Updates and clarifications for the 2026-27 school year include: 

The chart below shows a progression of K-12 coursework that could be utilized to provide accelerated learning opportunities.  Additional options and programs for providing progressions to support accelerated learning can be found in the Accelerated Learning Organized Method section of this document. Regardless of the programming or coursework offered, progressions should be structured to offer multiple entry points aligned to student readiness. 

2026-27 

Grade Point Scales and Weighted Credit  

For the graduating classes of 2026 through 2030, all accelerated learning courses and approved courses for weighted credit taken between the 2025-26 and 2029-30 school years shall be weighted on a 5.0 scale.  

(A) A = 5 points;  

(B) B = 4 points; 

(C) C = 3 points;  

(D) D = 2 points; and  

(E) F = 0 points.  

Procedures for Weighted Credit 

The Course Code Management System (CCMS) will indicate weight to be used for each course. Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, districts must ensure that all accelerated learning courses receive the appropriate weight by configuring the master schedule accordingly. In eSchool, the master schedule must have the correct designations to indicate the course is weighted. The weighted courses must be assigned to the appropriate course code that reflects the appropriate level (e.g., AP, IB, Concurrent Credit, etc.).  

Each weighted course in the master schedule must be configured with the corresponding GPA type and level, which will determine the appropriate level table to be applied. See the APSCN Scheduling Training Guide Part 1, pages 73–76 for instructions for adding GPA/level information. The training guide can be found on the APSCN website, https://apscn.ade.arkansas.gov under the SMS tab. The website requires the APSCN username/password to access. Once properly configured, Triand will reflect the weighted course data.  

Grade Forgiveness 

Grade forgiveness is an important policy consideration for supporting students in progression through accelerated content. Districts shall adopt a grade forgiveness policy that allows students who complete state graduation credit-bearing courses in middle school to retake the course. This promotes academic risk-taking, supports student growth, and ensures that early access to advanced coursework does not have long-term negative consequences on a student’s academic record. Additional guidance for development of grade forgiveness policies is available in the Accelerated Learning Guide.  

Connection to Student Success Plans 

Accelerated Learning opportunities are a required component of Student Success Plans (Arkansas Code § 6-15-2911). As Student Success Plans are developed and reviewed, students, families, and school-level advisors should intentionally consider the student’s post-secondary goals, career interests, and demonstrated strengths. Decisions regarding enrollment in Accelerated Learning coursework should be grounded in how these opportunities align with the student’s long-term aspirations and contribute meaningfully to progress toward enlistment, enrollment, or employment. 

LAUNCH for Students: Statewide Implementation 2026-2027 

LAUNCH for Students is Arkansas’s new statewide platform designed to streamline college, career, and academic planning for each student. The system provides a unified, student-centered experience by offering access to Student Success Plans, personalized career exploration tools, graduation planning resources, and real-time data that support informed decision-making and meaningful goal setting.  

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

What’s Next with Accelerated Learning: Updates for the 2027-28 school year and beyond can be found in Appendix A of the Accelerated Learning Guide.

For questions, please visit the Accelerated Learning Guide or the Accelerated Learning page of the DESE website or contact Krystal Nail at Krystal.Nail@ade.arkansas.gov.