Student Achievement
Across Arkansas, people are concerned about how our children are doing in school. We want the best for our children—all of our children—and we want our schools to offer an education that allows them choices and opportunities as they grow into adulthood. This discussion is designed to help schools, families, and communities explore the meaning of a good education and develop action steps to create schools and communities where all students can succeed.

Family Involvement
Partnerships between schools and families can make all the difference in a child’s educational success. This has been shown over and over in research during the past thirty years. When educators and families support each other at home and at school, children from all backgrounds will achieve more and schools will perform better. This discussion is designed to help schools, community members, and families explore the meaning of family involvement and develop action steps to build stronger partnerships.

Early Care and Education
Our children are our future. For those of us who have small children, their welfare is an issue of obvious importance. However, the readiness of children—and more specifically, their ability to be successful in school when it is time to enter kindergarten—is a public issue that affects all of us. This discussion is designed to help communities gain a better understanding about early learning and develop action steps to help all children have an opportunity to enter school eager to learn and ready to succeed.

Diversity in Schools
In many situations in life, we divide ourselves along the lines of familiarity. It is natural to hang out with people who share our backgrounds, experiences or interests. These kinds of divisions can also make it hard to understand each other, and can lead to many challenges and difficulties—inside schools and in our communities. This discussion will show students ways to work with other students and with teachers to break down barriers. It will help make schools a place that welcomes everyone. It will help students change their schools into a place that welcomes everyone.

Related Links:
Arkansas Study Circles Project
Trainings Available
Special Programs
Everyday Democracy (formerly Study Circles Resource Center)

Related Downloads (pdf):
Arkansas Study Circles Project Brochure
Student Achievement Brochure
Family Involvement Brochure
Early Care & Education Brochure
Getting Started and Building Your Team Handout (MSWord)