For the 2025-2026
school year, DESE is excited to offer the following two (2) opportunities to
support implementation of accelerated learning in Arkansas schools.
Per § 6-15-901,
“accelerated learning” means an organized method of learning that enables a
student to meet individual academic goals and graduation requirements while
pursuing higher levels of skill development, including without limitation the
following coursework:
(1) A College Board
pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement course;
(2) An International
Baccalaureate Diploma Programme course;
(3) A Cambridge
Advanced International Certificate of Education course;
(4) A concurrent
credit course; and
(5) A substantively
similar course or program approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary
Education.
Opportunity 1: Accelerated Learning Equipment and
Materials Grants
An accelerated learning equipment and
materials grant may be requested for an accelerated learning course
being taught at a school that has not received a grant for the course.
- Maximum award: $1,000 per grant.
For the purpose of
this funding opportunity, materials are defined as instructional items
(books, manipulatives, etc.), and equipment as any necessary device
(graphing calculators, etc.) directly related to the curriculum of the
course.
Applications must be
submitted no later than September 15, 2025. Applicants will be
notified of their application status by October 20, 2025.
If approved,
purchases should be completed as soon as possible to ensure students receive
maximum benefit from the materials. All proof of purchases must be
received no later than January 30, 2026.
Opportunity 2: Accelerated Learning Implementation Pilots
DESE is seeking
schools to partner with to pilot increased Accelerated Learning opportunities.
Interested schools may submit proposals for support with
implementation costs.
Proposals may include, but are not limited to:
- Program fees
- Exam costs
- Costs for educator training
- Materials and equipment
- Student supports
- Family and Community Engagement informational events and materials
For more information
about accelerated learning, visit the Accelerated Learning page
of the DESE website.