Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 005 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division 28 - Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Rule 005.28.20-003 - ADE-DESE Rules Governing Background Checks

1-1.03.1 Establish requirements and procedures for the issuance, licensure, re-licensure, and continuance of licensure of educators in the public schools of this state, as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-402;

1-1.03.2 Provide for the acceptance of educator licenses by reciprocity, as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-403;

1-1.03.3 Implement as a prerequisite to licensure the requirement of assessments adopted by the State Board of Education, as required by Ark. Code Ann. §§ 6-17-402, 6-17-601, and 6-15-1004;

1-1.03.4 Implement as a prerequisite to licensure the requirement of college-level coursework in Arkansas History for certain educators, as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-418;

1-1.03.5 Provide for the issuance of Provisional Licenses, as required by Ark. Code Ann. §§ 6-17-403 and 6-17-418;

1-1.03.6 Provide for the issuance of provisional and standard licenses through alternative educator preparation programs, under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-409; and

1-1.03.7 Provide for a Lifetime Teaching License, under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-2601 etseq.

1-2.02.1 Nationally accredited in school psychology by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association; or

1-2.02.2 Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists; or

1-2.02.3 Nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

1-2.03.1 Nationally accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; or

1-2.03.2 Nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

1-2.04.1 Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP);

1-2.04.2 Accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation; or

1-2.04.3 Approved by the licensing authority of a state government.

1-2.23.1 Is developed by a state, regional, or national non-profit educational organization;

1-2.23.2 Is based on peer-reviewed education research;

1-2.23.3 Utilizes national standards or competencies;

1-2.23.4 Contains rigorous requirements for research, performance (including submission of artifacts), and self-reflection.

1-2.27.1 "Educator" also includes a nonlicensed person employed under the educational entity's waiver of licensure.

1-2.34.1 There are no ethics proceedings or proceedings on criminal offenses for which the license would be subject to sanctions in Arkansas pending against a licensee;

1-2.34.2 The licensee has not been sanctioned for an ethics violation or criminal offense for which the license would be subject to sanction in Arkansas during the three (3) most recent years of teaching experience, if any; and

1-2.34.3 The license has not been revoked by or is not currently under suspension in the licensing state or country based on an offense for which the license would be subject to sanction in Arkansas.

1-2.44.1 A passing score on a licensure assessment approved by the State Board before the currently approved version of an assessment will be accepted for three (3) years after the date the State Board discontinued or replaced the assessment provided the passing score was achieved before the date the assessment was discontinued or replaced.

1-2.47.1 Is located in the United States; and

1-2.47.2 Provides an educational background assessment that:

1-2.49.1 Provided by one (1) or more accredited colleges or universities, or an alternative educator preparation program;

1-2.49.2 Aligned with Arkansas Teaching Standards and the appropriate content knowledge and pedagogical competencies for the respective licensure areas; and

1-2.49.3 Approved by the Division.

2-4.02.1 Early Career Professional Educator Designation: The Early Career Professional Educator Designation is a first-time Standard License. Requirements for the license are as provided in these rules for a Standard License. The licensee may renew the license or seek a Career Professional Educator Designation after meeting the requirements for the Career Professional Educator Designation.

2-4.02.2 Career Professional Educator Designation: The educator holding this standard license will be recognized as a career professional with a strong commitment to the teaching profession.

The requirements for a Career Professional Educator Designation will include at a minimum that the applicant meets the requirements for an Early Career Professional Educator Designation, has completed a minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience, and provides verification that the educator has performed at the level of an Effective Teacher, as defined in the state's ESS A Plan, or an equivalent measure if the applicant is not employed by an Arkansas public school at the time of application.

2-4.02.3 Lead Professional Educator Designation: The Lead Professional Educator Designation allows an educator who aspires to a leadership role to do so without leaving the classroom. Examples of some of these roles include: leading professional learning among staff, mentoring, involvement in committee decisions impacting the building/district, improving community relations and building support. The requirements for a Lead Professional Educator Designation will include at a minimum the requirements of the Career Professional Educator Designation, has a minimum number of years of teaching experience, and provides verification that the educator has performed at the level of an Effective Teacher, as defined in the state's ESS A Plan, or an equivalent measure if the applicant is not employed by an Arkansas public school at the time of application. The applicant will also meet the additional requirements for demonstrating competency in teacher leadership found in Section 4-11.0.

