AR SB564

Creates the Arkansas Tutoring Corps Act as a new subchapter of Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 15 to establish a statewide tutoring program addressing COVID-19 pandemic learning loss.

Authorizes the Department of Education to develop a program identifying qualified tutors, curriculum for kindergarten through grade 6 in math and reading aligned with state academic standards, and training modules for tutors.

Requires the program to offer statewide coverage with increased opportunities for rural students and allows tutoring at public schools, charter schools, higher education institutions, education service cooperatives, or community facilities, or virtually.

Permits the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop incentive structures such as course credit for tutors and guidelines for schools to use funding from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to compensate qualified tutors.

Declares an emergency and requires the Department of Education to promulgate implementing rules by January 1, 2022, with the act becoming effective upon gubernatorial approval.