August 12, 2021 at 10:00 AM - State Board of Education
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I. Call to Order
Presenter:
Ouida Newton
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II. Moment of Silence
Presenter:
Ouida Newton
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III. Recognitions
Presenter:
Ouida Newton
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III.1. Arkansas Rising Educators
Presenter:
Sharlee Crowson
Description:
DESE Educator Effectiveness and Licensure would like to recognize Arkansas Rising Educators who placed in Educators Rising National Competitions or served in a national level Educators Rising leadership position. Educators Rising National Competitions are performance-based competitive events in which aspiring educators demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and leadership in education.
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IV. Changes to Agenda
Presenter:
Ouida Newton
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V. Consent Agenda
Presenter:
Ouida Newton
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V.1. Minutes
Presenter:
Brittany Kincaid
Attachments:
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V.2. Newly Employed, Promotions and Separations
Presenter:
Teletha Leonard and Clemetta Hood
Description:
The applicant data from this information is used to compile the Applicant Flow Chart forms for the Affirmative Action Report, which demonstrates the composition of applicants through the selecting, hiring, promoting and terminating process. The information is needed to measure the effectiveness of the agency's recruitment, hiring and promotion efforts and is in conformity with federal government guidelines, which require the agency to compile statistical information about applicants for employment.
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V.3. Consideration of Report on Waivers to School Districts for Teachers Teaching Out of Area for Longer than Thirty (30) Days, Ark. Code Ann. §6-17-309
Presenter:
Melissa Jacks
Description:
Arkansas Code Annotated §6-17-309 requires local school districts to secure a waiver when classrooms are staffed with unlicensed teachers for longer than 30 days. Requests were received from 34 school districts for a total of 46 waivers. There were also requests for long-term substitutes from 10 school districts requesting a total of 18 waivers for long-term substitutes. These requests have been reviewed, were either approved or denied by Department staff, and are consistent with program guidelines.
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V.4. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case #21-043 Alex Beall
Presenter:
Amy Douglas
Description:
Violation of Standard 1: An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2: An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a written reprimand, assess a fine of $100 due within 90 days of the State Board Order. Recommended training ERC20059: Professional Licensure Standards Board Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators: Ethical Scenarios in Education (2020) credit hours:1. Title: Becoming an Emotionally Intelligent Teacher 1st Edition Author: William Powell ISBN 10:1620878798 ISBN 13:978-1620878798 All costs paid by Educator Beall.
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V.5. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case # 21-090 Blake Jones
Presenter:
Amy Douglas
Description:
Violation of Standard 1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom. Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a Permanent Revocation of License or Non-Renewal; assess a $500 fine. (All costs paid by Educator Jones)
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V.6. Consideration of the Recommendation of the Professional Licensure Standards Board for Case # 21-107 Michael Bramlett
Presenter:
Amy Douglas
Description:
Violation of Standard 2. An educator maintains competence regarding his or her professional practice, inclusive of professional and ethical behavior, skills, knowledge, dispositions, and responsibilities relating to his or her organizational position Violation of Standard 4. An educator entrusted with public funds and property, including school sponsored activity funds, honors that trust with honest, responsible stewardship. The Professional Licensure Standards Board requests the State Board of Education order a 1 year probation; assess a $200 fine to be paid within ninety (90) days of the State Board Final Order; required to complete through the ArkansasIDEAS online portal ERC20059: Professional Licensure Standards Board Code of Ethics training to explain how his actions created student impact and how he will utilize the Code of Ethics in his interactions in the future; Title: The 85% Solution: How Personal Accountability Guarantees Success—No Nonsense, No Excuses (256p) Author: Linda Galindo ISBN 10: ISBN 13: 9780470500163; Written reflection on this training to discuss how his decisions impacted students and how he intends to change those behaviors in the future.
