ADE will expand its Response-to-Intervention Arkansas initiative, which is a multi-component, general education model designed to identify students at risk academically or behaviorally, offer support and monitor progress.
“The grant will provide the resources we need to move the needle in Arkansas toward increased results for all students, including those with disabilities,” Lisa Haley, the associate director of Special Education, said.
ADE will enhance partnerships with the American Institutes for Research and Arkansas State University’s Center for Community Engagement to implement a statewide system of support for behavior and academics.
This school year, ADE also will partner with the Little Rock School District to implement the RTI model at the elementary level, with plans to expand to middle and high schools in the future. Over time, additional districts will receive assistance through the grant.
ADE previously received two grants from the Office of Special Education Programs: a State Improvement Grant of more than $7 million from 2003 to 2007 and another State Personnel Development Grant of $5 million from 2009 to 2014.