2-4.02.4 Master Professional Educator Designation: An educator holding a Master Professional Educator Designation is recognized in the educational community as a high achiever in both subject-matter content and pedagogy. An applicant will demonstrate that he or she has attained a high level of academic achievement in the content area in which they are teaching and is an exemplar in pedagogical practice. The requirements for a Master Professional Educator Designation will include at a minimum the requirements of the Career Professional Educator Designation, that the applicant has a minimum number of years of teaching experience, and provides verification that the educator has performed at the level of an Effective Teacher, as defined in the state's ESSA Plan, or an equivalent measure if the applicant is not employed by an Arkansas public school at the time of application. The applicant will also meet the additional requirements for the license found in Section 4-11.0.

2-4.02.5 An applicant may apply for licensure at any level when the applicant meets the requirements for the level.

2-4.02.6 Each license will be renewable for five (5) years.

3-1.03.1 Programs shall include curriculum that addresses the licensure requirements in these rules, and requirements established by Arkansas statutes governing educator preparation and these rules. At a minimum, educator preparation programs for a first-time Arkansas standard license shall provide instruction in:

3-1.03.2 All first-time licensure programs must include a method used to demonstrate pedagogical competence.

3-1.03.3 All Educator Preparation Programs must establish:

3-1.03.4 All EPPs shall work with partners to design clinical experiences of sufficient depth, breadth, diversity, coherence, and duration to ensure that candidates demonstrate their developing effectiveness and positive impact on all students' learning and development.

3-1.04.1 The report required under Title II of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA);

3-1.04.2 Candidate scores on state-mandated licensure assessments; and

3-1.04.3 The minority graduate report under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-124.

3-2.01.1 Undergraduate first-time licensure programs and exception area licensure endorsement programs must be aligned to the Arkansas Educator Competencies for the licensure areas offered.

3-2.01.2 Prior to implementation of an educator preparation program, a public institution of higher education in Arkansas and an out-of-state institution of higher education offering programs (including programs with online coursework) to candidates in Arkansas shall be approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) to offer certificate and degree programs leading to educator licensure in Arkansas;

3-2.01.3 An institution of higher education that offers programs in Arkansas leading to educator licensure shall be accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA);

3-2.01.4 IHE-based EPP is considered eligible by the Division to provide professional education programs leading to educator licensure in Arkansas if it:

3-2.01.4 If an IHE-based EPP is not yet accredited by CAEP, it must be identified by CAEP either as accreditation eligible or as a candidate for accreditation before the Division can approve any of its programs for educator licensure.

3-3.01.1 An alternative educator preparation program that leads to licensure in Arkansas at the post-baccalaureate level shall meet the requirements of Section 3-1.0 and of the Division's protocol for program approval approved by the State Board.

3-4.02.1 Rigorous admission requirements for candidates;

3-4.02.2 Primary partnerships with one (1) or more educational entities; and

3-4.02.3 A clinical internship requirement that includes site-based and in-person interaction among school supervisors, program faculty, and candidates.

3-4.02.4 Programs shall include meaningful leadership interactions throughout the program with school personnel, students, and community members, with the support of program faculty.

3-5.01.1 The institution fails to obtain approval by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer certificate and degree programs leading to educator licensure in Arkansas, or the AHECB approval is discontinued;

3-5.01.2 The institution fails to obtain national or regional accreditation, or the national or regional accreditation is discontinued; or

3-5.01.3 The educator preparation provider fails to achieve initial CAEP accreditation or CAEP accreditation is discontinued.

3-5.02.1 Within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of any of the events under Section 3-5.01, an educator preparation provider shall inform current students in its programs and shall post on its website the institution's or the provider's accreditation or state approval status.

3-5.02.2 The institution may request a hearing before the State Board on the recommendation by providing a written request to the PLSB within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice from the PLSB.

3-5.02.3 The written request for a hearing shall be accompanied by the institution's written objections to the recommendation and any evidence the institution will present to the State Board.

3-5.02.4 Hearings shall be conducted pursuant to rules of the State Board and the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, Ark. Code Ann. §§ 25-15-201 etseq.

3-5.02.5 After an educator preparation program's approval is discontinued by the State Board, the program shall not admit any new student into the program. However, the Division may allow candidates already enrolled to complete the program.

