For the 2026-2027 school year, DESE is excited to offer the
following two (2) opportunities to support implementation of accelerated
learning in Arkansas schools.
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 Friday, September 25, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their application
status by Friday, October 30, 2026.
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 Monday, February 1, 2027.
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
Background:
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.
For more information about accelerated learning, visit
the Accelerated Learning page of the DESE website.