Excel by Eight
The vision for the initiative is for all Arkansas children to have access to quality health care and education that maximizes their full potential, regardless of gender, income, ethnicity, or geography. When communities have a fully powered grid of family, health, education, and community resources, child development outcomes improve.
Excel by Eight, formerly The Arkansas Campaign for Grade-Level Reading has launched a namesake initiative called E8 in partnership with Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Arkansas Community Foundation and Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. The vision for the initiative is for all Arkansas children to have access to quality health care and education that maximizes their full potential, regardless of gender, income, ethnicity, or geography. When communities have a fully powered grid of family, health, education, and community resources, child development outcomes improve.
In collaborating with the state-wide network of Excel by Eight, the Batesville Area Chamber and area partners are creating a model of change for building and repairing Independence County’s resource grid. This model is fueling a statewide movement, aiming to propel Arkansas to the top of national rankings on child health and education outcomes.
Shawn Craig, Cedar Ridge School District
Jessica Gillmore, Midland School District
Mary Katherine Hardin, STARS Academy
Valerie Hibbits, Midland School District
Rachel Horn, Batesville School District
Kristi Jenkins, ArCare
Abbi Limbaugh, Cedar Ridge School District
Jessica Marks, UACCB
Lisa McGhee, Southside School District
Dr. Lesley Milton, Tooth Be Told
Debbie Mize, Child Care Aware
Brandy Nelson, UAMS
Myranda Sharbino, Batesville Head Start
Mindy Shaw, Batesville School District
Kayla Turner, Southside School District
Michelle VanWinkle, White River Health
Dr. Nikki Yonts, Lyon College
Janette Youngblood, UACCB
Build a culture of reading by increasing access to books, making more families aware of the science of reading methods, and creating community collaborations that instill a love of reading.
► Access to Books Refine Dolly Parton's Imagination Library affiliate operations and partner with networks for distributing books to children who have aged out of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
►Science of Reading Awareness Create opportunities for parents to learn more about the science of reading and literacy development for all ages and become a RISE Arkansas community
►Early Language Development Use LENA Grow technology to coach and track improvements to each child's exposure to and use of language, a critical foundation for grade-level reading.
Language & Literacy Subcommittee
Language and Literacy Update Form
