The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has consolidated 17 different state and federal applications into a single new plan – the AR App.  The AR App will require districts to manage their teams collaboratively to ensure that district leadership – and by extension all who support students – are operating from a single plan for student learning.

For the 2024-2025 school year, the AR App focuses on three statewide priorities: Improving Academic Outcomes, Safe and Healthy Schools, and Quality Educational Workforce. The AR App replaces the following grant applications and plans, if applicable to your district:

• Grants: Title I Part A, Title I Part C, Title I Part D, Title II, Title III, Title IV, Title V, and IDEA Part B

• Plans: Enhanced Student Achievement (ESA), Health and Wellness, Gifted and Talented Application, English Learner State Plan, Retention and Recruitment, Alternate Learning Environment, Family and Community Engagement, Literacy, and District Support Plan

Completing the AR App
The AR App workbook can be downloaded from Indistar and districts can begin the process of setting up their AR App teams and designating a district lead.  DESE has developed the following resources to assist your district team:  Planning Guide, FAQ document, technical guidance, and video tutorials are available on AR App webpage. DESE will hold a series of virtual "office hours" and program-specific webinars in the upcoming months for districts to receive technical assistance. The department recommends that all districts start by carefully reviewing the AR App Planning Guide.

Once districts complete the AR App and upload into Indistar prior to June 28th with any additional required forms they will have met initial approval for federal funding. 

Send questions to ARapp@ade.arkansas.gov.