The mission of McCormick County School District is to provide a quality education for every student.  The district helped students develop world class skills by implementing a one-to-one technology initiative.  Course offerings were increased in the high school dual enrollment program.   Also, teachers were empowered to increase achievement through a year-long professional development program.

The district implemented a one-to-one initiative by distributing Chromebooks to all students in grades three through twelve.  One-to-one technology assisted with collaboration as students learned to communicate with their teachers and fellow students via Chromebooks.  Students received assignments online. They collaborated with classmates electronically. They also provided feedback to one another with their laptops.  Learning to use technology increased enthusiasm among students.  Having access to technology made lessons more engaging and improved students’ problem solving skills.

The district also increased course offerings to high school students through Piedmont Technical College.  In addition to working toward an associate’s degree, students could enroll in courses in health science, general business, machine tool technology and criminal justice.  The challenge of attending college during high school, assisted students in directing their own educational path.  The challenge motivated them to develop perseverance and a heightened work ethic.  Over 20 percent of the senior class graduated with high school diplomas as well as an associate’s degrees. 

Additionally, teachers in the district participated in a year-long professional development - Evidence Based Strategies Why Poverty Matters. The program’s objective was to increase achievement of students by identifying the impact of poverty on learning.  The program taught researched based strategies to support under-resourced learners.   This training increased teacher knowledge and built leadership capacity.

McCormick County School District has worked to produce well rounded, productive citizens.  During the 2017-18 school year, the district increased technology, provided more educational opportunities for high school students and built teacher capacity through professional development.