(All costs paid by Educator Bramlett). |
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V.7. Review of Loan and Bond Applications
Presenter:
Anita Sacrey
Description:
The members of the Arkansas State Board of Education are requested to review the following:
Commercial Bond Applications -5 Second Lien and 4 Voted With the recommendation to approve all applications from the Loan Committee and additional information provided by the school district in its application package and:
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VI. Action Agenda A. 10:00 a.m.
Presenter:
Ouida Newton
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VI.1. State Board Hearing PLSB Case No. 21-073 Ricky Morrow
Presenter:
Amy Douglas
Description:
The State Board of Education removed this Professional Licensure Standards Board case from the consent agenda at the July 2021 meeting and requested review. Educator Morrow previously accepted the sanction recommended by the Professional Licensure Standards Board Ethics Subcommittee regarding a violation of standards 1 and 2 of the Code of Ethics for Arkansas educators.
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VI.2. State Board Hearing PLSB Case No. 21-088 Sara Hudson
Presenter:
Amy Douglas
Description:
The State Board of Education removed this Professional Licensure Standards Board case from the consent agenda at the July 2021 meeting and requested review. Educator Hudson previously accepted the sanction recommended by the Professional Licensure Standards Board Ethics Subcommittee regarding a violation of Standards 1 and 2 of the Code of Ethics for Arkansas educators.
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VI.3. State Board Hearing - Request for Waiver- LA-21-007; Jessica Brundage
Presenter:
Amy Douglas
Description:
The Arkansas Department of Education received information that educator has a true finding for Neglect in the Child Maltreatment Central Registry. A true finding in the Child Maltreatment Central Registry is disqualifying pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-410. The educator is requesting a waiver.
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VI.4. State Board Hearing - Request for Waiver- LA-21-008; Amber Kidwell
Presenter:
Amy Douglas
Description:
The Arkansas Department of Education received information that educator has a true finding for Abuse in the Child Maltreatment Central Registry. A true finding in the Child Maltreatment Central Registry is disqualifying pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-410. The educator is requesting a waiver. Educator Kidwell is represented by Attorney Greg Alagood.
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VI.5. State Board Hearing - Request for Waiver- LA-22-001; Candice Lawson
Presenter:
Amy Douglas
Description:
The Arkansas Department of Education received information that educator has a true finding for Neglect in the Child Maltreatment Central Registry. A true finding in the Child Maltreatment Central Registry is disqualifying pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-410. The educator is requesting a waiver.
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VI.6. School Choice Appeal -- Gordon Family
The Gordon family appeals the denial of their school choice application. The Gordon's resident district is the Midland School District; the non-resident district is the Bald Knob School District. Midland's reason for denial was that the District had reached its 3% cap. Midland also noted that it had not received the application until July 12, 2021 (although Bald Knob alleges that it faxed the application to Midland on April 29, 2021).
Presenter:
Lori Freno
Attachments:
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VI.7. School Choice -- Cunningham Family
The Cunningham family appeals the denial of their school choice application. The Cunningham's resident district is the Pine Bluff School District; the non-resident district is the White Hall School District. White Hall's reason for denial is capacity; specifically, it had reached its 90% cap for eighth grade.
Presenter:
Lori Freno
Attachments:
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VI.8. Embedded Courses
Presenter:
Dr. Kiffany Pride/Rachel Horn
Description:
Act 421 of 2013 allows curriculum frameworks from two (2) separate courses to be taught in a single course, known as a combined or embedded course. Three school districts made application for approval of combined or embedded courses and assured, in writing, that the academic standards for both courses will be fully taught in the combined or embedded course. The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education respectfully requests the State Board of Education (SBE) approve the embedded courses linked below, understanding that when the academic standards for one of the courses are revised, a new course approval request must be submitted to the SBE and approval must be granted before a school would be allowed to offer the embedded course.
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VII. Action Agenda B. 1 p.m.
Presenter:
Ouida Newton
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VII.1. Mena School District Act 1240 Request
Presenter:
Mary Claire Hyatt
Description:
The Mena School District requests an extension of its Act 1240 waiver related to instructional time for Mena High School (9-12) Alternative Education students. The request is for an extension of 5 years. If approved, the Act 1240 waiver would expire in 2026.
