation concerning each request

• Shall not place item on agenda if prejudices the Shall not place item on agenda if prejudices the board concerning student or personnel matters or board concerning student or personnel matters or conflicts with district policyconflicts with district policy


Act 576 – Require a Period of Act 576 – Require a Period of SilenceSilenceAct 576 – Require a Period of Act 576 – Require a Period of SilenceSilence• Public school shall observe a one (1) minute period Public school shall observe a one (1) minute period

of silence at the beginning of the dayof silence at the beginning of the day• Student may reflect, pray, or engage in a silent Student may reflect, pray, or engage in a silent

activityactivity• Teacher or school employee in charge of classroom Teacher or school employee in charge of classroom

shall ensure that all students remain silent and do shall ensure that all students remain silent and do not interfere with or distract another student not interfere with or distract another student during the period of silenceduring the period of silence

• Public school shall observe a one (1) minute period Public school shall observe a one (1) minute period of silence at the beginning of the dayof silence at the beginning of the day

• Student may reflect, pray, or engage in a silent Student may reflect, pray, or engage in a silent activityactivity

• Teacher or school employee in charge of classroom Teacher or school employee in charge of classroom shall ensure that all students remain silent and do shall ensure that all students remain silent and do not interfere with or distract another student not interfere with or distract another student during the period of silenceduring the period of silence


Act 585 – Council of PostsecondaryAct 585 – Council of Postsecondary Education EducationAct 585 – Council of PostsecondaryAct 585 – Council of Postsecondary Education Education• Council shall consist of twelve (12) membersCouncil shall consist of twelve (12) members• Unified strategy to:Unified strategy to:– Reduce remediation rate by 50% in 2020Reduce remediation rate by 50% in 2020– Increase postsecondary graduation ratesIncrease postsecondary graduation rates– June 30, 2014June 30, 2014– Written plan to reduce remediation and postsecondary Written plan to reduce remediation and postsecondary

graduation ratesgraduation rates– Provide plan to committee on education, school boards, Provide plan to committee on education, school boards,

higher education institutionshigher education institutions

• Council shall consist of twelve (12) membersCouncil shall consist of twelve (12) members• Unified strategy to:Unified strategy to:– Reduce remediation rate by 50% in 2020Reduce remediation rate by 50% in 2020– Increase postsecondary graduation ratesIncrease postsecondary graduation rates– June 30, 2014June 30, 2014– Written plan to reduce remediation and postsecondary Written plan to reduce remediation and postsecondary

graduation ratesgraduation rates– Provide plan to committee on education, school boards, Provide plan to committee on education, school boards,

higher education institutionshigher education institutions


Act 585, continuedAct 585, continuedAct 585, continuedAct 585, continued• Transitional CoursesTransitional Courses– High school shall provide one (1) or more transitional High school shall provide one (1) or more transitional

courses to students who do not meet college and career courses to students who do not meet college and career standardsstandards

– Course based on college and career standardsCourse based on college and career standards– May be composed of digital modulesMay be composed of digital modules– Higher Ed shall exempt placement exam for first time Higher Ed shall exempt placement exam for first time

entering freshman who meet criteriaentering freshman who meet criteria– High school shall award the same credit for a full High school shall award the same credit for a full

mathematics transitional course as it does for a fourth-mathematics transitional course as it does for a fourth-year mathematics courseyear mathematics course

• Transitional CoursesTransitional Courses– High school shall provide one (1) or more transitional High school shall provide one (1) or more transitional

courses to students who do not meet college and career courses to students who do not meet college and career standardsstandards

– Course based on college and career standardsCourse based on college and career standards– May be composed of digital modulesMay be composed of digital modules– Higher Ed shall exempt placement exam for first time Higher Ed shall exempt placement exam for first time

entering freshman who meet criteriaentering freshman who meet criteria– High school shall award the same credit for a full High school shall award the same credit for a full

mathematics transitional course as it does for a fourth-mathematics transitional course as it does for a fourth-year mathematics courseyear mathematics course


Act 599 – Band, Music, and VisualAct 599 – Band, Music, and Visual Arts Credit Arts CreditAct 599 – Band, Music, and VisualAct 599 – Band, Music, and Visual Arts Credit Arts Credit• A student enrolled in grade 7 or 8 shall participate A student enrolled in grade 7 or 8 shall participate

in:in:– Visual arts instruction, appreciation, and application; ORVisual arts instruction, appreciation, and application; OR– Performing arts instruction, appreciation, and Performing arts instruction, appreciation, and

applicationapplication

• A student enrolled in grade 7 or 8 shall participate A student enrolled in grade 7 or 8 shall participate in:in:– Visual arts instruction, appreciation, and application; ORVisual arts instruction, appreciation, and application; OR– Performing arts instruction, appreciation, and Performing arts instruction, appreciation, and

applicationapplication


Act 601 – Districts of InnovationAct 601 – Districts of InnovationAct 601 – Districts of InnovationAct 601 – Districts of Innovation• Allows schools to obtain from the Commissioner Allows schools to obtain from the Commissioner

necessary exceptions from laws, rules, and local necessary exceptions from laws, rules, and local policies to improve the educational performance of policies to improve the educational performance of studentsstudents

• Establish a School Council of Innovation made up of Establish a School Council of Innovation made up of parents, student, employees, etc.parents, student, employees, etc.

• Allows schools to obtain from the Commissioner Allows schools to obtain from the Commissioner necessary exceptions from laws, rules, and local necessary exceptions from laws, rules, and local policies to improve the educational performance of policies to improve the educational performance of studentsstudents

• Establish a School Council of Innovation made up of Establish a School Council of Innovation made up of parents, student, employees, etc.parents, student, employees, etc.


