AR SB478

Amends Arkansas Code § 6-15-902 to establish numeric grade values for letter grades (A=4 points, B=3 points, C=2 points, D=1 point, F=0 points) for all public secondary school courses except advanced placement, International Baccalaureate, and honors courses.

Requires teachers of advanced placement courses to attend College Board Advanced Placement Summer Institute, College Board-endorsed training, or other approved training at least once every five years, or complete an additional training plan within three years.

Allows the State Board of Education to approve courses for weighted credit if they exceed curriculum standards for nonweighted classes or meet/exceed standards of comparable advanced placement classes.

Permits local school district boards to adopt policies allowing high school students to take college courses for weighted credit equal to advanced placement courses and honors classes, subject to Department of Education approval through submission of superintendent/principal letter and grade level information.

Authorizes the Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Career Education to approve career and technical courses for weighted credit if they exceed nonweighted class standards and lead to approved industry-recognized certification.