6-51-902. Accountability measures and performance indicators.

6-51-902. Accountability measures and performance indicators. (a)(1) All postsecondary vocational-technical schools, technical institutes, and comprehensive lifelong learning centers within the State of Arkansas shall present to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Division of Higher Education a report reflecting a satisfactory level of performance-based system of accountability measures and performance indicators as defined in this section. (2) The report shall be filed with the board and the division annually. (b) In order to promote a coordinated system of postsecondary vocational and technical education in Arkansas and to provide an effective delivery system, the board shall: (1) Review, evaluate, and coordinate budget requests for the institutions in the system; and (2)(A) Develop a system of accountability measures and performance indicators to be used as the basis for budget requests. (B) The system of accountability measures and performance indicators shall incorporate, as a minimum, the following: (i) Student attainment of academic and vocational and technical skill proficiencies; (ii) Student attainment of a diploma, skill certificate, or recognized postsecondary credential; (iii) Student placement, retention, and completion of postsecondary or advanced training, employment, or military service; (iv) Student participation in and completion of programs of nontraditional training and employment; (v) Cost effectiveness as measured by cost per contact hour of instruction; (vi) Business and industry services as measured by the number of contact hours of instruction for specific business and industry courses; and (vii) The degree to which local support has been obtained by the institution as evidenced by: (a) Private sector cash and in-kind donations; (b) Support from local units of government; (c) Foundations; and (d) Other such nonstate sources as may be appropriate. (c) With the exception of a special funding appropriation, all state funds shall be requested by the board for the technical institutes, postsecondary vocational-technical schools, and comprehensive lifelong learning centers based on a funding formula to be developed and approved by the board and shall be based upon the accountability measures and performance indicators enumerated in this section. (d) Upon the failure to find that satisfactory progress is being made by the school, the board shall dissolve the operation of the school or convert the school to an adult education center, a secondary vocational center, or another appropriate role and function. (e) For purposes of standardized reporting and accountability only, the board shall develop for all postsecondary vocational schools, technical institutes, and comprehensive lifelong learning centers a reporting system for headcount enrollment and full-time-equivalency enrollment which is consistent with policies followed by the board. (f) Riverside Vocational Technical School shall be exempt from all provisions of this subchapter except this section and shall remain a postsecondary vocational-technical school as structured under the Department of Corrections.