§ 6-50-503 — Establishment of programs

(a) The Division of Career and Technical Education is hereby authorized and directed to develop and implement work-based learning programs to provide additional educational and training opportunities for Arkansas high school students. (b) The programs established under this section shall be based on the following fundamental principles: (1) Providing strong employer commitment and involvement; (2) Guiding high school students through a three-year or four-year process that connects high school and the first one (1) or two (2) years of postsecondary learning; (3) Providing high-quality supervised learning opportunities for students at the work site; (4) Integrating academic and vocational teaching and learning in the classroom and at work; (5) Fostering interactive, team-based learning in the classroom; (6) Including curriculum on all aspects of the industry; (7) Using competency-based measures for evaluating student progress; (8) Providing both academic and occupational credentials; (9) Providing access and support to nontraditional groups; and (10) Explicitly addressing issues regarding diversity in society and the workplace. (c) (1) The industries and occupations selected for the programs established under this section shall offer entry-level jobs with good opportunities for career advancement into high-skill, high-wage jobs. (2) The division, the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee, the Office of Skills Development, and local sites shall take joint responsibility for identifying the industries and occupations selected in subdivision (c)(1) of this section. (3) The Office of Skills Development is responsible for identifying apprenticeship programs that are currently in place.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2021, No. 647,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 369,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1855, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1991, No. 546, § 1; 1991, No. 553, § 1.