(a) The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff may establish a Delta Student Academic Success Plan to reduce the disparities in the academic performance of youth in the Arkansas delta.

(b) The plan shall consist of the following components:

(1) A coalition effort between the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and various school districts in Arkansas, Chicot, Drew, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties;

(2) A plan to establish a standards-based curriculum to be used in the various school districts in mathematics, reading, and English using instructional strategies based on students' assessed mastery level and learning styles;

(3) Faculty development in:

(A) Standards-based mathematics, reading, and English;

(B) Use of student assessment data in instructional design; and

(C) Instructional design based on assessed mastery and learning styles;

(4) Development of an Arkansas Teacher Corps to increase the number of new and licensed teachers;

(5) Development of an after-school academic program to reinforce knowledge and skills taught during the regular class day and to help develop knowledge and skills in wellness, art, hobbies, personal growth, decision making, and career awareness and requirements; and

(6) Development of a comprehensive evaluation program in which key assessment measures shall include:

(A) The number of participants;

(B) The participants' mastery of English, mathematics, and reading as measured by the state benchmark examinations;

(C) Stanford Achievement Test and National Assessment of Educational Progress measures; and

(D) Admission to and graduation from an accredited college or technical institution.

(c) The Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff may enter into an agreement with the superintendents of the school districts within Arkansas, Chicot, Drew, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties to implement the plan to the extent that the plan does not conflict with Arkansas law or with the standards set forth by the Department of Education.

(d) If a plan is established, the chancellor shall make a yearly report of the progress of the plan, including the evaluations and measures as described under subdivision (b)(6) of this section to the superintendents of the school districts in Arkansas, Chicot, Drew, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties, the department, the House Committee on Education, the Senate Committee on Education, and the Legislative Council.