AR SB691

Expands Arkansas Code § 6-17-812(a) to include teachers in grades 5-6 (previously only grades 7-12) as eligible to receive additional compensation for volunteering to teach more than the maximum number of students permitted per day.

Teachers in grades 5-12 who volunteer to teach additional students shall receive pay increases proportionate to their base pay and the number of additional students taught, without exceeding maximum class size limits.

Teachers may volunteer to use their conference period to teach an additional class period and shall receive pro-rated compensation for both the extra class period and each additional student taught over the maximum.

Establishes a maximum of 150 students that a teacher in grades 5-12 may teach without receiving additional compensation, to be included in the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

Declares an emergency clause citing teacher shortage in Arkansas public schools, making the act effective immediately upon Governor approval to allow school districts to procure agreements with teachers for the 2017-2018 school year.