The current six-digit numbering system will be modified for the 2004-2005 school year. Most of the changes in the numbering system affect high school courses, with only minor changes in the numbering system for elementary and middle schools. PLEASE NOTE THAT BEGINNING IN THE 2004-2005 SCHOOL YEAR, SCHOOL DISTRICTS WILL NO LONGER BE PERMITTED TO USE THEIR OWN COURSE NUMBERS AND CROSS-WALK THEM TO THE STATE-REQUIRED COURSE CODES (JOB CODES). All public schools shall use the course numbering system outlined in this memorandum.
The Level 4 courses (high school) have been changed significantly in the following manner:
1. Courses beginning with the number 4 represent the 38 units required under the Standards for Accreditation for Grades 9-12;
2. Courses beginning with the number 5 represent additional courses beyond the required 38 units which can be used to meet graduation requirements; and
3. Courses beginning with the number 6 represent local credit courses only which may not count as the 38 units nor be used to meet state graduation requirements. However, local credit course may be used for local graduation requirements which exceed the state mandate.
In accordance with Act 1116 of 2003, all academic courses in Grades 9-12 shall be approved by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) PRIOR TO BEING OFFERED FOR CREDIT BY A LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. These courses will be identified in the ADE’s course code numbering system as approved to meet either state graduation requirements or local academic graduation requirements beyond those required by the state.
In addition, the coding system will allow local school districts to offer and give non-academic credit for learning activities that do not meet ADE’s academic course approval requirements by using the numbers 99 to begin the code sequence. The next two digits should be selected according to the subject area or grade level so that the appropriate licensure requirement can be determined for accreditation. The district determines the last three digits in the sequence. ADE APPROVAL IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THESE OFFERINGS. HOWEVER, THEY CANNOT BE CONSIDERED ACADEMIC COURSES; THEY CANNOT BE USED TO MEET STATE CURRICULUM OFFERING REQUIREMENTS OR GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS. The 99-sequence will permit schools to schedule these activities, assign grades and local credit only, and record the activities on student report cards. Additionally, if ADE has specified an appropriate number for a learning activity—for example, 999820 for “other athletics”—the number and course title shall be used by the local district.
In order to assist schools with problems related to scheduling courses which are similar and aligned to the same learning expectations in the curriculum framework, but which may vary in such things as methods of delivery, instructional materials, or student enrollments, the sixth digit in the code sequence is reserved for the local district’s optional use. An example for using the sixth digit is the separate scheduling of physical education for boys (485001) and physical education for girls (485002). The sixth digit can be either a number or alpha character.
Schools are required to use the Level 1 (Preschool), Level 2 (K-4), and Level 3 (5-8) course numbering system. If a school’s configuration includes a ninth grade or above, ALL STUDENTS in the school must be scheduled.
A course catalogue is being developed that will provide course descriptions, standards requirements, and additional information regarding each course. As ADE prepares to implement the course codes maintenance database, school districts shall review all current courses for ADE approval status to ensure compliance with the Course Approval Requirements (ACC 02-058). ALL ACADEMIC COURSES MUST BE ADE-APPROVED, and all non-academic courses must be assigned a code sequence number by ADE. PLEASE ALSO REMEMBER THAT AS CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKS ARE REVISED ON THE STATE BOARD REVISION SCHEDULE, SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHALL RESUBMIT COURSES IN THAT CONTENT AREA FOR ADE-APPROVAL UNDER THE REVISED FRAMEWORK.
All courses listed as one of the required 38 and all ADE-approved courses for local credit outside the 38 have been assigned to the new course code numbering system. If a district believes that courses should be listed but are not, the district should provide ADE with a copy of the letter from ADE which granted approval status for the course(s)in question.
This numbering system should permit ADE to report accurately on the specific courses being taught by districts to meet accreditation requirements, while allowing schools flexibility in scheduling.
Attached is a description of the course code numbering system and a listing of the course titles and numbers that shall be used by all local school districts. Questions regarding the course numbering system, course approval, licensure requirements or accreditation should be addressed to the following people:
Course numbering system: James Boardman, 501-371-5005
Course approval: Roy Barnes, 501-682-5296
Licensure requirement for courses: Annette Barnes, 501-682-4393
Specific courses and their relationship to the standards: Annette Barnes, 501-682-4393