Burke High School continuously and consistently supports all students in the development and acquisition of the World Class Skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing students with access to rigorous assignments that encourage creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Burke implements project/problem-based learning (New Tech Network) with community partners that impact the community, society and the greater world.
One co-taught course, Earth Science and World Geography, provided students such an opportunity. Their project explored the lack of opportunities afforded same-age children, specifically education and their right to a literate and prosperous future. Students researched and collaborated to identify the goals and outline the project. Using Document-Based Questions, students were required to read, analyze primary sources, synthesize across sources to answer a question based on standards taught and issue raised by the project. Lessons were designed to introduce the critical thinking skills required of an SC graduate, and the collaborative process allowed students to work together to interpret and analyze resources and communicate findings that addressed project goals. Throughout all classes, students are provided with differentiated instructional strategies, such as chunked text, annotations, and peer support. Overall, after completing this and many other projects, our students learn to become global citizens and recognize the importance of being a Burke graduate with a legacy that transcends this experience.
In addition to the world-class academic skills mastered within content courses and/or by participation in a project, our students can choose to explore career clusters of health science, PLTW, business information systems, digital art and design, culinary arts, and building construction. In the 18-19 year, 14 students earned completer credentials within their chosen pathway. 18 students met the eligibility criteria for the LIFE scholarship. 17 Health Science students became the first graduating class to take part in an exclusive collaboration between Burke and MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center, the MUSC CURES Program, designed to support interest in biomedical cancer research, resulting in students earning 15 graduate hours. Entrepreneurship students won state recognition for their YESCarolina Business Plan. One student participated in the STEM Signing Day at the SC State House and was one of only two CCSD seniors chosen. Another received the World Affairs Council of Charleston John M. Settle Award for global engagement through the Citadel for outstanding achievement in global issues. Burke continues to support all students in graduating with the skills expected of an SC graduate.
Burke teachers use data to inform practice, receive targeted professional development, and exhibit life-long learning as they become better at their craft. Burke's expectation is that all students meet growth targets. They implement learning opportunities so that our students are growing in creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. These are the skills required of a South Carolina Graduate to ensure each student's success after graduation.
Cheryl Swinton, Principal
Eric Jackson, SIC Chair
