AR SB729

Establishes a six-year pilot program under the Department of Education beginning with students entering kindergarten in 2012-2013 to monitor academic progress through grade three and ensure proficiency on state benchmark assessments.

Requires participating school districts to meet criteria: serve K-8 students, have at least 70% national school lunch students, and have 50% or more students scoring basic or below basic on previous year state assessments.

Mandates intensive learning programs for identified students including Reading Recovery or research-based literacy programs, intensive math instruction, tutoring at least four days per week for 24 weeks, and six-week summer programs.

Restricts advancement to grade four for students who entered kindergarten in 2011-2012 and scored below proficient on grade three benchmark assessments unless multiple administrations exist or parents elect otherwise; affected students remain in intensive learning through grade six.

Requires Department of Education to evaluate the pilot program by September 1, 2019, and report findings to legislative education committees for potential statewide implementation recommendations by September 1, 2020.