Office of Innovation for Education Grant to Create Opportunities for K-12 Students With Disabilities

The College of Education and Health Professions' Office of Innovation for Education is dedicated to supporting K-12 educators to meet the evolving needs of all learners in Arkansas.

OIE is partnering with the Arkansas Department of Education to implement a five-year, $425,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to create more meaningful educational opportunities for K-12 students with disabilities across Arkansas.

The Arkansas State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) builds on ADE and OIE's previous collaboration by advancing leadership capacity in school personnel, implementing evidence-based practices and strengthening collaboration between schools and families.

"The heart of the [State Personnel Development Grant] initiative is our commitment to students with disabilities," said Crystal Beshears Duncan, OIE's assistant director of innovation. "By equipping educators with evidence-based strategies, we are ensuring that these students are actively thriving, meeting high standards and preparing for successful, independent futures. We are honored to partner with ADE on this important work."

A previous five-year grant that emphasized changes in educators' mindset and behavior helped lay the foundation for this new project's goals.

One school-based instructional coach who was impacted by OIE's previous grant said they've seen improvement in their students and teachers alike.

"I've seen a lot of teacher growth simply helping them navigate their thinking and arrive at their own conclusions," the coach said. "That's a big deal for them — they're taking charge of their own learning, and that's going to stick with them much more than me saying, 'here's how to fix it.' We're coaching instead of enforcing compliance, and that's helped not just students with disabilities but all students."

A key focus of the new grant will be ensuring school personnel have access to ongoing, high-quality professional development. OIE predicts this will lead to enhanced opportunities and outcomes for students with disabilities. 

The U.S. Department of Education recently identified the Arkansas SPDG as an exemplary model for other states to use.

OIE has been an established partner of the Arkansas Department of Education since 2013. The organization collaborates with public schools, districts, educators and organizations across the state and beyond to ensure a measurable impact for all learners in Arkansas schools. OIE's data team helps ADE analyze student outcome data, and OIE's innovation team, which will implement the SPDG grant, provides professional learning to school leaders and teachers. 

"OIE's collaboration with ADE and educators throughout the state is an excellent example of our college's service to Arkansas," said Michael Hevel, associate dean for research, strategy and outreach. "I'm excited that this new funding will leverage OIE's expertise to ensure all Arkansas students meet their full potential in the classroom and beyond." 

Each year, OIE recognizes Schools of Innovation that go above and beyond to plan and implement initiatives that help ensure academic success and learning for all students.

To learn more about the Office of Innovation for Education, visit their website.