The United States leads the world in the number of incarcerated persons per 100,000. In today's global economy, these numbers represent huge wastes in human capital, especially when you consider the inequitable nature of the American criminal justice system, as witnessed by the disproportionate racial and ethnic composition, types of crimes, and…

For many low-income students and students of color, financial and other barriers can derail their efforts to complete a postsecondary credential. In 2014, the Working Students Success Network (WSSN) was launched by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Lumina Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Kresge Foundation, MetLife Foundation, and Bank of America.…

Community colleges are mission-driven institutions committed to access and community needs. They serve a diverse population: The majority of students are employed, so they have to balance work with school; about one-third are first-generation, so they are navigating an unfamiliar system for the first time in their families; and 15% are single…

An increased level of collaboration is often a specific requirement for groups and agencies involved in complementary grant program activities. This ensures that programs with a common funding source are as efficient and effective as possible in areas where their missions converge. In this report, the authors highlight collaborative activities…

Concern about disruptive and violent behavior has become the focus of the public schools today because of the number of incidents of violence that has occurred in the past few years across the country. The Federal and State of Arkansas legislation have focused on making schools safer by creating rules and guidelines that address policies and…

A vocational program in an Arkansas prison serves approximately 150 inmates with nine traditional low-tech programs geared to the needs of the prison population and the local job market. Only 7.5 percent of those who receive vocational training return to prison after release compared to 30.8 percent overall. (JOW)

A description is given of a state-wide endeavor to improve the schools in Arkansas. Five recommendations provide the framework for innovative planning for the schools: (1) educators, elected officials and community leaders should assertively market "Restructuring for Higher Order Learning" throughout the state as the logical and…

To assess the educational needs within the region, a survey of deaf-blind individuals was conducted in 1969 involving 279 teachers, 85 United Fund agencies, 12 caseworkers, 20 education service centers, and ten parents. The survey resulted in the identification of 454 deaf blind children and adults in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. The…

Survey of 84 school and agency professionals in 8 school districts in Arkansas showed positive perceptions of demonstration transition programs in their schools. Although all participants indicated transition topics were discussed more frequently and interagency planning and collaboration had improved, special education teachers were less likely…

This monograph presents the Arkansas Transition Agreement developed by the Interagency Council on Self Sufficiency (ICSS), which has the goal of developing, implementing, and monitoring a statewide process for transition of students with disabilities from school to integrated postsecondary education, employment, and community living. Following a…

Designed to be used by those who wish to initiate or further develop community education programs at the state and local levels, this publication is one of a series of "Proven Practices" developed by federally-funded state and local community education projects. The booklet describes the administrative design and the process used to…

In 1965 Concerted Services in Training and Education (CSTE) began operation in three selected rural counties of New Mexico, Arkansas, and Minnesota with objectives of: (1) developing general operational patterns for alleviation and solution of occupational education problems, (2) identifying employment opportunities and occupational education…

This report describes compensatory education activities for public and nonpublic school disadvantaged youth in Arkansas. Initial evaluation reveals that the Title I projects have been "extremely effective" and have increased the holding power of the schools. Attendance rates have improved considerably. Extensive tabular data is presented…

This paper summarizes principles of the Technology Access for Arkansans project initiated in 1989 to: (a) identify needs and quality of technology provisions in Arkansas; (b) disseminate information about appropriate technology and funding; (c) educate Arkansans about technology and advocacy; (d) develop a coordinated state plan for technology;…

The Arkansas Technology Information System (ARTIS) was developed to fill a significant void in existing systems of technical support to Arkansans with disabilities by creating and maintaining a consumer-responsive statewide system of data storage and retrieval regarding assistive technology and services. ARTIS goals also include establishment of a…