Act 601, continuedAct 601, continuedAct 601, continuedAct 601, continued• School council of innovation creates plan and School council of innovation creates plan and

eligible employees vote on planeligible employees vote on plan• Must have 60% approvalMust have 60% approval• Plan is approved by local boardPlan is approved by local board• Plan is sent to Commissioner for approvalPlan is sent to Commissioner for approval• Plan is approved for four (4) yearsPlan is approved for four (4) years

• School council of innovation creates plan and School council of innovation creates plan and eligible employees vote on planeligible employees vote on plan

• Must have 60% approvalMust have 60% approval• Plan is approved by local boardPlan is approved by local board• Plan is sent to Commissioner for approvalPlan is sent to Commissioner for approval• Plan is approved for four (4) yearsPlan is approved for four (4) years


Act 601, continuedAct 601, continuedAct 601, continuedAct 601, continued• Plan will address goals and targets which may Plan will address goals and targets which may

include:include:– Reducing achievement gapReducing achievement gap– Increasing student participation in curriculumIncreasing student participation in curriculum– Expanding students' college and career readinessExpanding students' college and career readiness– Exploring innovative teaching and learningExploring innovative teaching and learning– Transforming a school's cultureTransforming a school's culture

• Plan will address goals and targets which may Plan will address goals and targets which may include:include:– Reducing achievement gapReducing achievement gap– Increasing student participation in curriculumIncreasing student participation in curriculum– Expanding students' college and career readinessExpanding students' college and career readiness– Exploring innovative teaching and learningExploring innovative teaching and learning– Transforming a school's cultureTransforming a school's culture


Act 601, continuedAct 601, continuedAct 601, continuedAct 601, continued• Instructional time may include:Instructional time may include:– on-site instructionon-site instruction– distance or virtual learningdistance or virtual learning– work-based learning on nontraditional school days or work-based learning on nontraditional school days or

hourshours

• Instructional time may include:Instructional time may include:– on-site instructionon-site instruction– distance or virtual learningdistance or virtual learning– work-based learning on nontraditional school days or work-based learning on nontraditional school days or

hourshours


Act 696 – Rating System for SchoolsAct 696 – Rating System for SchoolsAct 696 – Rating System for SchoolsAct 696 – Rating System for Schools• Effective 2014-2015Effective 2014-2015• Schools and School Districts will be rated on an A-F Schools and School Districts will be rated on an A-F

grading systemgrading system

• Effective 2014-2015Effective 2014-2015• Schools and School Districts will be rated on an A-F Schools and School Districts will be rated on an A-F

grading systemgrading system


Act 969 – Professional DevelopmentAct 969 – Professional DevelopmentAct 969 – Professional DevelopmentAct 969 – Professional Development• Amends professional development laws to place Amends professional development laws to place

certain required PD on rotating schedulecertain required PD on rotating schedule• Eliminates Lottery TrainingEliminates Lottery Training• ADE shall establish the curriculum for the rotating ADE shall establish the curriculum for the rotating

PD requirementsPD requirements• 2 hours total but may have additional hours if 2 hours total but may have additional hours if

neededneeded• Technology may be required by ADE and integratedTechnology may be required by ADE and integrated

• Amends professional development laws to place Amends professional development laws to place certain required PD on rotating schedulecertain required PD on rotating schedule

• Eliminates Lottery TrainingEliminates Lottery Training• ADE shall establish the curriculum for the rotating ADE shall establish the curriculum for the rotating

PD requirementsPD requirements• 2 hours total but may have additional hours if 2 hours total but may have additional hours if

neededneeded• Technology may be required by ADE and integratedTechnology may be required by ADE and integrated


Act 969, continuedAct 969, continuedAct 969, continuedAct 969, continued• 2013-2014 - Mandated Reporter2013-2014 - Mandated Reporter• 2014-2015 - Parental Involvement2014-2015 - Parental Involvement• 2015-2016 - Teen Suicide Awareness and 2015-2016 - Teen Suicide Awareness and

PreventionPrevention• 2016-2017 - Arkansas History2016-2017 - Arkansas History• Required to have this training prior to becoming Required to have this training prior to becoming

licensed licensed • Not the responsibility of the districtNot the responsibility of the district

• 2013-2014 - Mandated Reporter2013-2014 - Mandated Reporter• 2014-2015 - Parental Involvement2014-2015 - Parental Involvement• 2015-2016 - Teen Suicide Awareness and 2015-2016 - Teen Suicide Awareness and

PreventionPrevention• 2016-2017 - Arkansas History2016-2017 - Arkansas History• Required to have this training prior to becoming Required to have this training prior to becoming

licensed licensed • Not the responsibility of the districtNot the responsibility of the district


Act 969, continuedAct 969, continuedAct 969, continuedAct 969, continued• Before receiving a building level administrator's Before receiving a building level administrator's

licenses the person must complete the teacher licenses the person must complete the teacher evaluation programevaluation program

• May complete the assessment before/after May complete the assessment before/after obtaining initial building level administrator's obtaining initial building level administrator's licenselicense

• Before receiving a building level administrator's Before receiving a building level administrator's licenses the person must complete the teacher licenses the person must complete the teacher evaluation programevaluation program

• May complete the assessment before/after May complete the assessment before/after obtaining initial building level administrator's obtaining initial building level administrator's licenselicense


Act 1016 – CPR InstructionAct 1016 – CPR InstructionAct 1016 – CPR InstructionAct 1016 – CPR Instruction• Beginning 2014-2015Beginning 2014-2015• Students in grades 9-12 shall be trained in Students in grades 9-12 shall be trained in

cardiopulmonary resuscitation before student cardiopulmonary resuscitation before student graduatesgraduates

• Not a certification program Not a certification program • Shall follow standards established by the American Shall follow standards established by the American

Heart Association Heart Association • Including instruction and use of automated external Including instruction and use of automated external

defibrillatorsdefibrillators

• Beginning 2014-2015Beginning 2014-2015• Students in grades 9-12 shall be trained in Students in grades 9-12 shall be trained in

cardiopulmonary resuscitation before student cardiopulmonary resuscitation before student graduatesgraduates

• Not a certification program Not a certification program • Shall follow standards established by the American Shall follow standards established by the American

Heart Association Heart Association • Including instruction and use of automated external Including instruction and use of automated external

defibrillatorsdefibrillators


Act 1039 – Disclosure of EmploymentAct 1039 – Disclosure of Employment Information InformationAct 1039 – Disclosure of EmploymentAct 1039 – Disclosure of Employment Information Information• Authorizes school districts, officers, agents, and Authorizes school districts, officers, agents, and

employees to disclose employment information employees to disclose employment information with or without the written consent of a current or with or without the written consent of a current or former employee, including: former employee, including: – Last written performance evaluationLast written performance evaluation– Drug/alcohol test resultsDrug/alcohol test results– Violence, harassment in the workplaceViolence, harassment in the workplace– Reasons for separationReasons for separation– Eligibility for rehireEligibility for rehire

• Authorizes school districts, officers, agents, and Authorizes school districts, officers, agents, and employees to disclose employment information employees to disclose employment information with or without the written consent of a current or with or without the written consent of a current or former employee, including: former employee, including: – Last written performance evaluationLast written performance evaluation– Drug/alcohol test resultsDrug/alcohol test results– Violence, harassment in the workplaceViolence, harassment in the workplace– Reasons for separationReasons for separation– Eligibility for rehireEligibility for rehire


