Entering her 12th year with the Arkansas Division of Youth Services, Superintendent Cindy L. Willis brings over 22 years of educational leadership experience across Oklahoma and Arkansas. This session highlights the transformation of DYS education from non-standardized instructional models to a structured, accountability-driven system in which adjudicated youth now meet—and often exceed—academic growth expectations. Participants will gain an inside look at DYS operations and educational practices, including: • How youth enter custody and the average duration of placement. • Integration of Virtual Arkansas and vocational programming within restrictive environments. • Coordinating academics, behavior intervention, mental health services, and special education simultaneously. • Breaking misconceptions about DYS students and building collaborative Education, Behavior, and Wellness plans aligned with DESE standards.
