Greenwood High School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by cultivating inquiry-based learning, reading critically, and dealing with conflict in a positive manner. Teachers and students work together in the classroom to create a learning environment that provides opportunities for every student to develop life-long skills that will lead to success in education, the workplace, and life.
The instructional emphasis is that every teacher uses the state curriculum standards to allow students to facilitate their learning through critical thinking. A number of Greenwood High teachers have training in Problem Based Learning. Through professional learning communities by content area, teachers share ideas that engage students through critical thinking and collaboration. The teachers design their lessons so that students become engaged in the topics through natural curiosity and the desire to learn more. Students are encouraged to research, problem-solve, work together, and find solutions on their own and with a variety of different groupings. This process leads them to a deeper understanding of the curriculum and develops skills that can be used throughout their educational, work, and life journeys.
The faculty at Greenwood High School understands that literacy is a life-long skill that opens up many opportunities for students. Educational and workplace success revolves around the ability to read and use information in an effective manner. Teachers in all content areas design lessons and activities that provide multiple opportunities for all students to develop and further their reading skills. All teachers are required to complete training in Read to Succeed and have spent time in department meetings discussing and sharing ideas that promote growth in literacy. In non-covid years, teachers have had access to a variety of conferences and literacy training.
The faculty and staff of Greenwood High School recognize the vital life skill of conflict resolution. Teachers and staff have been trained to de-escalate volatile situations when dealing with students. Students are taught and encouraged to use key conflict resolution skills such as listening, compromising, and empathizing to avoid confrontations. All teachers have been trained in PBIS and the faculty and staff are in the process of Love and Logic training.
Greenwood High is proud of the accomplishments of the past school year. Despite the challenges of education during a pandemic, our students, faculty, and staff continued to work hard and make great progress towards our goals. The graduation rate increased and students were continuously challenged to problem solve, improve their literacy, and deal with all types of conflict in a positive and productive manner.