Act 1081 – Repeals High-Stakes TestingAct 1081 – Repeals High-Stakes TestingAct 1081 – Repeals High-Stakes TestingAct 1081 – Repeals High-Stakes Testing• Replaces high-stakes end-of-course assessments for Replaces high-stakes end-of-course assessments for

Algebra I and English II with the next-generation Algebra I and English II with the next-generation assessmentsassessments

• Remedial activities and instruction shall not be in Remedial activities and instruction shall not be in lieu of English, mathematics, science, history, or lieu of English, mathematics, science, history, or other courses required for graduationother courses required for graduation

• Replaces high-stakes end-of-course assessments for Replaces high-stakes end-of-course assessments for Algebra I and English II with the next-generation Algebra I and English II with the next-generation assessmentsassessments

• Remedial activities and instruction shall not be in Remedial activities and instruction shall not be in lieu of English, mathematics, science, history, or lieu of English, mathematics, science, history, or other courses required for graduationother courses required for graduation


Act 1099 – Prohibition of E-cigarettesAct 1099 – Prohibition of E-cigarettesAct 1099 – Prohibition of E-cigarettesAct 1099 – Prohibition of E-cigarettes• E-cigarette - electronic oral device that provides a E-cigarette - electronic oral device that provides a

vapor of nicotine and simulates smokingvapor of nicotine and simulates smoking• Prohibited in/on personal property including school Prohibited in/on personal property including school

bussesbusses• Fine: Not less than $10 nor more than $100Fine: Not less than $10 nor more than $100• As tobacco, copy of statute is to be postedAs tobacco, copy of statute is to be posted

• E-cigarette - electronic oral device that provides a E-cigarette - electronic oral device that provides a vapor of nicotine and simulates smokingvapor of nicotine and simulates smoking

• Prohibited in/on personal property including school Prohibited in/on personal property including school bussesbusses

• Fine: Not less than $10 nor more than $100Fine: Not less than $10 nor more than $100• As tobacco, copy of statute is to be postedAs tobacco, copy of statute is to be posted


Act 1120 – Board Review of SalaryAct 1120 – Board Review of Salary Increases IncreasesAct 1120 – Board Review of SalaryAct 1120 – Board Review of Salary Increases Increases• Applies when an employee receives a salary Applies when an employee receives a salary

increase of 5% or more for substantially the same increase of 5% or more for substantially the same job functionjob function

• Board shall review and approve by written Board shall review and approve by written resolution an increase for a school employeeresolution an increase for a school employee

• Resolution shall include reasons for salary increaseResolution shall include reasons for salary increase

• Applies when an employee receives a salary Applies when an employee receives a salary increase of 5% or more for substantially the same increase of 5% or more for substantially the same job functionjob function

• Board shall review and approve by written Board shall review and approve by written resolution an increase for a school employeeresolution an increase for a school employee

• Resolution shall include reasons for salary increaseResolution shall include reasons for salary increase


Act 1120, continuedAct 1120, continuedAct 1120, continuedAct 1120, continued• Resolution may include:Resolution may include:– BonusBonus– Incentive bonus such as: National Board, Speech Path, Incentive bonus such as: National Board, Speech Path,

teacher recruitment/retention in high-priority districts, teacher recruitment/retention in high-priority districts, master principal, or another specific provision of law.master principal, or another specific provision of law.

– Moving to another position with substantially different Moving to another position with substantially different job functions job functions

• Resolution may include:Resolution may include:– BonusBonus– Incentive bonus such as: National Board, Speech Path, Incentive bonus such as: National Board, Speech Path,

teacher recruitment/retention in high-priority districts, teacher recruitment/retention in high-priority districts, master principal, or another specific provision of law.master principal, or another specific provision of law.

– Moving to another position with substantially different Moving to another position with substantially different job functions job functions


Act 1120, continuedAct 1120, continuedAct 1120, continuedAct 1120, continued• District shall provide certified copy of resolution to District shall provide certified copy of resolution to

auditor who conducts the annual financial auditauditor who conducts the annual financial audit• Audit will note noncompliance and shall provide a Audit will note noncompliance and shall provide a

copy of the audit report to ADEcopy of the audit report to ADE• October 1 - ADE shall compile a list of October 1 - ADE shall compile a list of

noncompliance and report to House and Senate noncompliance and report to House and Senate Education CommitteeEducation Committee

• District shall provide certified copy of resolution to District shall provide certified copy of resolution to auditor who conducts the annual financial auditauditor who conducts the annual financial audit

• Audit will note noncompliance and shall provide a Audit will note noncompliance and shall provide a copy of the audit report to ADEcopy of the audit report to ADE

• October 1 - ADE shall compile a list of October 1 - ADE shall compile a list of noncompliance and report to House and Senate noncompliance and report to House and Senate Education CommitteeEducation Committee


Act 1159 – Child Care Facility’s FloorAct 1159 – Child Care Facility’s Floor Plan PlanAct 1159 – Child Care Facility’s FloorAct 1159 – Child Care Facility’s Floor Plan Plan• Floor PlanFloor Plan– Schematic Drawings including configuration of rooms Schematic Drawings including configuration of rooms

and physical featuresand physical features– Locations where children spend timeLocations where children spend time– Escape routes approved by local fire deptEscape routes approved by local fire dept– Average daily attendanceAverage daily attendance– Emergency contact information of at least 2 peopleEmergency contact information of at least 2 people

• Floor PlanFloor Plan– Schematic Drawings including configuration of rooms Schematic Drawings including configuration of rooms

and physical featuresand physical features– Locations where children spend timeLocations where children spend time– Escape routes approved by local fire deptEscape routes approved by local fire dept– Average daily attendanceAverage daily attendance– Emergency contact information of at least 2 peopleEmergency contact information of at least 2 people


Act 1159, continuedAct 1159, continuedAct 1159, continuedAct 1159, continued• A school district MAY file floor plan with emergency A school district MAY file floor plan with emergency

management coordinatormanagement coordinator• A child care facility licensed by the Division of Child A child care facility licensed by the Division of Child

Care and Early Childhood Education of DHS SHALL Care and Early Childhood Education of DHS SHALL file by January 1, 2014file by January 1, 2014

• A school district MAY file floor plan with emergency A school district MAY file floor plan with emergency management coordinatormanagement coordinator

