The Education Renewal Zone (ERZ), created by legislation in 2003, is a broad-based P-20 Initiative assigned the task of concentrating and coordinating available resources to improve school performance and student achievement. The ERZ serves as a bridge between P-12 schools and Higher Education, striving to positively impact both present and future educators.
Mission and Vision
The Education Renewal Zone is a broad-based P-20 initiative assigned the task of concentrating and coordinating available resources to improve school performance and student achievement. The primary focus is through a collaborative effort of the partners to build the capacity of schools by providing a competent organizational structure, quality-learning environment, and effective research-based instruction for all students. Working in partnership with a College of Education.
The Henderson State University ERZ has been able to serve its K-12 partner schools by providing an opportunity for collaboration among institutions of higher education, education service cooperatives, public schools, local businesses, parents, and community members. All parties are focused on school improvement and systemic educational reform.
Goals and Performance Objectives
- Bridge the gap between two-year college partners, educator preparation programs (EPP), education service cooperatives and school districts by focusing on high-quality collaborative educator preparation.
- Provide High-Quality Professional Development (HQPD) opportunities for pre-service and in-service educators to engage with High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM).
- Collaborate with districts, cooperatives, and higher education institutions to provide high-quality professional growth opportunities for pre-service and in-service teachers and EPP faculty.
- Provide districts, schools and EPPs with exposure to and training on evidence-based practices backed by student-focused research and demonstrate improvement in student growth and achievement.
- Build the capacity of ERZ team members and Arkansas Department of Education.
Resources
Education Cooperative Partners
Resource Links
State’s Other Education Renewal Zones
- Arkansas State University, Jonesboro
- University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
- University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia
- University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
Contacts
LaQuita Jones, Ed.S
Education Renewal Zone Director
Henderson State University
Education Center, Suite 242
870.230.5278
jonesl@hsu.edu
Romykia Nelson
Project Program Specialist
Education Renewal Zone
Education Center, Suite 241
870.230.5476
nelsonr@hsu.edu