SB573 Summary

• Amends the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to clarify that "active duty" includes National Guard and Reserve members on active duty orders under 10 U.S.C. Chapters 1209 and 1211.

• Changes terminology from "English language learners" to "English learners" throughout Arkansas education code sections related to professional development, school counseling, and funding definitions.

• Modifies funding amounts for English learners: $359 per student for 2021-2022 school year and $366 per student for 2022-2023 and subsequent school years.

• Revises school funding calculations by changing assessment timing for English learner identification from fall to spring of the current school year.

• Updates the Arkansas Military Child School Transitions Act definition of "active duty" to include reserve components under 10 U.S.C. Chapters 1209 and 1210, and adds reference to 42 U.S.C. § 204 as of January 1, 2021.

• Changes "family involvement" to "family engagement" in early childhood program assessment components.