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VII.2. Western Yell School District Act 1240 Request
Presenter:
Mary Claire Hyatt
Description:
The Western Yell County School District requests a waiver of teacher licensure for K-6 physical education only. The request is for three years. If approved, the waiver would expire in 2024.
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VII.3. Osceola School District Act 1240 Request
Presenter:
Mary Claire Hyatt
Description:
The Osceola School District requests a waiver of class size, teaching load and teacher licensure. The request is for three years. If approved, the waiver would expire in 2024.
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VII.4. Pine Bluff School District Act 1240 Extension Request
Presenter:
Mary Claire Hyatt
Description:
The Pine Bluff School District is requesting an extension of their teacher licensure waivers. After feedback from the internal review committee, the school district has amended this request to be for three years rather than five.
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VII.5. Clarendon School District Act 1240 Extension Request
Presenter:
Mary Claire Hyatt
Description:
The Clarendon School District requests a 1-year extension of its teacher licensure waivers.
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VII.6. Consideration of Charter Amendments
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
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VII.6.a. Consideration of Charter Amendment - Friendship Aspire Academy Pine Bluff
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Friendship Aspire Academy Pine Bluff is requesting an amendment to add an additional campus, increase the enrollment cap and add additional waivers. The charter was originally granted in 2017 and serves students in grades K-3 with an enrollment cap of 240. The charter has been approved to expand to grade six and increase the enrollment cap to 880 by 2023-2024.
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VII.7. Consideration of Charter Digital Learning Programs and Charter Amendments |
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VII.7.a. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program and Charter Amendment - Bauxite Miner Academy
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Bauxite Miner Academy has submitted an amendment request for Digital Learning Program, an increase in the enrollment cap from 250 to 300, and the addition of grades K-5 to the charter.
The school will offer instruction in both asynchronous and synchronous formats, with grades K-6 being offered virtually, and grades 7-12 in a blended model. The charter expires in June 2023.
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VII.7.b. Consideration of Digital Learning Program and Charter Amendment for Cabot Academic Center for Excellence (ACE)
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Cabot Academic Center for Excellence has submitted an amendment for a Digital Learning Program in grades 7-12. The school will offer asynchronous and synchronous instruction with virtual and blended options through the use of an approved digital provider. The application has been reviewed by the DESE team.
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VII.8. Consideration of Charter Amendments for Digital Learning Plans
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VII.8.a. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program - Arkansas Arts Academy
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Arkansas Arts Academy has submitted an amendment request for a Digital Learning Program at Arkansas Arts Academy Elementary; grades K-6, and Arkansas Arts Academy High School; grades 7-12.
Arkansas Arts Academy Elementary will offer both asynchronous and synchronous instruction in a virtual environment through a Learning Management System (LMS). Arkansas Arts Academy High School will offer asynchronous instruction virtually through a LMS. The Charter expires June, 2028. The Charter Authorizing Panel approved the Digital Learning Program for three (3) years.
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VII.8.b. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program – Batesville High School Charter
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Batesville High School Charter has submitted an amendment for Digital Learning Program in grades 9-12. The school will offer asynchronous and synchronous instruction with virtual and blended options through the use of an approved digital provider. The application has been reviewed by the DESE team. The charter expires June, 2026. The Charter Authorizing Panel approved the Digital Learning Program for three (3) years.
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VII.8.c. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program - Cave City Middle and High School Career and Collegiate Prep
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Cave City School District has submitted an amendment for Digital Learning Program for Cave City Middle School Career and Collegiate Preparatory; grades 6-8, and Cave City High School Career and Collegiate Preparatory; grades 9-12.
Both campuses will offer synchronous instruction virtually through a Learning Management System utilizing licensed district staff. The application has been reviewed by the DESE team. Both charters expire June 2026. The Charter Authorizing Panel approved both Digital Learning Programs for three (3) years.