4-1.01.1 A completed application for licensure, with payment of the nonrefundable application fee;

4-1.01.2 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Division's Rules Governing Background Checks;

4-1.01.3 Verification by the Division of Career Education that the applicant has completed the Department of Career Education requirements for the career-technical permit area, including without limitation:

4-1.01.4 Documentation of the completion of the following professional development, which may be obtained on ArkansasIDEAS, from the applicant's teacher education program, or by another method of delivery approved by the Division under the Rules Governing Professional Development:

4-2.01.1 A completed application for licensure, with payment of the nonrefundable application fee.

4-2.01.2 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Division's Rules Governing Background Checks.

4-2.01.3 An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate pedagogical and content-area assessments as mandated by the State Board.

4-2.01.4 An official transcript from an accredited college or university documenting an awarded bachelor's degree or higher;

4-2.01.5 Verification by the educator preparation program that the applicant has completed the approved program of study or approved pathway for the licensure level and content area.

4-2.01.6 An applicant seeking licensure in Early Childhood (P-4), Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Childhood Social Studies (4-8), or Secondary Social Studies (7-12) shall provide documentation of the successful completion of:

4-2.01.7 Documentation of the completion of the following professional development, which may be obtained on ArkansasIDEAS, from the applicant's teacher education program, or by another method of delivery approved by the Division under the Rules Governing Professional Development:

4-2.01.8 The Division may issue a one-year Provisional License to an applicant for a Standard License who submits proof of employment with an Arkansas educational entity in a position that requires an educator license and has:

4-2.01.9 To convert a Provisional License issued under 4-2.01.8, an applicant shall complete the missing requirements before the Provisional License expires.

4-2.01.10 If an applicant for first-time licensure or administrator licensure or for the addition of a licensure content area, endorsement, or level of licensure, was enrolled in a program of study prior to the effective date of these rules, and meets all other requirements for licensure, the Division may reference and utilize the licensure content areas, endorsements, or levels of licensure that were recognized by the State Board immediately prior to the effective date of these Rules.

4-2.01.11 A first-time Arkansas standard license issued under this section will be designated as an Early Career Professional Educator Designation, unless the applicant qualifies for a standard license for the Career Professional Educator Designation under Section 4-11.01.

4-3.01.1 A valid, Standard License (or Standard License Equivalent) that:

4-3.01.2 If applicable a completed application for licensure, with payment of the non-refundable application fee;

4-3.01.3 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Division's Rules Governing Background Checks;

4-3.01.4 Documentation that the applicant has completed at least three (3) years of teaching under the out-of-state license.

4-3.01.5 For an applicant whose out-of-state license is expired, an official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on content-area assessments as mandated by the State Board, including for licensure in Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12) the stand-alone reading assessment, as adopted by the State Board.

4-3.01.6 An official transcript documenting an awarded bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university;

4-3.01.7 Documentation of one (1) of the following:

4-3.01.8 For applicants seeking licensure in Early Childhood (P-4), Elementary Education (K-6) or for any elementary licensure level that includes a grade within K-6, Middle Childhood Social Studies (4-8), or Secondary Social Studies (7-12), documentation of the successful completion of three (3) college credit-hours in Arkansas History at an accredited college or university or a 45-hour professional development piece in Arkansas History through ArkansasIDEAS;

4-3.01.9 Documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the Arkansas IDEAS Portal:

4-3.01.10 The Division may issue a Provisional License for an applicant who has not completed the professional development under Section 4-3.01.9.

4-3.03.1 Only the licensure content areas, levels, or endorsements specifically listed on an out-of-state license shall be recognized for a first-time Arkansas Standard License through reciprocity;

4-3.03.2 An out-of-state applicant shall receive the Arkansas-equivalent licensure content areas, endorsements, or levels of licensure provided all other licensure requirements have been met;

4-3.03.3 An applicant whose licensure content area, endorsement, or level is not recognized by Arkansas shall receive the licensure content area, endorsement, or level of licensure that most closely parallels their out-of-state licensure area, endorsement, or level; and

4-3.03.4 For the purpose of reciprocity, the Division may reference and utilize any licensure content area, endorsement, or level of licensure that has ever been recognized by the State Board in the past, regardless of whether the area, endorsement, or level is current.

