AR SB171

Requires Arkansas history instruction at all elementary grade levels (minimum 15 hours in K-3rd and 6th grades; minimum 30 hours in 4th-5th grades) and at least one semester at secondary levels (7th-12th grade) in all public schools and charter schools.

Makes Arkansas history a graduation requirement for high school students, allowing them to satisfy this requirement by either completing one semester of Arkansas history or passing the Arkansas history basic knowledge assessment.

Establishes a 10-member Arkansas history education advisory panel appointed by the Commissioner of Education (6 professional historians/academics, 3 secondary teachers, 3 elementary teachers) to recommend course content guidelines and develop a basic knowledge assessment.

Requires school districts to annually maintain and submit records documenting instruction time, materials, and curricula used for Arkansas history instruction; districts failing to comply may face sanctions and the superintendent receives a letter of reprimand placed in their personnel file.

Directs the Arkansas Department of Heritage to develop an Internet resource guide for Arkansas history instruction including professional development opportunities, field trip sites, lesson plans aligned with course guidelines, and supplementary materials, to be promoted by the Department of Education to all school districts.