AR HB1811

Creates new Arkansas Code § 6-15-104 requiring state-funded prekindergarten programs to be approved by the Department of Education and use State Board of Education prekindergarten academic content standards.

Amends § 6-15-404(a) to establish that State Board of Education shall create clear, specific, and challenging academic content standards for prekindergarten through grade twelve.

Requires prekindergarten academic content standards to be aligned with kindergarten academic content standards to facilitate student transition from prekindergarten into K-12 education.

Directs that instruction in all public schools and state-funded prekindergarten programs shall be based on established academic content standards.

Amends § 6-45-103(1) under the Arkansas Better Chance Program Act to require early childhood programs serving children ages three to five years be approved prekindergarten programs using State Board of Education academic content standards.