Campus Talk: Arkansas Sees Steps Forward, Backward In Kids Count Education Data
by July 28, 2015 2:20 pm 144 views
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ARKANSAS SEES STEPS FORWARD, BACKWARD IN KIDS COUNT EDUCATION DATA: Last week’s release of data from the Annie E. Casey Kids Count report showed Arkansas moving in the wrong direction on a few fronts, but noticeable improvement in children’s health and a few education categories. Arkansas ranked 44th overall, three spots lower than the previous year. In education, Arkansas fell from 36th among states to 39th.
Among the education results, Arkansas has seen improvement over the last six year in fourth graders not proficient in reading (from 71% in 2007 to 68% in 2013); eighth graders not proficient in math (76% in 2007 to 72% in 2013); and high school students not graduating on time (24% in 2007-08 to 22% in 2011-12). However, the report said Arkansas “worsened” in children not attending preschool (52% in 2007-09 to 55% in 2011-13). Access the Arkansas state profile here.
UALR PARTNERSHIP WITH TEXARKANA CAMPUS EXPANDS DEGREE OFFERINGS: The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, in partnership with the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana (UACCH-Texarkana), has expanded its bachelor degree options beginning with the 2015 fall semester.
These UALR bachelor degree programs are available: Applied Science; Professional Studies; BBA in General Business; and Construction Management.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the two campuses was approved by the UA Board of Trustees in May 2014. The partnership will include construction of a new building on the Texarkana branch campus to enhance UALR’s ability to teach courses and better serve students from Miller and surrounding counties.
The goal is to expand course offerings so students are prepared to transition from two-year degrees to completing their four-year degree with UALR. Courses are taught by UALR faculty. Classes begin this fall.
WALTON FOUNDATION PLANNING ‘INDEPENDENT’ SCHOOL: The Walton Family Foundation is developing what it is calling an “independent” school in Bentonville for the Northwest Arkansas region. The school will “offer a challenging curriculum, small classes, a diverse student body and distinctive architecture.” A timeline for release is expected next spring for the school’s opening and grade levels. It is expected at first to serve middle school and high school students.
ARKANSAS DELEGATION ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $2 MILLION FOR ARKANSAS HIGHER EDUCATION: At least nine colleges and universities in the state will receive help from the U.S. Department of Education Student Support Services Program, the state’s congressional delegation said last week. Read which schools will benefit here.
COMPUTER SCIENCE TASK FORCE PREPARES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FALL TERM: The state’s task force on computer science education met in downtown Little Rock Wednesday to work on recommendations for the Governor. Task force member Tom Chilton of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission said the new law requires the task force to plan for teacher trainings and to reassess how students are taught computer science subject matter at earlier grades as well. Read more from the meeting at this link.
UCA RECOGNIZED FOR STUDENT RETENTION STRATEGIES: The University of Central Arkansas was one of 10 universities honored by Skyfactor Mapworks with a Mapworks Excellence Award during the organization’s annual Mastering Mapworks Summer Conference.
The awards recognize institutions through a process of self-nomination. Universities submit information that highlights the many ways they use Mapworks data to build strategic partnerships, develop sustainable programming, and support students. In addition to UCA’s public recognition for outstanding work in the field of student success and retention, UCA was invited to share best practices with other campuses from across the nation.
Skyfactor Mapworks, formerly EBI MAP-Works, is a student-retention and success system that determines if a student is on track to be successful based on a customizable risk predictor. Risks are determined by a variety of different information from multiple sources within the university. This allows the university to quickly see which students need immediate assistance.
BOOZMAN RECOGNIZES AFRICAN-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY MILESTONE: U.S. Senator John Boozman, R-Arkansas, introduced a resolution marking the 125th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act, legislation that established educational opportunities for African-Americans with the creation of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and 18 other historically black colleges and universities.
Arkansas is one of 18 states with an 1890 Land-Grant University. August 30, 2015 marks the 125th anniversary of the enactment of the Second Morrill Act.
“The 1890 Land-Grant Universities provided access to education for students who had been previously denied opportunities at land grant universities because of race. These schools are thriving, world-class institutions that continue to offer students a great education and help them realize their dreams of earning a college degree. The research, innovation and development accomplished at these schools is making a difference in Arkansas and throughout the world,” Boozman said.