As mandated by Arkansas Code § 6-15-206 (Act 1467 of 2003 – The Omnibus Quality Education Act), the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) will conduct an on-site review of each school “at least every two (2) years or more frequently if the department has reason to believe that the school district or any school therein has fallen below standards for accreditation.” Monitoring will occur during the time frame of November 15, 2003, through April 15, 2004. A comprehensive compliance checklist (see attachment) will be used for monitoring. Monitoring team leaders from the Standards Assurance Unit (SAU) will contact district superintendents by telephone in advance of the on-site monitoring to confirm date and time and to outline monitoring procedures and necessary preparation. Following contact, the team leader will send the superintendent a packet with details and resources to assist district and school officials in preparing for the monitoring. Documentation of compliance with checklist items should be collected and placed in the appropriate administrative offices or designated meeting areas prior to the monitoring.
Priority districts may include districts having had a Standards Review prior to the fall of 2000, districts with 2002-03 final probationary status school(s), districts in Academic Distress, districts in Fiscal Distress, and districts with school(s) in School Improvement. Please refer to the attachment indicating “Standards Review History” to confirm previous Standards Review date(s).