Under the leadership of Dr. Vallerie C. Cave, the Colleton County School District began the 2021-2022 school year by igniting a passion for learning to assist students in developing the World Class Skills of the Profile of a South Carolina graduate. In order to strengthen Tier 1 instruction and provide support for student and staff social emotional needs, new initiatives were implemented. A curriculum based on the Science of Reading was implemented at the elementary level. Teachers at all levels; early childhood, elementary, middle and secondary, engaged in Professional Learning Communities that focused on collaborative planning, data analysis, professional learning and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Instructional expectations were clearly defined and communicated with high quality standards- based instruction delivered in all classrooms as the ultimate goal.
Leadership development was a major focus for school level administrators. Professional Development for certified staff was provided in literacy and math at all levels with literacy strategies integrated into the science and social studies content. Trauma informed professional development was offered to certified and classified staff to assist in understanding the varied needs of our students. Social emotional learning was a non-negotiable in all schools with a clearly defined time built within the daily schedule for academic and behavioral interventions. The district invested in the knowledge and expertise of a Social Worker, Safety and Security Officer as well as a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Coordinator.
The Colleton County School District continues to seek out innovative and effective ways to provide excellent educational opportunities and services to our students, their families, and our community at large. In order to accomplish this goal, CCSD has partnered with numerous local, regional and national organizations to bring new services to our community. Each of the partnerships addresses an educational need of our students, or a professional need for our staff, including STEM-based learning skills, fine arts, literacy and social emotional well-being. The partnerships include but are not limited to ED Farm, ArtsNow, Clemson University Leadership Collaborative, Colleton County Memorial Library, First Lego League Robotics and the University of South Carolina Big Ideas Consortium. An example of a partnership that was inclusive of the entire community was the acquisition of a Community Read Grant through the Colleton County Library and the Colleton County School District. Utilizing district and grant funds, books were purchased for every child in the community to include students from public schools, private schools, church schools, daycares and homeschools. The entire community engaged in a “Big Read” during the week of April 4-8, 2022. This activity promoted a love of reading in students, teachers and staff from every aspect of our community.
We have strengthened the knowledge of our leaders, teachers, and staff to increase the quality of instructional delivery to impact student outcomes. Through the continued use of partnerships and implemented strategies, the district will continue to ignite a passion for learning to ensure the development of the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina graduate.
