A⁺ Arlington

Adding Relevance to Rigorous Academics
A world-class workforce collaboration of The Arlington Chamber
and the Arlington Independent School District

A+ Arlington is a world-class workforce collaboration between The Arlington Chamber, the Arlington Independent School District and community allies. A⁺ Arlington is an umbrella for a number of initiatives designed to bring about long-term educational change for the workplace of the 21^st century, while addressing immediate short-term employment/educational issues of both students and employers. 87% of Arlington businesses responding to the 1999 Chamber’s Business Outlook Survey ranked a quality workforce as a critical issue for their company. Yet the local pool of available, skilled labor is small. Technology, global competition, and changes in required skills of employers make it imperative to focus on initiatives to improve the academic performance and career preparedness of its youth for now and the future.

What are the Objectives of A⁺ Arlington?

A+ Arlington will add relevance to rigorous academics for:

• Increased student academic performance
• Decreased student dropout rate
• Increased  student skills and knowledge for success in post-secondary institutions and/or employment
• Awareness and opportunity for graduates to find their employment of choice in Arlington
• A "home-grown" workforce for a thriving local economy providing economic opportunity for all.

As the world changes and grows, so must the classroom.  In the Arlington Independent School District, these changes will take place with the participation, resources and energy of some powerful entities--the Arlington Chamber's membership of 2100 local businesses, higher education institutions and community allies.  This collaboration will produce:

• Internships and study tours in area businesses for teachers, counselors, and eventually students
• Changes in methods of teaching in classroom and curriculum emphasizing "on-the-job" applications
• Recognition by higher education and employers for student achievement of high academic standards
• Career awareness and preparation with Arlington jobs, higher education and/or technical training in mind
• Personalized training/education for specific available emerging and demand occupations in our community, creating immediate economic opportunity

A⁺ Arlington, please contact
Carrie Powell with The Arlington Chamber (817) 543-4297
or Craig Wright, Director of Career and Technology Education
at the Arlington Independent School District at (817) 459-7400