Science Project: Back to the Basics
Grounded in Standards-Growing Teachers- Empowering Students
Jackie Raney and Amanda Barnes, both from Bearden School District, joined this consortium ready and willing to engage in meaningful professional growth—and that commitment is clearly reflected in their teaching and student learning outcomes.
Throughout the project, their work included deep reflection on best practices; intentional data collection and analysis; collaborative planning; and the development of targeted instructional goals. They ensured alignment of their Science High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) to the Arkansas K–12 Science Standards, identified and built capacity within their lowest-performing 25% of students, completed a full science coaching cycle, utilized the ATLAS Classroom Tool, participated in Science Curriculum Bootcamp, and engaged in ongoing professional collaboration.
They were eager to learn, share, and network with Science Specialist Renee’ Bearden, demonstrating professionalism and a true commitment to continuous improvement. They even chose to work through their lunch on the professional development days.
Below are quotes from their reflections on the impact of this project:
Jackie: "Through this work, Renee assisted in securing new instructional resources and provided individualized coaching to strengthen instructional alignment and improve student outcomes. As a result, I have seen measurable growth...... This coaching experience helped me reestablish the evidence-based “Best Instructional" practices and regain clarity and confidence in my science instruction."
Amanda: "My participation in the Back to Basics consortium has been a transformative professional milestone, specifically regarding the implementation of Open SciEd (HQIM). The expert guidance provided by Ms. Renee has been instrumental; her rigorous feedback and strategic support have significantly elevated my instructional delivery........Engaging in a deep dive into student achievement data served as a powerful proof of concept. It moved my focus from day-to-day challenges to a results-oriented mindset, confirming that disciplined implementation and dedication yield measurable student growth."
Arkansas Children's Week is a week long tradition celebrated in communities all across Arkansas. The celebration week aligns with the national recognition, The Week of the Young Child. Come and learn about this year's theme and leave with ideas to take back to your program and community!
The SCSC Print Shop will be out of office Friday 🖨️
Plan your orders and pickups accordingly!
Heads up!
The SCSC Print Shop be closing early this Friday at 11:30 AM and will be back to business as usual on Monday.
Be sure to plan your print orders and pickups accordingly. 🖨️✨
South Central Service Cooperative is thrilled to announce our partnership with Junction City School District to bring an Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) Preschool to the community for the 2026–2027 school year!
📚 Now Enrolling ABC and Tuition Preschool Students for 2026-2027
✔️ Children ages 3–5
✔️ High-quality early learning
✔️ Family-centered support
If you're interested in enrolling your child in our program: https://bit.ly/3Mk7q29
For more information:
📞 870-836-1620 (Robin Richardson) or 870-836-1616 (Lauren Elmore)
📧 robin.richardson@scscoop.org
A CLASS Observer training was recently held at SCSC. Participants were programs leaders and owners representing ABC, Head Start, private child care and training agencies. SCSC is committed to supporting regional programs with implementation during the Arkansas Class Pilot/Transition. Quality adult-child interactions lay the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. Small moments make a big difference—and they start with us! To learn more about how and why Arkansas is focusing on quality teacher-child interactions, contact zephonia.avant@scscoop.org
#WeARSouthCentral
If your child just turned 3, it’s not too late to enroll!
South Central Service Cooperative is accepting 3–5 year olds at our Harmony Grove Preschool Site.
There are multiple ways families can qualify, so we encourage everyone to apply—even if you’re unsure.
💛 Give your child a strong start with a high-quality preschool experience!
📩 Apply today at: https://bit.ly/3Mk7q29
South Central Coop was proudly represented at NASA as we shared “Reading the Moon: STEM Stories in Every Phase,” showcasing creative and meaningful ways to blend literacy and STEM for engaging classroom learning.
Early support can make a big difference in a child’s confidence, communication, and success. Arkansas Child Find offers FREE developmental screenings for children ages 3–5, and no diagnosis is needed to get started.
If you’ve had concerns, trust your instincts. We’re here to help.
📞 Call South Central Service Cooperative at 870-836-1615
#ArkansasChildFind #EarlySupportMatters #SpeechDevelopment #SupportStartsEarly
Arkansas Child Find helps identify children ages 3–5 who may need extra support with:
✔ Speech or language
✔ Learning
✔ Behavior
✔ Social skills
✔ Motor development
✨ Child Find screenings are FREE.
✨ You do not need a diagnosis or referral.
✨ Getting help early can make a big difference.
If you’ve ever wondered “Is this normal?” — trust your instincts.
📞 Contact South Central Service Cooperative at 870-836-1615
💙 Early support = brighter futures.
🎉 Did you know?
As soon as your child turns 3, they may be eligible for FREE preschool services through South Central Service Cooperative!
📍 We currently serve families at Harmony Grove, Hampton, Parkers Chapel, and Retta Brown — and we’re excited to add Junction City beginning this fall!
⭐ Right now, we’re looking for 3-year-olds to fill available spots at our Harmony Grove site.
Give your child a strong start with a high-quality preschool experience!
Apply today at: https://bit.ly/3Mk7q29
