"The Pea Ridge PRMBA Conversion Charter School is one of the most impressive innovative school programs I have seen, not just in the state, but throughout the nation," said Debbie Jones, assistant commissioner of learning services, Arkansas Department of Education.
Jones, one of several educators who toured the Pea Ridge Manufacturing and Business Academy and Pea Ridge High School last week, said she is impressed with the program.
"I believe they are hugely successful due, in part, to the thoughtful creation of their program where they built the foundation of the program on the economic needs of the community and formed partnerships with community, business and industry. Our team left saying, 'They are doing it right!'"
When Pea Ridge school officials applied for the charter, Jones said the program must be able to be replicated. This week, she observed the success of the program as it was shared with other educators.
On the tour were Phillip Young, director of Arch Ford Coop; Randy Williams, superintendent Russellville schools; Scott Spainhour, Greenbriar schools; Lenette Thrasher, Arch Ford Coop; Mark Gotcher, deputy superintendent of the Arkansas Department of Education; Cathy Riggins, assistant superintendent Vilonia; and Jason Burkman, Arch Ford Coop.
Jones said: "The inclusive program included students in the National Honor Society, advanced placement and athletic teams. Unfortunately, many times these students are not attracted to technical pathways. Pea Ridge students clearly understood the value of this unique opportunity as they were able to specifically describe their future career plans which ranged from careers as nurse practitioner, to RN, to diesel mechanic."
Walking from pathway to pathway, then the iSchool, educators discussed the various aspects of the school, asking questions about funding, education and students' reception of the program. Students led the tour and answered questions.
PRMBA director Charley Clark explained that the pathways selected were a direct response to business leaders telling educators what is needed in the job market.
"We appreciate the ability to give back," Rick Neal, Pea Ridge school superintendent, said. "We want others to learn what we're doing and take it back to the state level."
"It's a change in education for all students," Young observed.
"It teaches us to be good leaders," Allie Van-Houden, student, said.
"This was very strategically planned," Neal said, explaining that both PRMBA and the new design at Pea Ridge High School, including the flex-mod schedule are designed to create both a college and work environment.
Pea Ridge senior Robby Pickthall said: "Teachers are teaching more in depth. We learn it and actually know it."
"I didn't realize how many students were afraid to ask questions in class," teacher Aurelian Sennett said, referring to the new schedule which provides time for students to have one-on-one tutoring time with teachers.
Student Katie Wilkins agreed. "Before, I couldn't find time to meet my teachers for tutoring because of athletics and driving my brother to school."
"We don't have barriers for our students," principal Jon Laffoon said. "We want to be sure our students have choices."
"We want to allow learning to continue," Neal said.
General News on 09/30/2015