Arkansas § 6-50-503 - Establishment of programs.

§ 6-50-503. Establishment of programs.

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. The programs established under this section shall be based on the following fundamental principles: Providing strong employer commitment and involvement; 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; Providing high-quality supervised learning opportunities for students at the work site; Integrating academic and vocational teaching and learning in the classroom and at work; Fostering interactive, team-based learning in the classroom; Including curriculum on all aspects of the industry; Using competency-based measures for evaluating student progress; Providing both academic and occupational credentials; Providing access and support to nontraditional groups; and Explicitly addressing issues regarding diversity in society and the workplace. 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. The division, the State Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee, and local sites shall take joint responsibility for identifying the industries and occupations selected in subdivision (c)(1) of this section. The State Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee is responsible for identifying traditional apprenticeship programs that are currently in place.