Southwest Arkansas College Preparatory Academy: Partnerships, Planning and Results – A Community Vision Donnie Whitten, Superintendent Arkadelphia Public Schools Paulette Blacknall, Director of Education Renewal Zone Henderson State University

Welcome

A Community Vision High School Redesign Phase III Donnie Whitten, Superintendent Arkadelphia Public Schools 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

2008 Explore Data AHS 9th 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 8th grade benchmark score: 13 34 students Indicated they plan to attend 4+ years of college, but did not meet the benchmark score

Math 8th grade benchmark score: 17 55 students Indicated they plan to attend 4+ years of college, but did not meet the benchmark score

Reading 8th grade benchmark score: 15 54 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

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Arkadelphia College Preparatory Academy Pilot Program Data Analysis 2009

Student Attendance Data Number of Absences Number of Students 20 1 9 2 3 4 5 6

Year 2

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

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

English 8th grade benchmark score: 13 95 students Indicated they plan to attend 4+ years of college, but did not meet the benchmark score

Math 8th grade benchmark score: 17 160 students Indicated they plan to attend 4+ years of college, but did not meet the benchmark score

Reading 8th grade benchmark score: 15 135 students Indicated that they plan to attend 4+ years of college, but did not meet the benchmark score

Our students have big dreams, but will they be ready for college? 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?

Arkadelphia College Preparatory Academy 2009-2010 Data Analysis

Attendance 2009-2010

Explore Test Results 2009-2010

Explore Test Results 2009-2010

Plan Test Results 2009-2010

Plan Test Results 2009-2010

Year 3 136 students October – May – Selected Saturdays Two weeks in June Increase number of staff Incentives

Funding Partners Ross Foundation Southern Bancorp – Clark County Plan Cabe Foundation Olds Foundation Private funding to date: $176, 000.00

Arkadelphia Promise www.arkadelphiapromise.com Arkadelphia Promise Foundation Southern Bancorp Ross Foundation Arkadelphia Public Schools Clark County Strategic Plan

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

THANK YOU Questions and Comments