The Arkansas Department of Education offices are closed today in observance of Memorial Day. View upcoming state holidays at sos.arkansas.gov/about-the-offi….

Discover how Arkansas literacy coaches are transforming education! This video highlights the training and skills these dedicated professionals bring to Arkansas classrooms each day. #ArkansasLEARNS youtube.com/watch?v=dF0QEx…

Please note: the Arkansas criminal background check system will be offline for maintenance today through May 27. It will be available again on Tuesday, May 28.

Space is still available in several of our AEGIS summer programs! Check out the options for students entering grades 7-12 at dese.link/AEGIS. Academic Enrichment for Gifted/Talented in Summer (AEGIS) programs are grant-funded by the ADE. #ArkansasAEGIS

The initial deadline to apply for the Education Freedom Account program is around the corner. Learn more at dese.link/EFA. #ArkansasLEARNS

Congratulations to all of the 2024 high school and post-secondary graduates! 📸 We'd love to see your graduation photos and read what you plan to do next in the comments.

Check out photos from the Statewide STEM Advisory Partners Meeting on May 16: flic.kr/s/aHBqjBqMjp

Partners learned about the #ARReady4STEM Initiative & STEM Education Strategic Plan, attended a panel discussion, and visited STEM Showcase Exhibits and Engagement Activities.

We are excited about this investment in 19 two- and four-year colleges and universities in Arkansas! The ALIGN Program is designed to upskill nursing professionals, expand nursing apprenticeship programs, and increase nurse educator recruitment and retention.

Arkansas LEARNS empowers parents with educational options. Learn more about the Education Freedom Account program at dese.link/EFA! #ArkansasLEARNS

Space is still available to join a Special Education Resource Teacher Academy for 2024-2025! Learn more about the participating university programs and choose one to register for at dese.link/COM-24-100. Add an endorsement to your license in one year at no cost to you!

The DESE Assessment Office is excited to report that 97.3% of Arkansas students in grades 3-10 have completed their end-of-year ATLAS testing before next Friday's deadline! We also offered schools a chance to pilot the new K-3 test, and 39.5% of eligible students participated.

The Arkansas School Nutrition Leadership Training brought district child nutrition professionals to Ferndale on Friday, May 10, where Secretary Oliva delivered the welcome, discussed the state of education in Arkansas, and took questions from the audience.

Space is still available to join an ESOL Institute for 2024-2025! The application deadline for priority consideration is Wednesday, May 15. Applications received after that date will be processed in the order they are received. Learn more at dese.link/LS-24-045.

DESE staff members Alesia Alexander, Isrechea Bolden, LaQuisha Blevens, Maria Lockhart, Stephanie Hall, Maria Lockhart stopped by Central High School, Mabelvale Elementary, and Mabelvale Middle to celebrate with educators for #TeacherAppreciationWeek !

ICYMI: The 74 published a series of articles last week titled 'Saving Schools in America’s Fastest-Shrinking City: Exodus and Renewal in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.' You can read all six stories now. the74million.org/saving-schools…