Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Curriculum Updates - January 2025

Memo Information

Memo Number
LS-25-016
Memo Date
1/17/2025
Memo Type
Informational
Unit
Office of Learning Services
Regulatory Authority
Response Required
NO
Attention
Assistant Principal; Assistant Superintendent; Curriculum Coordinators; Gifted & Talented Coordinators; School Counselors; Superintendents; Teachers

Primary Contact Information

Secondary Contact/s Information

Memo Text

Curriculum updates are provided to inform educators and stakeholders of opportunities, updates and resources related to teaching and learning.    

 

Mathematics 

 Key Levers for Instruction: Unlock new insights in math instruction! We encourage all schools to utilize the Math Walkthrough Tools, available for grades 3-8 and Geometry, to enhance classroom instruction and support student success. Dive in and make every math moment count.

STEMinar: Targeting Math Foundational Skills and Instruction as Key Levers for Instructional Leaders This virtual STEM session for K-12 educators and school leaders will be held on January 28th from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Prepare to unlock the power of effective math instruction in this dynamic session! You'll explore key practices to enhance learning outcomes, gain actionable insights into observation "Look Fors" across critical impact areas—Structured Learning, Aligned Content, Instructional Practices, Student Engagement, and Assessment/Differentiation—and leave equipped with a tool to create transformative classroom experiences. Register at ESCWeb.net using escWorks # 544655

 

Math Intervention Plan (MIP) Rules 

Great news! The Math Intervention Rules have been approved. The rules include important definitions and requirements to help schools provide the best support and practices. Math_Intervention_Legal.pdf

 

Contact - Kisa Morman, Math Program Manager, kisa.morman@ade.arkansas.gov

 

Science  

STEMInar: Targeting K-12 Science Foundational Skills in STEM Instruction: Key Levers for Instructional Leaders  

Join us on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 3:15-4:30 for a close look at each impact area and a view of the online Walkthrough Tool will be shared in the ADE Educator Effectiveness Platform. Register at escWorks for session # 544705. This virtual STEM session for preK-12 educators and school leaders will review why targeting science skills is important, understand the purpose of science instruction data collection, and get an overview of the Science Data Collection Tool: 5 Impact Areas.

 

Contact; Michele Snyder, STEM Integration Specialist, michele.snyder@ade.arkansas.gov

Project Lead The Way Gateway Grant

 The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has been awarded a $2.98 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation to increase student interest and engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by providing middle school students access to high-quality STEM curriculum that supports hands-on, real-world learning, from Project Lead the Way (PLTW). The purpose of the grant is to award Local Education Agencies (LEAs) competitive subgrants to implement PLTW curriculum in the 7th and 8th grades for the following courses: Design and Modeling (399120), Medical Detectives (399180), Automation & Robotics (399110), and Flight and Space (399250). 

Priority consideration for grant funds will be given to LEAs based on the following criteria: 

  
  • LEA demographics that indicate high poverty percentages (Title I status) 
  • Schools without prior access to the curriculum 
  • Implementation and sustainability plan 
  •  
  • PLTW grantees will implement the new curriculum beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Application and related information are linked below. 

Interested LEAs are highly encouraged to attend a school tour at a campus that is already implementing the PLTW curriculum prior to submitting an application. Applicants may view a virtual tour on the DESE PLTW Grant Web Page. The application window is now open and will close on March 14. 2025.

 

Contact: Jason Bailey, PLTW Grant Coordinator, jason.bailey@ade.arkansas.gov

 

2025 Alternative Education "Leadership Day at the Capitol

 Leadership Day at the Capitol is a celebration and recognition of Alternative Education students, educators, and programs in the State of Arkansas. Awards being presented will include: 

    • Academic Achievement Awards,  
    • Student Diamond Awards, and  
    • individual program highlights. 
  •  
  • This is a time to participate in a spectacular opportunity supporting Alternative Education in Arkansas. The recognition ceremony will be held in the Arkansas State Capitol 2nd floor rotunda on February 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of both students and educators, provide a visit to our State Capitol (which will be a first for many students), and allow legislators to engage with students and educators!

 

Contact: Jared Hogue, Alternative Education Director, jared.hogue@ade.arkansas.gov

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