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Bill

SB 470

TO REQUIRE AN ADULT APPROVED TO OVERSEE THE ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE STUDENT ASSESSMENT TO CERTAIN STUDENTS IN A VIRTUAL SETTING TO MEET CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brooks and 1 co-sponsor

SB 470 requires an approved adult to supervise K-8 students during virtual assessments and for 9-12 students to attest to testing security, ensuring assessment integrity.

Notification that SB470 is now Act 646
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Bill Summary · SB 470

Summary of Senate Bill 470 (SB 470)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 470 (SB 470) aims to establish specific requirements for the administration of statewide student assessments to students in virtual settings. The bill emphasizes the need for an approved adult to be present during the assessment process to ensure compliance with testing protocols and maintain the integrity of the assessment.

Key Provisions

  • Adult Supervision Requirement:

    • For students in kindergarten through grade eight (K-8), an approved adult (which may include a parent, legal guardian, or another responsible adult) must be physically present with the student during the assessment.
    • For students in grades nine through twelve (9-12), the approved adult must attest prior to the assessment that both the student and the adult will adhere to all current testing security protocols.

  • Amendment to Existing Law:

    • The bill amends Arkansas Code § 6-18-114(b)(5) to incorporate these requirements, ensuring that virtual schools follow standardized procedures for assessments.

Affected Parties

  • Students: The bill directly impacts students enrolled in virtual schools, particularly those in K-12 grades who are required to take statewide assessments.
  • Parents and Guardians: The legislation places responsibilities on parents and guardians, as they may be required to supervise or attest to the assessment process.
  • Virtual Schools: Schools operating primarily in a virtual format must comply with the new requirements, which may involve establishing protocols for approving adults who oversee assessments.

Fiscal Impact

  • The fiscal impact statement indicates that there is no revenue impact associated with this bill, suggesting that its implementation will not require additional funding or resources.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: March 17, 2025
  • Passed: The bill was read and passed multiple times in both the Senate and House, with the final notification that SB 470 is now Act 646 occurring on April 18, 2025.
  • Governor's Approval: The bill was delivered to the Governor on April 10, 2025, and subsequently enacted.

Conclusion

SB 470 establishes important guidelines for the administration of statewide assessments in virtual settings, ensuring that students are adequately supervised during testing. By mandating the presence of an approved adult and adherence to security protocols, the bill aims to uphold the integrity of the assessment process for virtual learners in Arkansas.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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