• A child care facility licensed by the Division of Child A child care facility licensed by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of DHS SHALL Care and Early Childhood Education of DHS SHALL file by January 1, 2014file by January 1, 2014


Act 1227 – School ChoiceAct 1227 – School ChoiceAct 1227 – School ChoiceAct 1227 – School Choice• Districts shall participate unless file an exemption Districts shall participate unless file an exemption

with ADE for enforceable desegregation orderwith ADE for enforceable desegregation order• Board shall adopt resolution with standards for Board shall adopt resolution with standards for

acceptance which:acceptance which:– may include capacity of a program, class, grade level, or may include capacity of a program, class, grade level, or

school building.school building.– shall include priority will be given for siblingsshall include priority will be given for siblings– shall not include applicant's academic, athletic, English shall not include applicant's academic, athletic, English

prof. or previous disciplineprof. or previous discipline

• Districts shall participate unless file an exemption Districts shall participate unless file an exemption with ADE for enforceable desegregation orderwith ADE for enforceable desegregation order

• Board shall adopt resolution with standards for Board shall adopt resolution with standards for acceptance which:acceptance which:– may include capacity of a program, class, grade level, or may include capacity of a program, class, grade level, or

school building.school building.– shall include priority will be given for siblingsshall include priority will be given for siblings– shall not include applicant's academic, athletic, English shall not include applicant's academic, athletic, English

prof. or previous disciplineprof. or previous discipline


Act 1227, continuedAct 1227, continuedAct 1227, continuedAct 1227, continued• School superintendent shall cause public School superintendent shall cause public

announcement over broadcast media and either announcement over broadcast media and either print media or the Internetprint media or the Internet

• Parent submit application to nonresident district Parent submit application to nonresident district with copy to resident districtwith copy to resident district

• Form approved by ADEForm approved by ADE• Postmarked no later than June 1Postmarked no later than June 1

• School superintendent shall cause public School superintendent shall cause public announcement over broadcast media and either announcement over broadcast media and either print media or the Internetprint media or the Internet

• Parent submit application to nonresident district Parent submit application to nonresident district with copy to resident districtwith copy to resident district

• Form approved by ADEForm approved by ADE• Postmarked no later than June 1Postmarked no later than June 1


Act 1227, continuedAct 1227, continuedAct 1227, continuedAct 1227, continued• District notifies parent by August 1 if student :District notifies parent by August 1 if student :– Rejected - reason for rejectionRejected - reason for rejection– Accepted - deadline when student shall enroll or Accepted - deadline when student shall enroll or

acceptance is null; renewal proceduresacceptance is null; renewal procedures

• 3% of a district's ADM maximum limit for choice 3% of a district's ADM maximum limit for choice less transfersless transfers

• Siblings shall only count as 1 for the 3% calculationSiblings shall only count as 1 for the 3% calculation

• District notifies parent by August 1 if student :District notifies parent by August 1 if student :– Rejected - reason for rejectionRejected - reason for rejection– Accepted - deadline when student shall enroll or Accepted - deadline when student shall enroll or

acceptance is null; renewal proceduresacceptance is null; renewal procedures

• 3% of a district's ADM maximum limit for choice 3% of a district's ADM maximum limit for choice less transfersless transfers

• Siblings shall only count as 1 for the 3% calculationSiblings shall only count as 1 for the 3% calculation


Act 1227, continuedAct 1227, continuedAct 1227, continuedAct 1227, continued• ADE shall report by June 1 to each district the net ADE shall report by June 1 to each district the net

maximum school choice transfers for the current maximum school choice transfers for the current yearyear

• Parents may appeal district decision to State BoardParents may appeal district decision to State Board

• ADE shall report by June 1 to each district the net ADE shall report by June 1 to each district the net maximum school choice transfers for the current maximum school choice transfers for the current yearyear

• Parents may appeal district decision to State BoardParents may appeal district decision to State Board


Act 1278 – Educational Trust FundAct 1278 – Educational Trust FundAct 1278 – Educational Trust FundAct 1278 – Educational Trust Fund• Amends the Educational Excellence Trust Fund law Amends the Educational Excellence Trust Fund law

to include:to include:– incremental pay increases for experience and advanced incremental pay increases for experience and advanced

hours or degrees within the definition of "salary hours or degrees within the definition of "salary increase"increase"

• Amends the Educational Excellence Trust Fund law Amends the Educational Excellence Trust Fund law to include:to include:– incremental pay increases for experience and advanced incremental pay increases for experience and advanced

hours or degrees within the definition of "salary hours or degrees within the definition of "salary increase"increase"


Act 1280 – Digital LearningAct 1280 – Digital LearningAct 1280 – Digital LearningAct 1280 – Digital Learning• 2013-14 - Each district in the pilot program shall 2013-14 - Each district in the pilot program shall

offer at least one digital learning classoffer at least one digital learning class• 2014-15 - Entering 9th grade students must have 2014-15 - Entering 9th grade students must have

at least one digital learning class to graduateat least one digital learning class to graduate

• 2013-14 - Each district in the pilot program shall 2013-14 - Each district in the pilot program shall offer at least one digital learning classoffer at least one digital learning class

• 2014-15 - Entering 9th grade students must have 2014-15 - Entering 9th grade students must have at least one digital learning class to graduateat least one digital learning class to graduate

Act 1280, continuedAct 1280, continued• Beginning in the 14-15 year, all school districts shall Beginning in the 14-15 year, all school districts shall

provide at least one digital course to their students provide at least one digital course to their students as either a primary or supplementary method of as either a primary or supplementary method of instructioninstruction

• All digital learning courses shall be made available All digital learning courses shall be made available in a blended learning, online-based, or other in a blended learning, online-based, or other technology-based format tailored to meet the technology-based format tailored to meet the needs of each participating studentneeds of each participating student

• Beginning in the 14-15 year, all school districts shall Beginning in the 14-15 year, all school districts shall provide at least one digital course to their students provide at least one digital course to their students as either a primary or supplementary method of as either a primary or supplementary method of instructioninstruction

• All digital learning courses shall be made available All digital learning courses shall be made available in a blended learning, online-based, or other in a blended learning, online-based, or other technology-based format tailored to meet the technology-based format tailored to meet the needs of each participating studentneeds of each participating student


Act 1294 -- DyslexiaAct 1294 -- DyslexiaAct 1294 -- DyslexiaAct 1294 -- Dyslexia• Required screening and interventionRequired screening and intervention• Shall screen students in grade K-2 using Dynamic Shall screen students in grade K-2 using Dynamic

Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)• If DIBELS screens indicates a student has markers If DIBELS screens indicates a student has markers

for dyslexia then student is referred to Response to for dyslexia then student is referred to Response to Intervention (RTI)Intervention (RTI)

• If RTI committee concurs, student shall be If RTI committee concurs, student shall be evaluated for dyslexiaevaluated for dyslexia

• Required screening and interventionRequired screening and intervention• Shall screen students in grade K-2 using Dynamic Shall screen students in grade K-2 using Dynamic

Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)• If DIBELS screens indicates a student has markers If DIBELS screens indicates a student has markers

for dyslexia then student is referred to Response to for dyslexia then student is referred to Response to Intervention (RTI)Intervention (RTI)

• If RTI committee concurs, student shall be If RTI committee concurs, student shall be evaluated for dyslexiaevaluated for dyslexia


Act 1294, continuedAct 1294, continuedAct 1294, continuedAct 1294, continued• If dyslexia evaluation confirms, student shall be If dyslexia evaluation confirms, student shall be

provided therapeutic servicesprovided therapeutic services• Therapeutic services may be provided by tutor who Therapeutic services may be provided by tutor who

is highly qualified and trained interventionistis highly qualified and trained interventionist• List instructional approachesList instructional approaches• ADE shall hire a dyslexia specialist by 2015ADE shall hire a dyslexia specialist by 2015• ADE shall ensure at least 1 staff member at each ADE shall ensure at least 1 staff member at each

co-op is trained as a dyslexia specialistco-op is trained as a dyslexia specialist

• If dyslexia evaluation confirms, student shall be If dyslexia evaluation confirms, student shall be provided therapeutic servicesprovided therapeutic services

• Therapeutic services may be provided by tutor who Therapeutic services may be provided by tutor who is highly qualified and trained interventionistis highly qualified and trained interventionist

• List instructional approachesList instructional approaches• ADE shall hire a dyslexia specialist by 2015ADE shall hire a dyslexia specialist by 2015• ADE shall ensure at least 1 staff member at each ADE shall ensure at least 1 staff member at each

co-op is trained as a dyslexia specialistco-op is trained as a dyslexia specialist


Act 1322 – Student AbsencesAct 1322 – Student AbsencesAct 1322 – Student AbsencesAct 1322 – Student Absences• Changes the excused/unexcused absences to what Changes the excused/unexcused absences to what

the law was prior to 2011the law was prior to 2011• Instead of excessive absences policy must now state Instead of excessive absences policy must now state

unexcused absencesunexcused absences

• Changes the excused/unexcused absences to what Changes the excused/unexcused absences to what the law was prior to 2011the law was prior to 2011

• Instead of excessive absences policy must now state Instead of excessive absences policy must now state unexcused absencesunexcused absences


Act 1329 – Student DisciplineAct 1329 – Student DisciplineAct 1329 – Student DisciplineAct 1329 – Student Discipline• ADE shall report to SBE and to all school districts:ADE shall report to SBE and to all school districts:– Disciplinary rate for each discipline measure for each Disciplinary rate for each discipline measure for each

racial subgroupracial subgroup– Rate of disciplinary disparity for each discipline measureRate of disciplinary disparity for each discipline measure– List of discipline-related strategies, alternatives, and List of discipline-related strategies, alternatives, and

resourcesresources– Identification of districts that make progress reducing Identification of districts that make progress reducing

disciplinary rate and rate of disciplinary disparitydisciplinary rate and rate of disciplinary disparity

• By July 1 of each year beginning in 2014By July 1 of each year beginning in 2014

• ADE shall report to SBE and to all school districts:ADE shall report to SBE and to all school districts:– Disciplinary rate for each discipline measure for each Disciplinary rate for each discipline measure for each

racial subgroupracial subgroup– Rate of disciplinary disparity for each discipline measureRate of disciplinary disparity for each discipline measure– List of discipline-related strategies, alternatives, and List of discipline-related strategies, alternatives, and

resourcesresources– Identification of districts that make progress reducing Identification of districts that make progress reducing

disciplinary rate and rate of disciplinary disparitydisciplinary rate and rate of disciplinary disparity

• By July 1 of each year beginning in 2014By July 1 of each year beginning in 2014


Act 1358 – Athletic ReportAct 1358 – Athletic ReportAct 1358 – Athletic ReportAct 1358 – Athletic Report• Eliminates the mandated athletic report that had Eliminates the mandated athletic report that had

been due on September 15 of each yearbeen due on September 15 of each year• Athletic expenditures will still be coded in APSCNAthletic expenditures will still be coded in APSCN• Indirect cost such as insurance, utilities, Indirect cost such as insurance, utilities,

maintenance, etc. will not be pro-ratedmaintenance, etc. will not be pro-rated• No special athletic auditNo special athletic audit

• Eliminates the mandated athletic report that had Eliminates the mandated athletic report that had been due on September 15 of each yearbeen due on September 15 of each year

• Athletic expenditures will still be coded in APSCNAthletic expenditures will still be coded in APSCN• Indirect cost such as insurance, utilities, Indirect cost such as insurance, utilities,

maintenance, etc. will not be pro-ratedmaintenance, etc. will not be pro-rated• No special athletic auditNo special athletic audit


Act 1440 – Academic Study of BibleAct 1440 – Academic Study of BibleAct 1440 – Academic Study of BibleAct 1440 – Academic Study of Bible• Allows elective academicAllows elective academic

study of Bible and its study of Bible and its influence on literature, influence on literature, art, music, culture, and art, music, culture, and politicspolitics

• District may offer such District may offer such class upon approval of class upon approval of course curriculum by ADEcourse curriculum by ADE

• Allows elective academicAllows elective academicstudy of Bible and its study of Bible and its influence on literature, influence on literature, art, music, culture, and art, music, culture, and politicspolitics

• District may offer such District may offer such class upon approval of class upon approval of course curriculum by ADEcourse curriculum by ADE


Act 1443 – D F & A AppropriationAct 1443 – D F & A AppropriationAct 1443 – D F & A AppropriationAct 1443 – D F & A Appropriation• Includes additional Includes additional

appropriation of $10,000,000 appropriation of $10,000,000 to EBD for school employee to EBD for school employee health insurance benefitshealth insurance benefits

• This Act was not fundedThis Act was not funded

• Includes additional Includes additional appropriation of $10,000,000 appropriation of $10,000,000 to EBD for school employee to EBD for school employee health insurance benefitshealth insurance benefits

