Section 6-16-1503 - DefinitionsAs used in this subchapter:
(1) "Eligible student" means a student who is:(A) At least sixteen (16) years of age;(B) Either: (i) Below the fifty percent (50%) of credits required for grade level and the minimum set of credits needed to complete a high school diploma from a public school before twenty-one (21) years of age; or(ii) Recommended for participation in the Reengagement System and Differentiated Pathway to a High School Diploma Program by a high school counselor; and(C) Enrolled in or enrolls in the school district in which the student resides or in a nonresident school district under a legal school choice option;(2)(A) "Full-time equivalent eligible student" means an eligible student whose enrollment and attendance meet the criteria adopted by the school district specifically for the Reengagement System and Differentiated Pathway to a High School Diploma Progam.(B) Criteria adopted by a school district shall be based on: (i) The accumulated credits generated by the student in high school, at a state-supported institution of higher education, or in the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program; and(ii) A minimum amount of planned programming or instruction and minimum attendance by the student, rather than the hours of seat time; and(3) "Participating program" means an educational program that offers without limitation the following instruction and services:(A)(i) Academic instruction that generates credits that can be applied to a high school diploma from the student's school district or from a state-supported institution of higher education with the goal of enabling the student to obtain the academic and workforce skills necessary for employment, postsecondary education, or the military, including without limitation:(a) Academic skills instruction; and(b) College and workforce readiness preparation.(ii) Academic instruction is not limited to only the subject areas in which the student is deficient in accumulated credits.(iii) Academic instruction shall be provided by a certified teacher or by an instructor employed by a state-supported institution of higher education;(B) Individual graduation plans;(C) Academic and career counseling;(D) Assistance with accessing services and resources that support the student and reduce barriers to achieving educational success and earning a high school diploma; and(E)(i) If the participating program is offered by a state-supported institution of higher education, the opportunity for qualified students to enroll in college courses or workforce readiness courses that lead to a high school diploma or enrollment in postsecondary education programs, including certification programs.(ii) College tuition and fees shall be paid by the school district unless a previous memorandum of understanding specifies that the cost is to be shared by the school district, the state-supported institution of higher education, and the student.Added by Act 2015, No. 1260,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.