Dr. Charles L. Welch, President Henderson State University Paulette Blacknall, Director of Education Renewal Zone Henderson State University Donnie Whitten, Superintendent Arkadelphia Public Schools

Welcome Dr. Charles Welch, President Henderson State University

A Community Vision High School Redesign Phase III Arkansas Task Force on Higher Education Remediation, Retention and Graduation Rates – Access to Success Governor’s Education Works Summit Clark County Strategic Plan Pilot Program – April, May, June of 2009 Donnie Whitten, Superintendent Arkadelphia Public Schools

2008 Explore Data AHS 9 th graders Assesses English, Math, Reading, and Science Our focus: English, Math, and Reading

2008 EXPLORE DATA Benchmark score indicates that a student is on target to be successful--50% likely to earn a “B” or better in a corresponding college course, 75% likely to earn a “C” or better. Students report their future educational plans and career interests.

English 8 th grade benchmark score: students Indicated they plan to attend 4+ years of college, but did not meet the benchmark score

Math 8 th grade benchmark score: students Indicated they plan to attend 4+ years of college, but did not meet the benchmark score

Reading 8 th grade benchmark score: students Indicated that they plan to attend 4+ years of college, but did not meet the benchmark score

Summary Overall, 78 students planned to attend 4+ years of college but did not meet the benchmark score in one or more areas. 31 students of those students did not meet the benchmark in English, Math, and Reading.

Arkadelphia College Preparatory Academy Universities, public schools, Dawson Education Service Cooperative, business partners, community leaders, parents, and elected officials are collaborating to address college remediation, retention, and graduation rates beginning at the middle school level using data from EXPLORE, PLAN, and ACT.

Partners Henderson State University Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia Public Schools Centerpoint Public Schools Gurdon Public Schools Arkansas Department of Education Ouachita Technical College Dawson Education Service Cooperative

Partners South Arkansas Math and Science Center HSU/OBU ROTC Ross Foundation, Arkadelphia Cabe Foundation, Gurdon Olds Foundation, Amity Southern Bancorp, Arkadelphia Clark County Strategic Plan State Representative Johnnie J. Roebuck

Paulette Blacknall, Director Southwest-A Education Renewal Zone Henderson State University Pilot Program – 2008

Organization Four Modules Math English Reading Study Skills/Career Exploration

Staffing Classes are co-taught One public school teacher/licensed teacher One University faculty member

Handbook Rules Attendance Tardiness Unacceptable Behaviors Dress Identification

Other Campus security Lunch Opening Celebration

Number of AbsencesNumber of Students Student Attendance Data

Year 2

Year 2 – Clark County Schools Planning Committee Include County School Districts Increase enrollment to 88 students Eligible students: 9 th & 10 th graders Private Funding Increase District Commitments October 12, 2009 – Opening Celebration

2009 Explore Data Clark County 9 th graders – 302 tested English, Math, Reading, and Science Focus: English, Math, and Reading

English 8 th grade benchmark score: students Indicated they plan to attend 4+ years of college, but did not meet the benchmark score

Math 8 th grade benchmark score: students Indicated they plan to attend 4+ years of college, but did not meet the benchmark score

Reading 8 th grade benchmark score: students Indicated that they plan to attend 4+ years of college, but did not meet the benchmark score

Summary Overall, 160 students plan to attend 4+ years of college but did not meet the benchmark score in one or more areas. Our students have big dreams, but will they be ready for college?

Attendance

Explore Test Results

Plan Test Results

Funding Partners Ross Foundation Southern Bancorp – Clark County Plan Cabe Foundation Olds Foundation Private funding to date: $176,

Next Steps Increase number of student participants Continue seeking funding sources Four year academy with residential requirements for upperclassmen Reduce remediation rates for high school seniors entering college