Conway County
Excel by Eight in Conway County
Conway County is an exceptional example of a community choosing collaboration over competition, with three public school districts and other agencies cooperating on the implementation of Excel by Eight. The committee is using available data, public input, and Early Development Instrument (EDI) outcomes to set quantifiable goals to improve health and education outcomes for children ages birth to eight. The EDI is a population measure of how young children are developing based on the five domains of early childhood development: physical health and wellbeing; social competence; emotional maturity; language and cognitive skills; and communication skills and general knowledge. Kindergarten teachers in each school district completed the assessment for their students.
Snapshot
Located in the Arkansas River Valley
Major industries are manufacturing and transportation
Home to Petit Jean State Park, the first Arkansas State Park
Steering Committee
Robbie Belew, Curricula Concepts
John Gibson, Conway County Community Foundation
Kathy Gipson, Community Services, Inc.
Shandee Gordon, Wonderview School District
Shawn Halbrook, South Conway County School District
Lora Hendrix, South Conway County School District
Stephanie Lipsmeyer, Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce
Michelle Mallett, Conway County Juvenile Probation and Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice
Dr. Susan Okroglic, Community Services, Inc.
Kaila Parker, Parent
Jamie Stacks, Wonderview School District
Karey Tapley, South Conway County School District
Joy Trauth, Retired Teacher/Grandparent
Logan Williams, Nemo Vista School District
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