ADE Commissioner Jacob Oliva
Jacob Oliva
Secretary | Read Bio 
Department of Education

Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education IEP and 504 Plan Documentation Platform

Memo Information

Memo Number
COM-26-032
Memo Date
1/20/2026
Memo Type
Informational
Unit
Federal Programs
Regulatory Authority
Response Required
NO
Attention
Assistant Principal; Assistant Superintendent; Curriculum Coordinators; Data Stewards (SIS; eSchool; eFinance; TRIAND); District Coordinators (ALE; Homeless; ESOL; SDFS & Foster); Early Childhood Coordinator; Educator Effectiveness System Coordinator; Equity Coordinators (Disability/Race/Gender/National Origin); Federal Programs; General Business Managers; Principals; School Counselors; Special Education Supervisor; Superintendents; Technology Coordinators; Techstart Coordinators or Contact Name

Primary Contact Information

Secondary Contact/s Information

Memo Text

Arkansas districts and schools will have access to a new, no-cost option for managing Special Education IEP and Section 504 Plan documentation through PowerSchool’s statewide, Arkansas-compliant platform.  This solution is designed to deliver consistency, efficiency, and improved data reporting across schools and districts. The platform is intended to support districts interested in moving to a more unified Special Education and 504 Plan system of support and is customized to meet Arkansas’s specific requirements. The platform organizes documentation and automates many aspects of data collection.  While participation is not mandatory, districts are encouraged to consider implementing PowerSchool Special Programs in Summer 2026. Districts interested in participating for the 2026-2027 school year will need to opt-in by February 27, 2026.

Key Components of the Platform:

  • Zero Licensing Costs: Program is offered at no cost to districts.
  • Compliance: Built-in safeguards for Arkansas-specific requirements.
  • Productivity: Streamlined workflows to reduce the need for manual data entry.
  • Accurate Data: Automated reporting to eSchoolPlus.
  • Statewide Consistency: Simplified transfers and documentation across Arkansas districts.

Key Dates:

  • January - February 2026:  Opt-in window
  • February 27, 2026: Opt-in deadline for the 2026-2027 School Year 
  • March - June 2026:  District onboarding and training
  • Summer 2026:   Platform launch
  • SY 2026 - 2027: Ongoing support and optimization

More information regarding the opt-In will be forthcoming by direct email communication from PowerSchool to district Special Education Supervisors and Section 504 Coordinators. 

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