The Profile of the South Carolina Graduate embeds the four C’s: communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking through the use of instructional strategies in a rigorous curriculum meeting the differentiated needs of students. Greenwood District 52 has continued to integrate the four C’s elevating student achievement and engagement providing students opportunities leading to college and career readiness.

Greenwood District 52 spent a majority of the 2021-2022 school year focusing on closing the student achievement gap and learning loss resulting from Covid 19. During the 2020-21 year, our district vacillated between a hybrid and face to face instructional model in response to the pandemic. Upon receipt of the 2020-21 SC Ready scores, we were able to show growth in several instructional areas when the pandemic was at its height. ELA in grades 3-8, Math in grades 3-5 and grade 8 maintained or exceeded state averages on SC Ready. Our largest growth was a 25% increase in 8th grade Math scores on SC Ready. We attribute these gains to the teaching staffs’ dedication to student achievement and their willingness to teach remotely even when ill with Covid 19 to prevent students from having uncertified substitutes in their physical absence. Their dedication to our students and willingness to meet adversity displayed a real Heart of the Wildcat.

The four C’s of communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking can be found through the emphasis placed on the instructional priorities of personalized and blended learning, project based learning, Core Four of Ed Elements, Dream Box, Amira, Read 180/System 44, DESSA, and the implementation of advanced classes in ELA and math beginning in third grade. Analysis of TE 21 formative assessments/ benchmarks and diagnostic I-Ready data assisted the staff in developing targeted personalized learning opportunities for students. DESSA screenings were used to identify and target student socio-emotional needs. I Ready, Dream Box, Amira, Read 180/System 44 software created personalized learning paths to address specific academic needs. Class DoJo, social media platforms, and common communication apps were utilized to communicate with stakeholders. Encouraging writing across curricula areas and project-based learning assessments supported student creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills. In addition, related arts performances offered students an opportunity to showcase learned skills through performances.

Greenwood District 52 provides rigorous instruction embedded with the four C’s through instructional planning, formative/ benchmark assessments, and instructional delivery strategies. A strong instructional program paired with opportunities for students to enhance soft skills allows students to reach their full potential and thrive in our global society. Our goal is to provide students learning opportunities “Impacting Students to Change the World.”