§ 6-17-402 - Rules and regulations. - Arkansas Statutes

6-17-402. Rules and regulations.

(a) As used in this section, "certified teaching license" means the license of a licensed classroom teacher, an administrator, a guidance counselor, or a librarian issued by the State Board of Education.

(b) (1) The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules and regulations for the issuance, licensure, relicensure, and continuance of licensure of teachers in the public schools of this state.

(2) (A) In addition to other requirements, any person applying for initial licensure as a teacher or administrator in the public schools or a licensed teacher or administrator applying for a license in an additional area shall take and complete a test recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and approved by the State Board of Education and submit the scores to the Department of Education.

(B) No applicant for initial licensure or licensure in an additional area shall receive a license after July 1, 2007, unless the applicant scores at or above the minimum level set by the State Board of Education that is consistent with the recommendations of the Professional Licensure Standards Board.

(C) All colleges and universities in this state shall report the results of the examinations to the department upon request.

(c) The State Board of Education shall not delegate to any college or university any of the State Board of Education's powers or duties pertaining to the issuance, licensure, relicensure, and continuance of licensure of teachers in public schools in this state.

(d) The State Board of Education shall waive the examination requirements under subsection (b) of this section for individuals applying for licensure in Arkansas who have a valid out-of-state teaching license and three (3) years' documented teaching experience as required by the rules promulgated by the State Board of Education.

(e) (1) (A) The State Board of Education shall waive the requirement for professional development for a retired teacher who:

(i) Maintains a valid license; and

(ii) Reenters the educational setting prior to sixty-five (65) years of age due to a teacher shortage.

(B) "Educational setting" means the employment setting where the certified employee works, including without limitation:

(i) A public or private school;

(ii) An institution of higher education;

(iii) An education service cooperative;

(iv) The Department of Education;

(v) An adult education setting; or

(vi) Another agency or organization that employs licensed teachers for educational purposes.

(2) A retired teacher who receives a waiver under subdivision (e)(1) of this section shall participate in the staff development programs required by the school district where he or she is employed.