AR SB858

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-15-431 to allow the state board to exempt certain entities from academic distress identification and classification through adopted rules.

Establishes exemptions for alternative learning environment schools, open-enrollment and conversion charter schools focused on dropouts or at-risk students, the Arkansas School for the Blind, and the Arkansas School for the Deaf.

Requires the state board's exemption criteria to include methods for measuring student academic performance to meet state and federal law requirements for exempt entities.

Makes identical amendments to Arkansas Code § 6-15-2106 regarding school rating system rules, applying the same exemption categories and measurement requirements.

Approved April 8, 2015.