AR SB1147

Prohibits school districts from using out-of-school suspension as a discipline measure for truancy.

Requires public schools to indicate on student attendance records when absences result from out-of-school suspensions.

Mandates the Department of Education to prepare annual reports (beginning July 1, 2014) comparing disciplinary rates and disparities across student subgroups including race, income level, disability status, and academic achievement level.

Requires the Department of Education to track progress in reducing disciplinary rates and disparities, identify successful strategies used by improving districts, and assess corresponding gains in student academic achievement.

Directs the Department of Education to survey school districts on evidence-based discipline strategies (positive behavior interventions and restorative justice) and develop information on resources needed to implement these strategies for inclusion in the educational adequacy study.