The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has consolidated 17 different state and federal applications into a single district strategic plan – the AR App. The AR App workbook is now available for districts and must be uploaded as a Google Sheets link to Indistar by June 30, 2025, to secure preliminary approval for federal funding. 

For the 2025-2026 school year, the AR App focuses on three statewide priorities: Improving Academic Outcomes, Safe and Healthy Schools, and Quality Educational Workforce. The AR App includes the following grant applications and plans:

• 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 applications

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

Completing the AR App

This year, DESE will be using a Google Sheets version of the AR App. Each district will have a district-specific Google Sheets AR App workbook shared with the Superintendent. A Superintendent may share the AR App workbook with any other relevant district staff. Links to individual district AR App Google Sheets workbooks can be found here. Districts must complete this workbook and should not make their own copy or version. Once completed, upload a link to the AR App workbook and upload any additional required forms to Indistar by June 30, 2025. 

DESE has developed resources to assist your district team: Resources can be found on the AR App webpage under the Office of Federal Programs. Education Service Cooperatives will hold a series of trainings for districts to receive technical assistance and support through the completion process of the AR App.

Please send questions to ARapp@ade.arkansas.gov.