(a) A person shall not be licensed as a social studies teacher or as an elementary school teacher unless the person has successfully completed:
(1) For a person seeking a traditional first-time license, at least three (3) college-credit hours in Arkansas history at an accredited institution of higher education; or
(2) For a person seeking licensure through a nontraditional program, by reciprocity, or by adding an endorsement, documentation of the successful completion of:
(A) Three (3) college credit hours in Arkansas history at an accredited institution of higher education; or
(B) Forty-five-hour professional development piece in Arkansas history offered through ArkansasIDEAS.
(b) However, social studies teachers and elementary school teachers entering Arkansas from another state shall receive a one-year nonrenewable provisional license to teach in Arkansas schools as authorized by § 6-17-403, during which time the person shall complete the Arkansas history requirement under this section.
(c) The provisions of this section are not applicable to the renewal of a license for a teacher who was licensed before March 24, 1997.