State Personnel Development Grant

What We Do

The Arkansas State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) is dedicated to transforming and enhancing Arkansas’ statewide support system. Through competency-based professional learning and ongoing coaching, we help implement high-leverage and evidence-based practices at the regional, district, and school levels. Our mission is to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to professional development, adopting a targeted, individualized, and multi-tiered model to better meet the diverse needs of educators and students.

Who We Are

The SPDG is a five-year grant awarded from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs. The SPDG partners with

The Office of Innovation for Education to provide coaching support and resources focused on meaningful access
The Office of Educator Effectiveness and Licensure, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide competency-based micro-credentials
The Center for Exceptional Families to empower parents by providing them with the knowledge and tools to effectively support their child's unique needs, promoting an innovative approach to special education services for individuals with disabilities.

The SPDG staff provides free technical assistance through a variety of methods, including phone, email, and other virtual platforms. The SPDG website also offers a wide range of resources, including coaching practices, competency-based professional learning opportunities, tools for family and community engagement, and detailed information on Response to Intervention.

For more information, please contact:

Crystal Bethea

State Personnel Development Grant Director

Arkansas Department of Education

Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

1401 W. Capitol Ave. Suite #425

Little Rock, AR 72201

Phone: 501-319-7091

Email: Crystal.Bethea@ade.arkansas.gov

Jason Burks

State Personnel Development Grant Assistant Director

Arkansas Department of Education