REGISTRATION DEADLINE (no exceptions): May 18, 2007
In support of the Smart Step and Next Step Initiatives, 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 and high school administrators and reading/language arts teachers (Grades 4-12) for the purpose of establishing exemplary classrooms using a comprehensive literacy approach to language arts instruction. Additional team members (Grades 4-12) may be considered for this training opportunity. The ADE works collaboratively with Harding University and mid-level literacy professor, Ken Stamatis, to provide this professional development opportunity.
There is a general overview of the Smart Step Literacy Lab Classroom Project posted on the Harding University Education Department web page at http://www.harding.edu/education/smartstep.html.
Participation requires a three-year commitment by the school administration and participating staff members.
School districts will be responsible for ALL training expenses. Administrators and teachers should read the attached documents carefully to fully understand the costs and responsibilities of participating in the project.
No orientation will be held.
Registration for Literacy Lab will begin March 1, 2007. All literacy lab forms are attached to this memo. Please complete all forms and follow the directions for submitting the documents. The "School Registration Form" must be emailed to Ben Ellis, ben.ellis@arkansas.gov and received by May 18, 2007.
The "School Commitment Form" and all "Team Member Commitment Forms" should be mailed to Harry Lisle, Smart Step Literacy Lab Classroom Project, c/o Harding University, Box 12254, Searcy, AR 72149 by June 10, 2007.