AR SB423

Amends Arkansas Code §§ 6-5-1003 and 6-5-1004 to revise college and career readiness program standards for career and technical education courses

Requires the Department of Career Education to collaborate with the Department of Education and Department of Higher Education to develop standards incorporating current frameworks that promote program sustainability

Establishes that the Department of Career Education shall recognize valid and reliable third-party, industry-recognized technical skills assessments based on current industry standards, with the department maintaining a current list of approved assessments

Requires technical skills assessments to measure student proficiency at multiple points, incorporate performance-based assessment items, and allow successful students to receive secondary credit, postsecondary credit, or special designation on their high school diploma

Changes department authority from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") in providing technical assistance on career and technical education programs to secondary school administrators and teachers