4-4.01.1 Hold a current or expired Arkansas Standard License;

4-4.01.2 Be at least sixty-two (62) years of age or retired from active teaching under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 24-7-701, 24-7-702, or 24-7-704; and

4-4.01.3 Document that the applicant has either:

4-4.02.1 The applicant submitting to the Division a completed application requesting the Lifetime Teaching License, using the application form developed by the Division;

4-4.02.2 Documentation from the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System of retirement under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 24-7-701, 24-7-702, or 24-7-704; and

4-4.02.3 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Division's Rules Governing Background Checks.

4-5.01.1 A completed application form for the Provisional License, verified by the educator preparation program;

4-5.01.2 Official transcript(s) documenting an awarded four-year college bachelor's degree or higher from an institution of higher education that is regionally or nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

4-5.01.3 An official score report evidencing passing scores on the state-required assessments for the licensure content area in which the applicant seeks to teach;

4-5.01.4 An offer of employment in a position as a teacher of record at an educational entity or approved accredited private school in Arkansas teaching a minimum of three (3) hours per day in the appropriate licensure area(s);

4-5.01.5 Documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the ArkansasIDEAS Portal:

4-5.01.6 Documentation of the successful completion of professional educator ethics training that meets the guidelines established by the Professional Licensure Standards Board.

4-5.01.7 Before a candidate may enter a public school classroom, evidence that the applicant successfully completed the background checks required under the Division's Rules Governing Background Checks.

4-5.01.8 An applicant enrolled in a master's degree in teaching program (MAT, M.Ed., or MTLL) in Special Education shall document successful completion of the following before a Provisional License may be issued:

4-5.02.1 A Middle Childhood (4-8) participant may license in one (1) or more of the four (4) middle childhood licensure content areas of math, science, social studies, and language arts, and may have one (1) or more endorsements at (K-12) or (4-8).

4-5.02.2 A Secondary (7-12) participant must successfully complete one (1) secondary licensure content area and may have one (1) endorsement; (7-12), (K-12), or (4-12) level.

4-5.02.3 A participant must have a teaching assignment in each licensure content area of the Provisional License;

4-5.04.1 An applicant who has completed the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) program shall provide a recommendation for a Standard License from the applicant's superintendent.

4-6.01.1 A completed application form for the Provisional License;

4-6.01.2 Official transcript(s) documenting an awarded four-year college bachelor's degree or higher from an institution of higher education that is regionally or nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

4-6.01.3 An official score report evidencing passing scores on the state-required assessments for the licensure content area in which the applicant seeks to teach;

4-6.01.4 Evidence that the applicant has successfully completed background checks required under the Division's Rules Governing Background Checks;

4-6.01.5 Documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the ArkansasIDEAS Portal:

4-6.01.6 Verification of a minimum of three (3) years of working experience in the licensure content area of the class to be taught;

4-6.01.7 Verification of an offer of employment to teach classes in an Arkansas educational entity in any first-time license content area for a standard license, as identified on Appendix A, except for Special Education, Elementary Education (K-6), and Guidance and Counseling;

4-6.01.8 One (1) letter of justification from the applicant expressing the relevance of the applicant's credentials to teach the subject in question; and

4-6.01.9 Two (2) professional letters of recommendation submitted by references to the Division.

4-6.04.1 The hours of training in pedagogy are in addition to and not considered a part of the annual professional development requirement.

4-7.01.1 A completed application form for the Provisional License, verified by the APPEL program;

4-7.01.2 Official transcript(s) documenting an awarded four-year college bachelor's degree or higher from an institution of higher education that is regionally or nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

4-7.01.3 An official score report evidencing passing scores on the state-required assessments for the licensure content area in which the applicant seeks to teach;

4-7.01.4 Evidence that the applicant has successfully completed the required background checks under the Division's Rules Governing Background Checks;

4-7.01.5 Verification of an offer of employment to teach classes in an Arkansas educational entity, or accredited private school, in a licensure content area identified by the APPEL program; and

4-7.01.6 Documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the ArkansasIDEAS Portal:

4-8.01.1 Submits a completed application for a Provisional License;

4-8.01.2 Is not a United States citizen and provides evidence satisfactory to the Division that the applicant meets the criteria of an exception under 8 U.S.C. § 1621 for the state to issue a professional license;

4-8.01.3 Submits documentation of the successful completion of a Division-approved assessment of English-language skills; or

4-8.01.3.1 Has completed a master's degree or higher at an accredited college or university in the United States.

