The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) was awarded a $5.6 million State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) through the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education (OSEP).  The grant will fund districts in implementing a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) with a focus on high-leverage and other evidence-based practices. 

Participation in the SPDG project will provide the district with professional learning and leadership opportunities aligned to the Continuous Inquiry Cycle of Improvement outlined in Arkansas’ ESSA Plan. MTSS professional learning and technical assistance will aid districts in building sustainable, integrated systems for high-quality instruction and assessment. Supports will be customized to address specific needs identified through a review of local data. Personalized, competency-based professional learning will support the implementation of evidence-based practice and create an opportunity for educators to “learn by doing”. The professional learning and coaching support will allow educators time to learn, reflect, and implement content and strategies to impact professional practice and lead to higher achievement for all students. SPDG provides stipends to educators who complete professional learning focused on coaching, Universal Design for Learning, and High-Leverage and other evidence-based practices.

Selected districts and schools will begin in the 2022-2023 school year. The professional learning, technical assistance, and coaching activities will be in effect for the 2022-2025 academic years.  

Fully completed applications must be received by the SPDG no later than Friday, April 29, 2022. Applications can be submitted in Word or PDF format as an email attachment to crystal.bethea@ade.arkansas.gov. The application must be received by 5:00 pm by the due date in order to be considered.

Attachments:

Request for Application

SPDG Application

Application Scoring Summary

Attachments