This bill mandates that private schools in Arkansas administer an annual statewide student assessment and requires them to admit any student who applies for admission and intends to use state funding for associated costs. The bill amends existing laws to include private schools in the statewide assessment system, ensuring they report student assessment results to parents or guardians and participate in the assessment process. It also specifies that any costs related to the administration of the assessment by private schools must be covered entirely by the schools themselves.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for private schools regarding student admission, stating that they must accept all applicants who intend to use state funds, unless they can demonstrate a lack of capacity based on federal or state regulations. Private schools that accept state funding are required to report their capacity to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education by May 31 each year. The bill also clarifies the definition of "state funds" to include various forms of state financial assistance awarded to students.

Statutes affected:
HB 1542: 6-15-2006(a), 6-15-2907(a), 6-15-2907(d), 6-15-2907(h), 6-15-2907(i), 6-15-2907(l), 6-15-2907, 6-15-2909(a)