4-8.01.3.2 The Department may waive this requirement for an applicant whose out-of-country Standard License Equivalent is issued by a country whose official language and the language of instruction in higher education is English;

4-8.01.4 Submits an official college transcript evaluation from a private credential evaluation agency recognized by the Division

4-8.01.5 Submits proof of employment with an Arkansas public school district, charter school, or other agency or organization in a position that requires an educator license;

4-8.01.6 Submits documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Division's Rules Governing Background Checks;

4-8.01.7 Submits a copy of the out-of-country license(s) held by the applicant;

4-8.01.8 Submits certification from the country that issued the license that the license has been in good standing for the most recent three (3) years;

4-8.01.9 Submits documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the ArkansasIDEAS Portal:

4-8.03.1 An application for a Standard License, including the required nonrefundable application fee;

4-8.03.2 For applicants seeking licensure in Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Childhood Social Studies (4-8), or Secondary Social Studies (7-12), documentation of the successful completion of three college credit-hours in Arkansas History at an accredited college or university or a 45-hour professional development piece in Arkansas History through ArkansasIDEAS;

4-8.03.3 Submission of an official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate pedagogical and content-area assessments as mandated by the State Board; and

4-8.03.4 For applicants seeking licensure in Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12), or grade levels within the range of Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12), an official score report reflecting passing scores on the stand-alone reading assessment, as adopted by the State Board.

4-8.04.1 An applicant whose licensure content area, endorsement, or level is not recognized by Arkansas shall receive the licensure content area, endorsement, or level of licensure that most closely parallels their out-of-state licensure area, endorsement, or level.

4-8.04.2 The Division may license the applicant to teach his or her native language upon the applicant providing an official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the Slate Board, on the appropriate state-mandated content area exam and pedagogy exam.

4-9.01.1 A completed application for licensure, with payment of the nonrefundable application fee;

4-9.01.2 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Division's Rules Governing Background Checks;

4-9.01.3 An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the specialty area assessment for licensure area as mandated by the State Board; and

4-9.01.4 For a first-time license, documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the ArkansasIDEAS Portal:

4-9.01.5 An applicant for an ancillary license in Speech-Language Pathology shall also submit an official transcript documenting an awarded bachelor's and master's or higher degree, from an accredited college or university, in Speech Language Pathology, and either:

4-9.01.6 An applicant for an ancillary license in School Psychology shall also submit an official transcript documenting an awarded master's or higher degree that includes 60 hours of graduate level courscwork in the area, from an accredited state approved college or university, in:

4-9.02.1 Either (a) a master's degree or higher in the licensure area or (b) a bachelor's degree or higher with post-baccalaureate course work or nationally recognized certification for the licensure area; and

4-9.02.2 Successful completion of the licensure content area assessment, if one is approved by the State Board for the licensure content area.

4-9.03.1 Curriculum/Program Administrator for Special Education endorsement to an Ancillary License in Speech-Language Pathology or School Psychology;

4-9.03.2 Dyslexia endorsement;

4-9.03.3 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement; or

4-9.03.4 Library Media; or

4-9.03.5 Another licensure area adopted by the State Board as an endorsement to an Ancillary License.

4-10.02.1 A completed application for addition of area or level;

4-10.02.2 An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate licensure content area assessment and other applicable assessments mandated by the State Board; and

4-10.02.3 If an endorsement requires a program of study, (see Appendix A) an official transcript documenting successful completion of a program of study at an accredited approved educator preparation program, to include an internship if applicable in the licensure content area to be taught.

4-10.02.4 An applicant whose program of study was completed more than ten (10) years before the date of application shall be required to meet all current licensure requirements as determined by either the Division or an accredited educational program; For applicants seeking an endorsement for Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Childhood Social Studies (4-8), or Secondary Social Studies (7-12), documentation of the successful completion of three (3) college credit-hours in Arkansas History at an accredited college or university or a 45-hour professional development piece in Arkansas History through ArkansasIDEAS; and

4-10.02.5 For applicants seeking an endorsement for Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12), or grade levels within the range of Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12), an official score report reflecting passing scores on the standalone reading assessment, as adopted by the State Board.

4-10.03.1 Available licensure levels and areas that may be added to a license are provided on Appendix A.