• This Act was not fundedThis Act was not funded


Act 1479 – College RemediationAct 1479 – College RemediationAct 1479 – College RemediationAct 1479 – College Remediation• ADE and ADHE shall jointly study issues concerning ADE and ADHE shall jointly study issues concerning

testing and remediation of entering college testing and remediation of entering college freshmenfreshmen

• Develop method to allocate cost of remediation to Develop method to allocate cost of remediation to public schools, institutions of higher education, and public schools, institutions of higher education, and entering freshmen entering freshmen

• Report due November 1, 2013 to Joint House and Report due November 1, 2013 to Joint House and Senate Education CommitteeSenate Education Committee

• ADE and ADHE shall jointly study issues concerning ADE and ADHE shall jointly study issues concerning testing and remediation of entering college testing and remediation of entering college freshmenfreshmen

• Develop method to allocate cost of remediation to Develop method to allocate cost of remediation to public schools, institutions of higher education, and public schools, institutions of higher education, and entering freshmen entering freshmen

• Report due November 1, 2013 to Joint House and Report due November 1, 2013 to Joint House and Senate Education CommitteeSenate Education Committee


Act 1423 – Parental Involvement PlansAct 1423 – Parental Involvement PlansAct 1423 – Parental Involvement PlansAct 1423 – Parental Involvement Plans• Calls for placement of Calls for placement of

parent-friendly summary parent-friendly summary of parental involvementof parental involvementplan in student handbookplan in student handbook

• Calls for placement of Calls for placement of parent-friendly summary parent-friendly summary of parental involvementof parental involvementplan in student handbookplan in student handbook


Act 1467 – School Funding AmountsAct 1467 – School Funding AmountsAct 1467 – School Funding AmountsAct 1467 – School Funding Amounts• Foundation FundingFoundation Funding

– 2013-2014 -- $6,3932013-2014 -- $6,393 increase of $126 increase of $126


• Foundation FundingFoundation Funding




Act 1467, continuedAct 1467, continuedAct 1467, continuedAct 1467, continued• CategoricalsCategoricals• ALEALE– 2013-2014 -- $4,305 -- Increase of $772013-2014 -- $4,305 -- Increase of $77– 2014-2015 -- $4,383 -- Increase of $782014-2015 -- $4,383 -- Increase of $78

• ELLELL– 2013-2014 -- $311 -- Increase of $62013-2014 -- $311 -- Increase of $6– 2014-2015 -- $317 -- Increase of $62014-2015 -- $317 -- Increase of $6

• CategoricalsCategoricals• ALEALE– 2013-2014 -- $4,305 -- Increase of $772013-2014 -- $4,305 -- Increase of $77– 2014-2015 -- $4,383 -- Increase of $782014-2015 -- $4,383 -- Increase of $78

• ELLELL– 2013-2014 -- $311 -- Increase of $62013-2014 -- $311 -- Increase of $6– 2014-2015 -- $317 -- Increase of $62014-2015 -- $317 -- Increase of $6


Act 1467, continuedAct 1467, continuedAct 1467, continuedAct 1467, continued• PDPD– 2013-2014 Up to $53 Increase of $12013-2014 Up to $53 Increase of $1– 2014-2015 Up to $54 Increase of $12014-2015 Up to $54 Increase of $1

• NSLANSLA– 2013-2014 2013-2014 – $517 for less than 70%$517 for less than 70%– $1,033 for more than 70% less than 90%$1,033 for more than 70% less than 90%– $1,549 more than 90%$1,549 more than 90%

• PDPD– 2013-2014 Up to $53 Increase of $12013-2014 Up to $53 Increase of $1– 2014-2015 Up to $54 Increase of $12014-2015 Up to $54 Increase of $1

• NSLANSLA– 2013-2014 2013-2014 – $517 for less than 70%$517 for less than 70%– $1,033 for more than 70% less than 90%$1,033 for more than 70% less than 90%– $1,549 more than 90%$1,549 more than 90%


Act 1467 – NSLA DiscussionAct 1467 – NSLA DiscussionAct 1467 – NSLA DiscussionAct 1467 – NSLA Discussion• Distribution method should changeDistribution method should change• Be revised to align more directly with student Be revised to align more directly with student

achievementachievement• Differentiate between free and reducedDifferentiate between free and reduced• Only use funds for evidence-based programs Only use funds for evidence-based programs

directed at improving student achievementdirected at improving student achievement• Prioritize allowable uses of fundsPrioritize allowable uses of funds• BLR report that funding has not achieved desired BLR report that funding has not achieved desired

resultsresults

• Distribution method should changeDistribution method should change• Be revised to align more directly with student Be revised to align more directly with student

achievementachievement• Differentiate between free and reducedDifferentiate between free and reduced• Only use funds for evidence-based programs Only use funds for evidence-based programs

directed at improving student achievementdirected at improving student achievement• Prioritize allowable uses of fundsPrioritize allowable uses of funds• BLR report that funding has not achieved desired BLR report that funding has not achieved desired

resultsresults


Act 1467 – NSLA DiscussionAct 1467 – NSLA DiscussionAct 1467 – NSLA DiscussionAct 1467 – NSLA Discussion• House and Senate Education Committee in House and Senate Education Committee in

conjunction with BLR and ADE conjunction with BLR and ADE • Shall conduct a study and make following Shall conduct a study and make following

recommendations:recommendations:– List of evidence-based programList of evidence-based program– New distribution formula that takes into account a New distribution formula that takes into account a

sliding scale and additional weight for free kids vs. sliding scale and additional weight for free kids vs. reduced kidsreduced kids

• For consideration 2014 Fiscal SessionFor consideration 2014 Fiscal Session

• House and Senate Education Committee in House and Senate Education Committee in conjunction with BLR and ADE conjunction with BLR and ADE

• Shall conduct a study and make following Shall conduct a study and make following recommendations:recommendations:– List of evidence-based programList of evidence-based program– New distribution formula that takes into account a New distribution formula that takes into account a

sliding scale and additional weight for free kids vs. sliding scale and additional weight for free kids vs. reduced kidsreduced kids

• For consideration 2014 Fiscal SessionFor consideration 2014 Fiscal Session


Act 1469 – Act 1469 – Homeschool ParticipationHomeschool ParticipationAct 1469 – Act 1469 – Homeschool ParticipationHomeschool Participation• Home-schooled student may participate in their Home-schooled student may participate in their

resident district’s:resident district’s:– athletic programathletic program– fine arts programfine arts program– special interest clubspecial interest club

• Notify principal within the first 11 days of the fall or Notify principal within the first 11 days of the fall or spring semester and before signups, tryouts, etc.spring semester and before signups, tryouts, etc.

