In support of the Smart Step Initiative, the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) announces an opportunity for schools to participate in the Smart Step Literacy Lab Classroom Project.
The goal of the project is to provide long-term professional development for teams of middle level (Grades 5-8) administrators and reading/language arts teachers for the purpose of establishing exemplary classrooms using the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop approach to language arts instruction. Participation requires a three-year commitment to the project. ADE will provide the professional development, substitute pay, classroom materials, professional texts, travel and lodging (training will be held in central Arkansas) expenses. Administrators and teachers should read the attached documents carefully to fully understand the responsibilities of participating in the project.
An orientation will be held on April 17, 2002, to fully inform prospective participants of the goals, responsibilities, and timeline for the professional development. Schools interested in attending the orientation should return the attached INTENT TO PARTICIPATE form by April 12, 2002, to the following address:
K-12 Literacy Unit
Arkansas Department of Education
#4 Capitol Mall, Room 401-B
Little Rock, AR 72201