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VII.8.d. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program – Cross County Elementary Technology Academy
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Cross County Elementary has submitted an amendment for Digital Learning Program in grades 3-6. The school will offer asynchronous and synchronous instruction virtually through the use of an approved digital provider. The application has been reviewed by the DESE team. The charter expires June 2022.
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VII.8.e. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program – Cross County High School A New Tech School
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Cross County High School has submitted an amendment for Digital Learning Program in grades 7-12. The school will offer asynchronous and synchronous instruction virtually through the use of an approved digital provider. The application has been reviewed by the DESE team. The charter expires June 2026. The Charter Authorizing Panel approved the Digital Learning Program for three (3) years.
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VII.8.f. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program - Friendship Aspire Pine Bluff
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Friendship Aspire Academy Pine Bluff has submitted an amendment for a Digital Learning Program in grades K-5. The school will offer Asynchronous and Synchronous instruction virtually through the use of an approved digital provider and licensed district staff. The application has been reviewed by the DESE team. The charter expires June 2023.
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VII.8.g. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program - Hot Springs World Class High School and Junior Academy
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Hot Springs School District has submitted an amendment request for Hot Springs World Class High School; grades 10-12, and Hot Springs Junior Academy; grades 7-8. Both campuses will offer asynchronous instruction virtually through an approved digital provider and licensed district staff. The application has been reviewed by the DESE team. Hot Springs World Class High School charter expires June 2026. Hot Springs Junior Academy charter expires in June 2022.
The Charter Authorizing Panel (CAP) approved the Digital Learning Program for Hot Springs Junior Academy until the charter expires in one (1) year. The CAP approved Hot Springs World Class High School for three (3) years.
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VII.8.h. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program - North Little Rock Center of Excellence
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
North Little Rock Center of Excellence has submitted an amendment for Digital Learning Program in grades 9-12. The school will offer asynchronous and synchronous instruction delivered virtually through the use of an approved digital provider and licensed district staff. The application has been reviewed by the DESE staff. The charter expires June 2022.
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VII.8.i. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program - Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy has submitted an amendment for Digital Learning Program for the Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy High and West Little Rock Classical campuses. Both campuses are grades 7-12. The schools will offer asynchronous instruction in a virtual format through an approved digital provider and licensed district staff. The application has been reviewed by the DESE team. The charter expires in June, 2028. The Charter Authorizing Panel approved the Digital Learning Program for three (3) years.
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VII.8.j. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program -Prairie Grove Charter High School
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Prairie Grove Charter High School has submitted an amendment for Digital Learning Program in grades 9-12. The school will offer asynchronous instruction virtually through an approved digital provider and licensed district staff. The application has been reviewed by the DESE team. The charter expires June 2022.
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VII.8.k. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program – Premier High School Little Rock
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Premier High School Little Rock has submitted an amendment for Digital Learning Program in grades 9-12. The school will offer asynchronous instruction virtually through the use of an approved digital provider and licensed district staff. The application has been reviewed by the DESE team. The charter expires June 2023.
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VII.8.l. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program – Premier High School of North Little Rock
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
Premier High School of North Little Rock has submitted an amendment for Digital Learning Program in grades 9-12. The school will offer asynchronous instruction virtually through the use of an approved digital provider. The application has been reviewed by the DESE team. The charter expires in June 2024.
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VII.8.m. Consideration of Charter Amendment for Digital Learning Program – ScholarMade Achievement Place of Arkansas
Presenter:
Tim Johnston, Director DESE Charter Unit
Description:
ScholarMade Achievement Place of Arkansas has submitted an amendment for Digital Learning Program in grades K-9 for all campuses. The school will offer asynchronous and synchronous instruction in a blended format through the use of an approved digital provider. The application has been reviewed by the DESE team. The charter expires in June 2023.
