English Learners
![]() | Vision StatementSchool districts in Arkansas must be dedicated to providing a rigorous and relevant education in which all students gain the academic and personal skills needed for lifelong learning and success. It is the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program’s overall vision to serve and support our English Learner (EL) students so that they are able to reach fluent English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. It is also the goal that with these areas of proficiency, EL students will gain the skills needed to be college and career ready.
The DESE ESOL program works with schools and educational cooperatives to: |
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![]() | Belief StatementsThe DESE ESOL program believes:
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To fully meet the demands of the Arkansas Academic Standards (AAS) and to ensure access to an equitable education for ELs, ESOL programs are expected to provide effective ELD programs and provide support to ELs so that they learn how to effectively employ a second language in an academic setting while learning through that second language knowledge and skills in multiple disciplines.
District English Learner Plan Requirements
DESE has a legal responsibility under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) to ensure that all local education agencies (LEAs) meet the federal requirements to properly identify, assess, and support ELs through an effective ELD program. In order to meet this requirement, all LEAs must submit an annual district-wide English Learner Plan to DESE, whether currently enrolling ELs or not.
Submission Method | Details | Due Date |
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Title III Grant Application | Complete the Title III tab and other related questions on the AR App | June 28 |
English Learner Plan for Non-Title III Districts | Districts will collaboratively complete and submit the AR App | June 28 |
For personalized support or additional information, please contact:
Maria Touchstone, ESOL Program Director/Title III Co-Coordinator
english.learners@ade.arkansas.gov or contact an ESOL Specialist
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Learning Services