Arkansas Code
Subchapter 28 - District of Innovation Program
§ 6-15-2802. School of innovation designation — Rules

(a)
(1) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education may approve a public school's application to become a school of innovation for the purpose of transforming and improving the teaching and learning under § 6-15-2803.
(2) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may designate a public school as a school of innovation under subdivision (a)(1) of this section if the public school has met the objectives outlined in the public school's application to become a school of innovation within the time period established in the public school's application.

(b)
(1) A school of innovation shall be approved for a period of four (4) years and may be renewed for four-year periods thereafter.
(2) The commissioner may revoke a public school's school of innovation designation if the public school fails to substantially fulfill the school of innovation plan as established in the public school's school of innovation application, meet goals and performance targets, or comply with applicable laws or rules.

(c) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer this subchapter, including without limitation rules that address the:
(1) Rules subject to exemption or modification for a school of innovation application if approved by the commissioner;
(2) Application, school of innovation plan review, approval, and amendment process for a public school district to establish a school of innovation;
(3) Timeline for initial approval of a school of innovation and subsequent renewal, including any ongoing evaluations of a school of innovation;
(4) Documentation required to show meaningful parental, educator, and community engagement and capacity for the changes identified in the school of innovation plan;
(5) Approval by the eligible employees of a school of innovation;
(6) Evidence of teacher collaboration and shared leadership responsibility within each school seeking to become a school of innovation;
(7) Documentation of the understanding and implementation of research-based practices of professional learning communities;
(8) Process for revocation of a designation as a district of innovation or school of innovation;
(9) Reporting and oversight responsibility of the school of innovation and the division;
(10) Budget and financial details of the school of innovation; and
(11) Other information necessary as determined by the state board.