• Home-schooled student may participate in their Home-schooled student may participate in their resident district’s:resident district’s:– athletic programathletic program– fine arts programfine arts program– special interest clubspecial interest club

• Notify principal within the first 11 days of the fall or Notify principal within the first 11 days of the fall or spring semester and before signups, tryouts, etc.spring semester and before signups, tryouts, etc.


Act 1469, continuedAct 1469, continuedAct 1469, continuedAct 1469, continued• Principal shall permit if:Principal shall permit if:– If notified before signup, tryout, etc. of desire to If notified before signup, tryout, etc. of desire to

participateparticipate– Informs principal that student has demonstrated Informs principal that student has demonstrated

academic eligibility by obtaining: minimum score of academic eligibility by obtaining: minimum score of thirtieth (30th) percentile on SAT 10 or other norm-thirtieth (30th) percentile on SAT 10 or other norm-reference testreference test

• Required to be at school at least 1 period.Required to be at school at least 1 period.

• Principal shall permit if:Principal shall permit if:– If notified before signup, tryout, etc. of desire to If notified before signup, tryout, etc. of desire to

participateparticipate– Informs principal that student has demonstrated Informs principal that student has demonstrated

academic eligibility by obtaining: minimum score of academic eligibility by obtaining: minimum score of thirtieth (30th) percentile on SAT 10 or other norm-thirtieth (30th) percentile on SAT 10 or other norm-reference testreference test

• Required to be at school at least 1 period.Required to be at school at least 1 period.

Act 1480 – Social MediaAct 1480 – Social Media• Prohibits employer from requiring or requesting a Prohibits employer from requiring or requesting a

current or prospective employee from disclosing current or prospective employee from disclosing his/her username or password for social media his/her username or password for social media account or provide access to content of his/her account or provide access to content of his/her social media accountsocial media account

• Exception:Exception: The employer may request username The employer may request username and password if the account’s activity is reasonably and password if the account’s activity is reasonably believed to be relevant to a formal investigation of believed to be relevant to a formal investigation of a violation of laws, regulations, or written policies.a violation of laws, regulations, or written policies.

• Prohibits employer from requiring or requesting a Prohibits employer from requiring or requesting a current or prospective employee from disclosing current or prospective employee from disclosing his/her username or password for social media his/her username or password for social media account or provide access to content of his/her account or provide access to content of his/her social media accountsocial media account

• Exception:Exception: The employer may request username The employer may request username and password if the account’s activity is reasonably and password if the account’s activity is reasonably believed to be relevant to a formal investigation of believed to be relevant to a formal investigation of a violation of laws, regulations, or written policies.a violation of laws, regulations, or written policies.


Arkansas Teacher Retirement ActsArkansas Teacher Retirement Acts

Acts marked with * were ATRS Board drafted bills


Bills That Did Not Become Acts Bills That Did Not Become Acts 20132013


HB 1040HB 1040HB 1040HB 1040

• Would have created the State Public Charter School Would have created the State Public Charter School Commission to replace the SBE in granting, denying, Commission to replace the SBE in granting, denying, or revoking charters for open-enrollment charter or revoking charters for open-enrollment charter schools.schools.

• This new commission would also have the authority This new commission would also have the authority to “convert low-performing public schools to public to “convert low-performing public schools to public charter schools.”charter schools.”

• AAEA opposed this additional layer of government AAEA opposed this additional layer of government with authority over traditional public schools. with authority over traditional public schools.

• Would have created the State Public Charter School Would have created the State Public Charter School Commission to replace the SBE in granting, denying, Commission to replace the SBE in granting, denying, or revoking charters for open-enrollment charter or revoking charters for open-enrollment charter schools.schools.

• This new commission would also have the authority This new commission would also have the authority to “convert low-performing public schools to public to “convert low-performing public schools to public charter schools.”charter schools.”

• AAEA opposed this additional layer of government AAEA opposed this additional layer of government with authority over traditional public schools. with authority over traditional public schools.


HB 1418HB 1418HB 1418HB 1418

• The "Highway Robbery" bill The "Highway Robbery" bill • Would have diverted over $2B in General Revenue Would have diverted over $2B in General Revenue

over the next 10 years to the state, counties, and over the next 10 years to the state, counties, and cities for highway construction and maintenancecities for highway construction and maintenance

• The "Highway Robbery" bill The "Highway Robbery" bill • Would have diverted over $2B in General Revenue Would have diverted over $2B in General Revenue

over the next 10 years to the state, counties, and over the next 10 years to the state, counties, and cities for highway construction and maintenancecities for highway construction and maintenance


HB 1897HB 1897HB 1897HB 1897• Would have created vouchers for children to attend Would have created vouchers for children to attend

private schoolsprivate schools• AAEA opposed the use of public money to fund AAEA opposed the use of public money to fund

private schools without accountabilityprivate schools without accountability

• Would have created vouchers for children to attend Would have created vouchers for children to attend private schoolsprivate schools

• AAEA opposed the use of public money to fund AAEA opposed the use of public money to fund private schools without accountabilityprivate schools without accountability


HB 2260HB 2260HB 2260HB 2260• Would have established voucher program for Would have established voucher program for

students with special needs to attend private and students with special needs to attend private and non-resident public schoolsnon-resident public schools

• Definition of "special needs" was very broad and Definition of "special needs" was very broad and not in line with IDEA regulations not in line with IDEA regulations

• AAEA opposed the use of public funds to pay for AAEA opposed the use of public funds to pay for private education without accountabilityprivate education without accountability

• Would have established voucher program for Would have established voucher program for students with special needs to attend private and students with special needs to attend private and non-resident public schoolsnon-resident public schools

• Definition of "special needs" was very broad and Definition of "special needs" was very broad and not in line with IDEA regulations not in line with IDEA regulations

• AAEA opposed the use of public funds to pay for AAEA opposed the use of public funds to pay for private education without accountabilityprivate education without accountability


SB 740SB 740SB 740SB 740• Would have provided an income tax credit for Would have provided an income tax credit for

contributions to non-profit scholarship-funding contributions to non-profit scholarship-funding organizations to provide "scholarships" (vouchers) organizations to provide "scholarships" (vouchers) to economically disadvantaged students. to economically disadvantaged students.

