1. 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

2. Welcome

3. 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

4. 2008 Explore Data AHS 9th graders
Assesses English, Math, Reading, and Science
Our focus: English, Math, and Reading

5. 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.

6. English 8th grade benchmark score: 13 34 students
Indicated they plan to attend 4+ years of college, but did not meet the benchmark score

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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. Organization Four Modules Math English Reading
Study Skills/Career Exploration

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

16. Handbook Rules Attendance Tardiness Unacceptable Behaviors Dress
Identification

17. Other
Campus security
Lunch
Opening Celebration

18. Pictures removed to reduce file size

19. Arkadelphia College Preparatory Academy Pilot Program Data Analysis 2009

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

22. Year 2

23. 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

24. 2009 Explore Data Clark County 9th graders – 302 tested
English, Math, Reading, and Science
Focus: English, Math, and Reading

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

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

27. 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

28. 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?

29. Arkadelphia College Preparatory Academy 2009-2010 Data Analysis

30. Attendance

31. Explore Test Results

32. Explore Test Results

33. Plan Test Results

34. Plan Test Results

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

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

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

38. 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

39. THANK YOU
Questions and Comments