4-10.06.1 Hold a standard Elementary Education (K-6) or 4-8 license, or a standard 7-12 license in a content area of English Language Arts, Mathematics, or Science;

4-10.06.2 Document successful completion of twelve (12) hours of an approved program of study in special education, to include:

4-10.06.3 Document successful completion of the special education content area assessments approved by the State Board.

4-10.06.4 The training or course work, or in combination, under 4-10.06.2 shall include at a minimum multi-sensory reading instruction and classroom management for special education.

4-10.06.5 The successful completion of a program of study shall be recognized for licensure only if the institution's Licensure Officer signs and verifies the application for licensure.

Note: An educator can hold a resource license in Elementary Education (K-6) or 7-12 Math Science or Language Arts but not both levels.

4-10.07.1 An applicant who completes coursework and testing out-of-state for the purpose of adding a licensure area to the Arkansas Standard License by reciprocity shall first have the areas added to the applicant's out-of-state license and then may apply for reciprocity to add the areas to the Arkansas license; and

4-10.07.2 An endorsement area that is identified by these rules as an exception area endorsement will not be added by testing out through reciprocity, unless the applicant provides documentation that the applicant has been employed in the area sought to be added for at least three (3) years in the reciprocal state.

4-10.07.3 Applicants holding an Arkansas license who apply for an administrator endorsement by reciprocity, the program of study must meet substantially the same requirements as set forth in Section 3-4.02 of these rules.

4-11.01.1 Documentation of three (3) years of licensed teaching experience, which may include teaching with a provisional license that is in good standing; and

4-11.01.2 Verification from the applicant's last employer that the applicant has performed at the level of an Effective Teacher as evidenced by the applicant's most recent summative evaluation completed before applying for the license.

4-11.02.1 Documentation of three (3) years of licensed teaching experience; and

4-11.02.2 Verification from the applicant's last employer that the applicant has performed at the level of an Effective Teacher as evidenced by the alca's most recent summative evaluation, or equivalent completed in the last four (4) years completed before applying for the license; and

4-11.02.3 Documentation of:

4-11.03.1 Documentation of three (3) years of licensed teaching experience; and

4-11.03.2 Verification from the applicant's last employer that the applicant has performed at the level of an Effective Teacher as evidenced by the applicant's most recent summative evaluation completed before applying for the license; and

4-11.03.3 Documentation of one of the following:

5-1.02.1 The first year of a first-time license issued after January 1 of the calendar year shall expire on December 31 even if the first year is not a full calendar year.

5-1.04.1 For a currently valid license, January 1 of the following year through December 31 of the fifth year from the expiration date of the existing license; or

5-1.04.2 For licenses that are expired at the time of renewal, the date the expired license was renewed through December 31 of the fifth year from the year of renewal.

5-2.02.1 A completed online application for renewal with payment of the non-refundable application fee;

5-2.02.2 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Division's Rules Governing Background Checks within the twelve-month period before the date of the application for renewal;

5-2.02.3 Documentation of the completion of professional development requirements, including years during which the applicant was not employed in an educational entity, as follows:

5-2.03.1 If the applicant does not have the required credential, the educator's license will not be renewed.

5-2.03.2 No later than May 2023, an applicant seeking Elementary (K-6) or Special Education (K-12) licensure by reciprocity or by adding an endorsement, must demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills to reach reading consistent with the best practices of scientific reading instruction.

5-2.03.3 The Division may issue a Provisional License to an employed applicant who has not completed the required awareness credential.

Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-429 (Act 83 of 2019)

5-2.04.1 Passing the content-area assessment for the requested license; and

5-2.04.2 Completing the remaining requirements of this section 5-2.0 for renewal.

5-2.05.1 A standard Arkansas educator's license-will be renewed with a Career Professional Educator designation unless the applicant qualifies for the Lead Professional Educator or Master Professional Educator designation.

5-3.01.1 Approval from the Professional Licensure Standards Board of the reinstatement from suspension based on its determination that the applicant has completed all conditions of the suspension and has paid the assessed fine.

5-3.01.2 For reinstatement from suspension requested before the year of renewal for the license, the applicant shall submit an application for reinstatement.

5-4.01.1 Ten years has passed since the date of revocation if the revocation was based on a felony disqualifying offense under § 6-17-410, or an ethics violation under § 6-17-428; or

5-4.01.2 Five years have passed since the date the license was revoked if the revocation was for any reason other than those set forth in Section 5-4.01.1 of these Rules.

