REGISTRATION DEADLINE (no exceptions): June 11, 2010.
In support of the Smart Step and Smart Future 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 and high school level 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 ADE web page at http://www.arkansased.org/smart_arkansas/smart_step/lit_lab.html
The same information may also be found 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, 2010. All literacy lab forms are attached to the memo. Please complete all forms and follow the directions for submitting the documents. All forms should be mailed to Harry Lisle, Smart Step Literacy Lab Classroom Project, c/o Harding University, Box 12254, Searcy, AR 72149 by June 11, 2010.