• AAEA opposed the use of public funds for private AAEA opposed the use of public funds for private education without regulations and accountability education without regulations and accountability

• Would have provided an income tax credit for Would have provided an income tax credit for contributions to non-profit scholarship-funding contributions to non-profit scholarship-funding organizations to provide "scholarships" (vouchers) organizations to provide "scholarships" (vouchers) to economically disadvantaged students. to economically disadvantaged students.

• AAEA opposed the use of public funds for private AAEA opposed the use of public funds for private education without regulations and accountability education without regulations and accountability


SB 1084SB 1084SB 1084SB 1084• Would have limited use of Construction Would have limited use of Construction

Management as a method of construction for Management as a method of construction for public schools. public schools.

• AAEA supports districts having the option to use AAEA supports districts having the option to use whatever method they deem appropriate for a whatever method they deem appropriate for a particular projectparticular project

• Would have limited use of Construction Would have limited use of Construction Management as a method of construction for Management as a method of construction for public schools. public schools.

• AAEA supports districts having the option to use AAEA supports districts having the option to use whatever method they deem appropriate for a whatever method they deem appropriate for a particular projectparticular project


HB 1590HB 1590HB 1590HB 1590• Would have eliminated the PRAXIS for teacher Would have eliminated the PRAXIS for teacher

licensure and required the State to use the licensure and required the State to use the Massachusetts Test for Educational Licensure. Massachusetts Test for Educational Licensure.

• AAEA opposed this legislative mandate to do AAEA opposed this legislative mandate to do business with one particular company. business with one particular company.

• Would have eliminated the PRAXIS for teacher Would have eliminated the PRAXIS for teacher licensure and required the State to use the licensure and required the State to use the Massachusetts Test for Educational Licensure. Massachusetts Test for Educational Licensure.

• AAEA opposed this legislative mandate to do AAEA opposed this legislative mandate to do business with one particular company. business with one particular company.

HB 1357HB 1357• Bill in initial form would have moved school board Bill in initial form would have moved school board

candidate election and millage election to Presidential candidate election and millage election to Presidential Primary or General ElectionPrimary or General Election

• In final form would have changed millage elections to In final form would have changed millage elections to Presidential Primary, September, or General ElectionPresidential Primary, September, or General Election

• AAEA/ASBA opposed the moving of the traditional AAEA/ASBA opposed the moving of the traditional elections due to longer ballots, additional school cost elections due to longer ballots, additional school cost for elections and voter confusion, intermingling for elections and voter confusion, intermingling political candidates with school board candidates, and political candidates with school board candidates, and board candidate cost for running for officeboard candidate cost for running for office

• Bill in initial form would have moved school board Bill in initial form would have moved school board candidate election and millage election to Presidential candidate election and millage election to Presidential Primary or General ElectionPrimary or General Election

• In final form would have changed millage elections to In final form would have changed millage elections to Presidential Primary, September, or General ElectionPresidential Primary, September, or General Election

• AAEA/ASBA opposed the moving of the traditional AAEA/ASBA opposed the moving of the traditional elections due to longer ballots, additional school cost elections due to longer ballots, additional school cost for elections and voter confusion, intermingling for elections and voter confusion, intermingling political candidates with school board candidates, and political candidates with school board candidates, and board candidate cost for running for officeboard candidate cost for running for office


SB 587SB 587• Would have changed school candidate election to Would have changed school candidate election to

general electiongeneral election• Did not affect millage electionsDid not affect millage elections• AAEA/ASBA opposed this legislation for similar AAEA/ASBA opposed this legislation for similar

reasons as HB1357reasons as HB1357• In addition, school board members are unpaid In addition, school board members are unpaid

volunteers and should be considered on a different volunteers and should be considered on a different ballot issue and date of voting separate from paid ballot issue and date of voting separate from paid candidates for officecandidates for office

• Would have changed school candidate election to Would have changed school candidate election to general electiongeneral election

• Did not affect millage electionsDid not affect millage elections• AAEA/ASBA opposed this legislation for similar AAEA/ASBA opposed this legislation for similar

reasons as HB1357reasons as HB1357• In addition, school board members are unpaid In addition, school board members are unpaid

volunteers and should be considered on a different volunteers and should be considered on a different ballot issue and date of voting separate from paid ballot issue and date of voting separate from paid candidates for officecandidates for office


HB 2120HB 2120• Would have instituted a recall of one or more board Would have instituted a recall of one or more board

members by a petition of voters and board recall members by a petition of voters and board recall votevote

• AAEA/ASBA opposed this legislation due to board AAEA/ASBA opposed this legislation due to board members having to make unpopular choices members having to make unpopular choices (expulsions, terminations, financial considerations, (expulsions, terminations, financial considerations, etc..) and should not endure the threat of a recall etc..) and should not endure the threat of a recall votevote

• Would have instituted a recall of one or more board Would have instituted a recall of one or more board members by a petition of voters and board recall members by a petition of voters and board recall votevote

• AAEA/ASBA opposed this legislation due to board AAEA/ASBA opposed this legislation due to board members having to make unpopular choices members having to make unpopular choices (expulsions, terminations, financial considerations, (expulsions, terminations, financial considerations, etc..) and should not endure the threat of a recall etc..) and should not endure the threat of a recall votevote


HB 2170HB 2170• Would have eliminated all school boards in the Would have eliminated all school boards in the

State of ArkansasState of Arkansas• AAEA/ASBA opposed this legislation due to the fact AAEA/ASBA opposed this legislation due to the fact

that the absence of school boards would eliminate that the absence of school boards would eliminate local control and representation crucial to local control and representation crucial to democracydemocracy

• Would have eliminated all school boards in the Would have eliminated all school boards in the State of ArkansasState of Arkansas

• AAEA/ASBA opposed this legislation due to the fact AAEA/ASBA opposed this legislation due to the fact that the absence of school boards would eliminate that the absence of school boards would eliminate local control and representation crucial to local control and representation crucial to democracydemocracy


Additional InformationAdditional Information• The full power point presentation is available on The full power point presentation is available on

our website at our website at www.theaaea.org • Each Act on this presentation is also available on Each Act on this presentation is also available on

our website.our website.

• The full power point presentation is available on The full power point presentation is available on our website at our website at www.theaaea.org

• Each Act on this presentation is also available on Each Act on this presentation is also available on our website.our website.

http://www.theaaea.org/

http://www.theaaea.org/


QuestionsQuestions

Dr. Richard AbernathyDr. Richard AbernathyAAEA Executive DirectorAAEA Executive Director

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

2013 Legislative Session