AR HB1256

Establishes the Building Better Futures High School Program, allowing students with intellectual disabilities to complete additional years of high school in an inclusive, age-appropriate environment at approved higher education institutions.

Eligible students must be current public, private, or home school students under age 22 with a documented intellectual disability, be Arkansas residents (with limited exceptions for nonresidents when space available), and be selected for admission by an approved institution's comprehensive transition and postsecondary program.

Approved institutions must have selective admission processes, be exempt from state minimum core curriculum and program review requirements, become part of a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program approved by the U.S. Department of Education within three years, and award certificates upon completion without transferring credits toward associate or baccalaureate degrees.

Public high schools must provide program information to parents of students with intellectual or developmental disabilities during transition services discussions, provide transportation to the nearest program within 50 miles, continue providing daily living skills instruction, and be charged proportionate tuition and fees by the higher education institution.

Program becomes effective immediately upon Governor's approval to allow the Department of Higher Education to implement the program and disseminate information to eligible students by the 2015-2016 school year.