5-4.02.1 Physical or sexual injury of another person;

5-4.02.2 Physical or sexual abuse of another person;

5-4.02.3 Physical mistreatment of another person resulting in death; or

5-4.02.4 Sexual mistreatment of another person.

5-4.03.1 The item will be placed on the Consent agenda for the State Board's next regularly scheduled monthly meeting following the submission of a completed application and relevant evidence.

5-4.03.2 The State Board may remove the item from the consent agenda for further review as follows:

5-4.04.1 A written request notifying the Office of Educator Effectiveness and PLSB (Professional Licensure Standards Board) of intent to seek the reinstatement of a revoked license;

5-4.04.2 An updated criminal records background check. All associated costs are the responsibility of the applicant;

5-4.04.3 A minimum of three reference letters from educational professionals attesting to the applicant's character and fitness to serve as an educator. Each individual providing a reference must submit the letter directly to the Office of Educator Effectiveness and PLSB. The letter must include the notarized signature of the individual providing the reference and his or her contact information including email address, mailing address, and telephone number; and

5-4.04.4 Documentation of having completed any and all requirements of any criminal sentence, made restitution if applicable, paid any fine issued by the State Board of Education for ethics violations and, does not pose a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of public school students and public school employees:

5-4.04.5 The applicant must meet all current certification requirements in place at the time of application for an initial certification, including current testing requirements.

5-4.04.6 After receipt of a complete application for reinstatement of a revoked license, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall send notice to the applicant that he or she may request a hearing before the State Board. The applicant must request a hearing within 30 days of receipt of notice of a completed application.

5-4.04.7 Reinstatement of a Revoked License Hearing Procedures.

5-4.05.1 Place or grant a license on probationary status for a terminable period of time with the license to be revoked or suspended if the probationary period is not successfully completed;

5-4.05.2 Require a licensee to complete appropriate professional development programs, education courses, or both;

5-4.05.3 Impose conditions or restrictions on the teaching or educational activities of the applicant;

5-4.05.4 Impose any other requirement or penalty as may be appropriate under the circumstances of the case and which would achieve the State Board's desired disciplinary purposes; or

5-4.05.5 Take no action against a license.

5-4.05.6 After making its decision, the State Board shall reduce its decision to writing and shall mail copies of the decision to each party and each party's attorney.

5-6.01.1 Education, if the degree was awarded by an accredited teacher education program;

5-6.01.2 Educational Leadership, if the degree was awarded by an accredited college or university;

5-6.01.3 Speech-Language Pathology, if the degree was awarded by an accredited speech-language pathology program;

5-6.01.4 School Psychology, Psychology, or Counseling, if the degree was awarded by an accredited school psychology program; or

5-6.01.5 A licensure content area, if the degree was awarded by an accredited college or university.

5-6.02.1 A passing score on an approved content area assessment; or

5-6.02.2 A score within minus two (-2) standard error of measurement (SEM) based on the national standard or an approved score by the State Board on the content area assessment: and

5-6.11.1 The Division may deny a license to an applicant who has been determined to have an ethics violation under the Division's Rules Governing the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators that is at a level equivalent to:

6-1.01.1 A completed application for licensure.

6-1.01.2 An official transcript documenting an awarded master's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in:

6-1.01.3 An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate administrative licensure assessment as mandated by the State Board, at the time of application;

6-1.01.4 Documentation of at least three (3) years of P-12 experience as an educator.

6-1.01.5 Verification from the applicant's superintendent that the applicant is performing at the level of an Effective Teacher, or an equivalent measure if the applicant is not employed by an Arkansas public school.

6-2.01.1 A completed application for licensure.

6-2.01.2 An official transcript documenting an awarded master's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in:

6-2.01.3 An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate administrative licensure assessment as mandated by the State Board, at the time of application;

6-2.01.4 Documentation of at least three (3) years of licensed experience under the terms of an approved teacher employment contract in the relevant licensure area as follows:

6-3.01.1 A completed application for licensure.

6-3.01.2 An official transcript documenting an awarded master's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in education, educational leadership, or a licensure content area;

6-3.01.3 An official transcript documenting successful completion of a Division-approved, graduate-level program of study, above and beyond a master's degree, reflective of the standards for district-level administrator licensure, to include an internship.

