Pine Bluff High launches 'Operation RISE' to lift student achievement

Pine Bluff High School presented 'Operation RISE' to the Pine Bluff School District board as a targeted improvement strategy intended to raise instruction, expectations and accountability across classrooms to improve student achievement.

Presenters said the initiative focuses on the lowest 25% of students in tested subjects (English language arts, mathematics and biology) and aims for substantial growth — described as an objective to move each targeted student cohort toward 50% growth in tested areas. School presenters said they believe focusing growth on the lowest‑performing students yields the largest point gains on accountability measures and could move the school from an F to at least a C on the state report card.

School leaders described operational elements including a social contract for faculty and students, walk‑throughs for monitoring instruction, culture surveys and parent and PTO engagement. Presenters said faculty signed an academic contract committing to new practices and that the school will hold staff and students accountable through regular monitoring. The team noted increases in graduation‑cohort metrics and said they will pursue a fifth‑year pathway review to capture students who graduated elsewhere.

Board members asked practical questions about restructuring 'wind time' and teacher buy‑in; presenters said they had faculty meetings, used culture surveys and engaged parents through the PTO and district communications to solicit support. The superintendent and presenters asked for board support and regular review as the plan is implemented.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation; it was received as part of the superintendent's academic reporting.