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VII.9. Act 1240 Digital Learning Applications and Waivers
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VII.9.a. Consideration of Act 1240 District Waiver request for a Digital Learning Plan - Bearden Amendment
Description:
The Bearden School District is requesting an amendment to their approved State Board Digital Learning Plan.
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VII.9.b. Consideration of Act 1240 District Waiver request for a Digital Learning Plan - Bismarck Revised Plan.
Description:
Bismarck School District is requesting to add Kindergartent to the district's State Board of Education approved Digital Learning Plan.
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VII.9.c. Consideration of Act 1240 District Waiver request for a Digital Learning Plan - Clinton Revised Plan
Description:
Clinton School District is requesting to add K-8 to the district's State Board of Education approved Digital Learning Plan.
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VII.9.d. Consideration of Act 1240 District Waiver request for a Digital Learning Plan - South Conway County Revised Plan
Description:
South Conway County is requesting to add K-6 to the district's State Board of Education approved Digital Learning Plan.
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VII.9.e. Consideration of Act 1240 District Waiver request for a Digital Learning Plan - Brinkley School District
Description:
The Brinkley School District has submitted a Digital Learning Program for students in grades K-12. The program will offer synchronous and asynchronous learning through a virtual approach using curriculum provided by the district and Edgenuity. Teachers are Arkansas State Certified and provided through the district and Edgenuity. Class size and teaching load waivers are not being requested. The waiver is being requested through the end of the 2023-24 school year. This application has been reviewed by the DESE team.
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VII.9.f. Consideration of Act 1240 District Waiver request for a Digital Learning Plan - Benton School District
Description:
The Benton School District has submitted a Digital Learning Program for students in grades K-12. The program will offer synchronous and asynchronous learning through a virtual approach using curriculum provided by the Dawson Consortium for K-6 and the district and Edmentum for 7-12. Teachers are Arkansas State Certified and provided the consortium for K-6 and the district for 7-12. Class size waiver will be required for K-6; however, teaching load will not be required for this digital learning request. The waiver is being requested through the end of the 2023-2024 school year. This application has been reviewed by the DESE team.
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VII.9.g. Consideration of Act 1240 District Waiver request for a Digital Learning Plan - Rose Bud School District
Description:
The Rosebud School District has submitted a Digital Learning Program for students in grades K-12. The program will offer synchronous and asynchronous learning through a virtual approach using curriculum provided by the Wilbur Mills Consortium for K-8 and Virtual Arkansas for 9-12. Teachers are Arkansas State Certified and provided through the consortium and Virtual Arkansas. Class size is requested; however, teaching load waiver is not being requested. The waiver is being requested through the end of the 2021-22 school year. This application has been reviewed by the DESE team.
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VII.10. Digital Learning Contingency Plans
Presenter:
Mary Claire Hyatt
Description:
In response to the rising COVID-19 numbers across the State of Arkansas, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is offered districts that did not submit a Digital Learning Plan (DLP) through the expedited process over the summer an additional opportunity to submit a DLP. Since it is not feasible to review the DLPs prior to the start of the 2021-2022 school year, DESE supported districts in requesting limited contingency Act 1240 waivers to allow districts a temporary virtual option while their DLP is being reviewed. These waivers are for physical attendance, clock hours for 9-12, and recess for elementary school for virtual students only. All contingency virtual learning must follow mandated class sizes, teaching load, and instructional time. These school districst agreed to submit a full DLP to DESE by September 1, 2021. If a plan is not received by the deadline, waivers granted under this request will expire immediately. If a plan is received by the deadline, waivers granted under this request will stay in place until the DLP is reviewed by the State Board. If the State Board approves the DLP, the waivers requested in the DLP will replace waivers granted under this contingency request. If the State Board does not approve the DLP, the Board will decide what happens to the waivers granted under this request.
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VIII. New Business
Presenter:
Ouida Newton
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IX. Public Comments
Presenter:
Ouida Newton
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X. Adjournment
Presenter:
Ouida Newton
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