6-3.01.4 An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate administrative licensure assessment as mandated by the State Board, at the time of application; and

6-3.01.5 Documentation of at least one (1) year of experience under the terms of an approved administrator employment contract as a building-level or curriculum/program administrator.

6-3.01.6 This one-year experience requirement may be satisfied by experience with an education service cooperative or the Division? if the Division determines that the experience is substantially equivalent to building-level administration experience

7-2.02.1 An emergency teaching permit will expire upon the earlier of:

7-2.02.2 A person hired under an emergency teaching permit must have relevant work experience in the content area, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and one of the following requirements:

7-2.02.3 Before the permit holder begins employment, he or she shall successfully complete the state and federal criminal records checks and the Child Maltreatment Central Registry check in accordance with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Rules Governing Background Checks.

7-2.02.4 The educational entity shall report the Emergency Teaching Permit as a licensure exception in the Division's data reporting system.

7-3.01.1 The grade level being taught shall not be more than one (1) grade level above or one (1) grade level below the grade level that the teacher is currently teaching in as an Effective Teacher. For example: A teacher licensed for 4-8 teaching eighth-grade English Language Arts could teach a ninth-grade English Language Arts class; a teacher licensed for 7-12 teaching seventh-grade Math could teach a sixth-grade Math class.

7-3.01.2 The Effective Teacher Licensure Exception shall not be used for teaching special education.

7-3.01.3 The educational entity has determined that the teacher meets the definition of Effective Teacher;

7-3.01.4 The teacher continues to meet the definition of Effective Teacher for each school year the teacher teaches in an out-of-area assignment and for each content area taught, as reported by the educational entity to the Division and

7-3.01.5 The licensure exception is valid until the educational entity determines that the teacher no longer meets the definition of Effective Teacher.

7-3.01.6 The educational entity is not required to obtain Division approval for this licensure exception but shall:

7-4.01.1 An educator who holds a Provisional License is not eligible to be placed on an ALP, unless the Provisional License is issued by the Division under Section 4-3.0 for reciprocity.

7-4.02.1 An ALP requiring a Division-approved program of study shall remain valid only so long as the applicant successfully completes:

7-4.03.1 In the first year of the ALP, the teacher must attempt the content area assessment mandated by the State Board.

7-4.03.2 If the applicant does not successfully complete the attempted content area assessment within the first year, the educational entity may request an additional four (4) consecutive semesters.

7-4.06.1 The ALP may transfer with the person as long as the person has complied with the terms of the ALP under these rules; and

7-4.06.2 The school district may request an ALP for another person to fill the position.

7-4.08.1 An individual holding a Provisional License issued by reciprocity is eligible for an ALP subject to the remaining requirements for the ALP.

7-5.01.1 Submits a completed application for an ALCP, Plan of Study, and Justification required by the Division, verified by the Educational Leadership Chair of the accredited college or university where the degree or program of study is offered;

7-5.01.2 Submits proof of employment with an Arkansas educational entity in a position that requires an Administrator License.

7-5.01.3 Meets all of the requirements of these Rules for a Building-Level Administrator License, a Curriculum/Program Administrator License, or a District-Level Administrator License, except for:

7-5.02.1 Remains employed with an Arkansas educational entity, in a position that requires an Administrator License;

7-5.02.2 Holds the degree required for the appropriate administrator license, or remains enrolled and actively participates in the appropriate degree program; and

7-5.02.3 Has completed or remains enrolled and actively participates in the appropriate program of study required for the appropriate administrator license.

7-5.02.4 Active participation in a degree program or program of study means continuous enrollment in the program during the term of the ALCP.

7-6.01.1 Be a high school graduate; or

7-6.01.2 Hold a high school equivalency test certificate.

7-6.02.1 A bachelor's or higher degree awarded by an accredited college or university; or

7-6.02.2 A license issued by the State Board of Education.

7-7.01.1 Waivers granted in the original or amended charter of a public charter school under the Arkansas Quality Charter Schools Act of 2013, Ark. Code Ann. § 6-23-101 et seq.;

7-7.01.2 Waivers granted to a School of Innovation under the District of Innovation Program, § 6-15-2801 et seq.; or

7-7.01.3 Waivers granted to a school district under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-103 (Act 1240 of 2015, as amended).