​The following Arkansas legislation pertains to Special Programs.

• 6-41-101. Funding for Handicapped -- Prior to expending funding for new programs to handicapped students the Department of Education will publish a notice of intent and invite proposals from special service providers.

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•  6-41-206. Handicapped Students -- When the state or school districts utilize private schools to serve handicapped students, the State Board of Education and the local school districts continue to bear responsibility to assure an appropriate quantity and quality of instruction and related services.

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• 6-18-232. Dual Enrollment in Public-Private School --This bill allows a homeschool or private school student to enroll in an academic course at public school.  In many curriculum areas, this practice is already being done, but this bill formalizes the process. An extension of the Code also prohibits a public school district or an open enrollment public charter school from charging a private school or a home school student for the cost of an endorsed concurrent enrollment course unless a public school district or open-enrollment public charter school student is also charged for the course and includes policy making provisions for admittance, participation, transportation option, course credit, and attendance.  

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• 6-15-510. Homeschool Students Participate in Private School Activities --This allows homeschool students to participate in an extracurricular activity through a private school. 

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• 6-18-2302. - Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Program -- Tax credit scholarship program for low-income children to attend private schools.  Qualifying students may use the PIAK scholarship and EFA funds to pay for approved expenses.

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• 6-18-2503.  Educational Freedom Accounts--Included in the law is the opportunity to participate in Education Freedom Accounts which provide funding up to 90% of the State’s prior year per-student foundation funding amount.  More information for school participation can be here , and information for student participation can be found here.  This handbook provides additional details about the program.
  

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• 6-17-414. AAA Registered Volunteers -- Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) registered volunteers of any educational entity must complete statewide and nationwide criminal records checks.
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