§ 6-17-711 — Bullying prevention - Professional development

(a) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall require two (2) hours of professional development in the following areas for licensed public school personnel according to the professional development schedule under § 6-17-709 : (1) Bullying prevention; and (2) Recognition of the relationship between incidents of bullying and the risk of suicide. (b) The professional development under this section shall count toward the satisfaction of requirements for professional development in the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts and of licensure requirements for licensed personnel. (c) (1) In addition to the professional development requirement under subsection (a) of this section, the division shall develop a guidance document for use by parents and legal guardians, students, and public school districts to assist in resolving complaints concerning student bullying behaviors. (2) The guidance document required under subdivision (c)(1) of this section shall include without limitation: (A) A public school district's obligations under § 6-18-514 ; (B) Best practices for the prevention, reporting, and investigation of and the response to bullying in public schools; and (C) A clear definition of bullying that provides examples regarding conduct that does and does not constitute bullying. (3) The guidance document under subdivision (c)(1) of this section shall be provided to licensed public school personnel as part of the professional development required under subsection (a) of this section.

Legislative History

Added by Act 2019, No. 1029,§ 3, eff. 7/24/2019.