HB1903

House Bill 1903 amends Arkansas law to grant school districts greater flexibility regarding the provision of alternative learning environments (ALEs). Specifically, the bill changes the legal requirement for school districts from mandatory provision of ALEs to discretionary provision, replacing 'shall' with 'may' in the relevant code sections. It outlines several acceptable methods for districts to operate or partner for these environments, such as operating their own, cooperating with other districts, using education service cooperatives, or partnering with higher education institutions for technical training. Additionally, it clarifies that discipline policies for students with behavioral or social problems not linked to physical or mental impairments are applicable only if the district chooses to provide an ALE. The bill maintains existing reporting requirements for districts that do choose to provide such environments.