AR HB1457

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-10-127 to allow superintendents to close school for regularly scheduled days due to exceptional or emergency circumstances including contagious disease outbreaks, inclement weather, acts of God, or utility outages.

Permits the Commissioner of Education to grant up to 10 student attendance day equivalents for public school districts with an approved alternative instruction plan using alternative methods of instruction, including virtual learning.

Requires public school districts' alternative instruction plans to demonstrate that teaching and learning will not be negatively impacted by using alternative methods of instruction on closed school days.

Changes the makeup method from adding 60 minutes to the beginning or ending of a regular school day to using approved alternative instruction methods when schools close.

Applies to both public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools.