DESE has been working with Pearson to transition our state from the Foundations of Reading 190 to the Foundations of Reading 890 so we can take advantage of opportunities like Free-After-Three. The change from Foundations of Reading 190 to Foundations of Reading 890 is a change in test code only. No changes have been made to the test framework or content.
Effective immediately, all candidates can register for and take Foundations of Reading 890, as this test version allows Arkansas candidates the benefits of the Free-After-Three retake policy.
The Free-After-Three Retake Policy provides candidates who have taken Foundations of Reading 890 three times and have not yet passed to reregister for 890 at no cost.
Please note the following regarding the Series Free-After-Three retake policy:
Any test registration or administration of the 890 prior to December 5, 2023, will not count toward a free retake.
You do not need to use a voucher or any special code; the system will automatically allow eligible candidates to register for their retake for free.
You may register for free up to 12 months after the release of your most recent score report for the test.
If you are absent from your test appointment, the absence will not count toward one of the three attempts.
Candidates who are currently registered for Foundations of Reading 190 should schedule and complete their exam prior to August 31, 2025.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Candra Brasel, cbrasel@oursc.k12.ar.us.
Candidates can register for the 890 by clicking the test name under the heading “Series Test Name and Code” here: https://www.nestest.com/state/ar.
For additional information, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Candra Brasel, cbrasel@oursc.k12.ar.us.
On Tuesday, O.U.R. Co-op welcomed around 650 educators from seven member districts for a full day of professional development. Led by Nicole Sweeney, the session focused on recognizing when our mindset is Above the Line or Below the Line, responding to Below the Line moments with grace and dignity, and strategies for returning to an Above the Line perspective. This impactful event was made possible through a collaboration with Arkansas AWARE, and we’re especially grateful to the Harrison School District for generously hosting us at their Performing Arts Center.
A team from OUR Co-op recently attended the AAEA Summer Conference. Pictured are some of the attendees as the conference was concluding.
Our early childhood directors gathered for a magical morning of connection, creativity, and professional growth—Mary Poppins style! From yoga breaks to show & tell on the carpet, from sticky notes of intention to a magical “tool bag” full of strategies for boosting Instructional Support, this session brought heart and purpose to the work we do.
🎭 Special thanks to The Lyric's cast of Mary Poppins for sprinkling in joy, song, and a reminder of the power of arts in education!
Here’s to unleashing the joy of learning and leading—together. 💜
#EarlyEdMagic #InstructionalSupport #MaryPoppinsMoment #ProfessionalDevelopment #JoyfulLearning #OURLeads #ARLEARNS #yourBESTsolution
👏 Tayler Lynch led an outstanding session that encouraged teachers to reflect on strengths, challenges, solutions, and collaboration to elevate their programs.
🤝 North Arkansas College also joined to share updates and promote partnerships.
A great day of connection, strategy, and fresh ideas for business education!
#OURCoop #OURcte #youBESTsolution #BusinessEd #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherCollaboration #CareerReady
🎤 Dr. Tyler Tarver, National Speaker & Founder of Tarver Academy — delivered practical strategies on Google tools, ChatGPT, classroom management, and ready-to-use templates.
🤖 Dr. Robin Finley — shared advanced AI insights and a moving session on Keeping Kids Safe in a Cyberworld, covering cyber threats, teen brain development, and digital safety.
Thanks to both presenters for delivering unforgettable professional development!
#OURCoop #OURcte #yourBESTsolution #AIinEducation #OnlineSafety
Participants worked together to develop actionable strategies to embed soft skills into school culture. The morning was filled with collaboration and vision casting, leading to bold ideas such as:
✔️ Launching Schools of Professionalism
✔️ Hosting a Co-op-wide Professionalism Week
✔️ Forming a Professionalism Committee to support implementation
✔️ Creating a student-led video series to share best practices
✔️ Highlighting Professionalism Superstars to mentor younger students
✔️ Producing a promotional video to unify educators around a shared vision
💼 In the afternoon, we heard from our Small Business Owner Panel featuring:
- Melissa Collins, Weichert Realtors
- Emily Powers, Frenzy Boutique
- Jeff Atkinson, Atkinson Poultry & Beef Farm
After the panel, we proudly presented certificates of completion to our WIN participants 👏 and wrapped up with a tour of Claridge, connecting our work to local industry.
Huge thanks to Smurfit Westrock for sponsoring lunch—and to everyone who made this week impactful and inspiring!
#OURCoop #OURcte #yourBESTsolution #WINLeadershipAcademy #SoftSkillsInAction #FutureReady #EducatorLeadership
In the morning, we tackled the soft skills gap through book study and brainstorming ways to embed these skills into everyday school life—think bell ringers, RTI, gamification, PLC days, student leadership, and even creating videos featuring local students!
After lunch (thank you Melissa Collins with Weichert! 🙌), we heard from a fantastic banking panel and ended the day with a tour of Wabash to see local industry in action.
#OURCoop #OURcte #yourBESTsolution #WINLeadershipAcademy #SoftSkillsMatter #CareerReady
Educators reviewed workforce data, compared it to current programs, and shared what’s working—live, in front of the room. From Perkins V to LEARNS updates, the collaboration sparked real strategies for student success. 💼📊🔍
#OURCoop #OURcte #yourBESTsolution #WorkforceReady #DataToAction
The day also featured:
📖 Book Study
🧠 Career software insights from Defined Careers & Pathway2Careers
💻 IT Industry Panel
🏭 Tour of Northark’s Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Innovation (CRMI)
🍽 Lunch Sponsor: Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District via Boone County Economic Development District funding
#OURCoop #OURcte #yourBESTsolution #WINLeadershipAcademy #SoftSkillsMatter #SchoolCulture
