Universities and colleges from across the state were invited to submit proposals on how higher education can take a more active leadership role in grades K-12 by the 84th general assembly.
Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, submitted a proposal and received one of nine bloc grants to begin the Southwest – B Education Renewal Zone.
“I am very proud SAU stepped up to the plate,” said Dr. Roger Guevara, director of the Education Renewal Zone and assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in the College of Education. “Not all state universities applied to take on such an ambitious agenda. It is commendable that SAU wants to make a difference in the region.”
The ERZ will focus on academic, fiscal, and facilities. Their purpose is to improve strategies for public school performance and student academic achievement; collaborate among the state’s smaller schools and districts to achieve economies of scale; concentrate and coordinate resources; and effectively use distance learning technologies.
“We can help school districts in their overall school performance,” said Guevara. Guevara believes that the Education Renewal Zone initiative is promising.
“With funding on the state level for the initiative and the attitude and receptiveness of consortium members, this initiative has the potential to be very successful,” he said. “All of the school districts in our zone have been extremely receptive.”
Consortium members of the Southwest – B Education Renewal Zone are SAU, Southwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative, South Central Service Cooperative, Bradley School District, Fouke School District, Prescott School District, Waldo School District, business leaders, community members, parents, and students.
“The beneficiaries of this initiative will be the children of Arkansas,” said Guevara.
For more information, or if you would like to assist with the Education Renewal Zone, call Dr. Roger Guevara at 870-235-5014.
