Per A.C.A. § 6-15-902 and Chapter 6 of the Rules Governing Grading and Course Credit, Arkansas teachers of AP courses must complete an approved training no less than once every five (5) years.    

The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will again provide funds for the purpose of professional development training for Arkansas Advanced Placement teachers attending the Arkansas Advanced Placement Summer Institutes (APSI).  Grant money to pay for teacher training will be available at each of the three Arkansas APSIs until funds are exhausted.   

Registration is now open for all three Arkansas APSIs.   

APSI contact information and course offerings for 2024-2026 may be accessed from the following link: 

Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI) Course Offerings and Contact Information    

The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Weighted Credit and AP Training Approval Committee has also approved other training options to satisfy initial or renewal training requirements for AP.  

Full participation is required in each of the AP training options. Teachers must provide a copy of the certificate documenting their training to their district. It is suggested teachers also provide a copy of their certificate to their District Gifted and Talented Coordinator and Advanced Placement Coordinator. 

If AP teachers are unable to attend a required training, they must complete an Additional Training Plan (ATP) with the Office of Gifted & Talented and Advanced Placement.  

Questions regarding AP training requirements may be directed to the Office of Gifted & Talented and Advanced Placement. Office personnel are listed as contacts on this memo.