COVID-19 Information

This page is updated frequently to provide parents and educators with information and resources during the COVID-19 health crisis. Additional information is available on the Arkansas Ready for Learning page.

Additional Information Regarding COVID-19 Guidelines and Impact on School Events

During a press conference on February 26, 2021, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced changes to directives that have been in place. In summary, the directives that have been in place with the exception of the mask mandate are now guidance and are to be used as guidelines in planning events such as prom, graduation, etc. The Department of Education strongly encourages schools to continue to follow the guidelines provided by the Department of Health, not only for everyday operations, but also for academic and extracurricular activities. For more information, please read Commissioner's Memo COM-21-090.

Resources for Return to On-site Instruction

For resources about the return to on-site instruction, please visit COVID-19 District and School Information.

Parents

The Kids Guide to the Coronavirus

Posted August 28, 2020

Kids Guide to the Coronavirus
Check out The Kids Guide to the Coronavirus. It focuses on the virus and terms such as social distancing, pandemic, masks and more.


 

 

Help Slow the Spread

Designed for PreK-4 education, Help Slow the Spread features a series of activity sheets and talking points for teachers, parents, and students to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Designated Hotlines

The State's COVID-19 Response, Department of Health Updates & Resources

Sign up for Gov. Asa Hutchinson's COVID-19 updates, access health department updates (for best results, avoid using Internet Explorer), and get other information by clicking on the buttons below. View the COVID-19 update recordings at http://bit.ly/2xTvAu2, You can also access health care resources and ADEM COVID-19 Information.

 
Sign Up for Updates on the State's Response to COVID-19COVID-19 Status Updates From the Arkansas Department of HealthCOVID-19 Health Care ResourcesArkansas Division of Emergency Management COVID-19 Information

Learning Resources for Arkansas Students

 
Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI)Continuing the Learning for Students at HomeOnline Resources for Students 


Arkansas Wi-Fi Map

Posted April 23, 2020

The Arkansas Department of Education is working with the University of Arkansas CAST team on building a map to display all free and public access Wi-Fi for our state. View the map:

https://ar-wifi-map-uark.hub.arcgis.com/app/3de10c8bfdd448a9942256c6227a14f3.

This tool only improves with participation. This link allows for submission of additional sites:

Educators

COVID-19 District and School Information

Updated August 19, 2020

For resources about the return to on-site instruction, please visit COVID-19 District and School Information.

Guidance for Arkansas Schools Regarding COVID-19

Gov. Asa Hutchinson released an executive order (revised 2/26/21) that details action to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is the lead agency to work in concert with other state agencies to respond to the COVID-19 virus.

Commissioner's Memo released February 26, 2021: Additional Information Regarding COVID-19 Guidelines and Impact on School Events.

(For details on prior guidance for Arkansas schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, go to Commissioner's Memo LS-20-089 Guidance for Schools Regarding COVID-19). 

Additional COVID-19 Data

Posted August 27, 2020

Child Nutrition Waivers Overview

The following document features a list of child nutrition waivers granted to the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. These waivers give flexibility in providing meals during COVID-19: Child Nutrition Waivers Overview. You may also view Commissioner’s Memo CNU-21-008.

Digital Learning Resources in Response to COVID-19

In response to COVID-19 concerns, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education - Research and Technology team worked with state partners to create a list of digital learning resources that may assist schools with potential closures. Please visit Digital Learning Resources - COVID 19.

Designated Hotlines

In an effort to field concerns related to school closures and school/student-related concerns of potential positive COVID-19 cases, the Arkansas Department of Health has designated a hotline for school personnel to utilize to report concerns. For all other concerns, individuals should use the MAIN COVID-19 Hotline number. These pertinent numbers are listed below:

Questions? Districts can email education questions to ade.communications@ade.arkansas.gov.

Special Education Guidance and Considerations

Updated September 4, 2020

LEAs must attempt to provide students with disabilities a free appropriate public education consistent with their individualized education program (IEP), as much as possible, while continuing to meet the procedural requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Arkansas law.

Additional Guidance, Considerations and Supports