Sanders-Clyde Elementary is a Title I Creative Arts School with over 90% poverty index. At Sanders-Clyde, the students are the ‘heart of our work’ . Our goal is to provide the tools and support systems needed to develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate for all of our scholars. With an emphasis on the SC College and Career Readiness Standards, we put so much of our efforts into literacy to ensure all scholars are reading on grade level by the end of fifth grade. In order to effectively meet this goal, incorporating culturally relevant, literacy-rich experiences with a focus on integrating the Arts across the curriculum provide opportunities for our young scholars to engage and achieve at higher levels. To support our efforts in Literacy, all teachers participate in professional development such as the Mastery Teaching Model, which includes Explicit Direct Instruction. In addition, professional development sessions include rigorous instruction through the use of Webb’s Depth of Knowledge, implementing the Arts across the curriculum, and utilizing data to inform instruction.
Creativity is a skill that we will continue to develop and nurture in the coming years. High student engagement is the key. Integrating listening,speaking, reading, writing, and math skills in meaningful ways enhance the multiple intelligences that are dormant in our scholars due to the lack of equity and access. Through intentional staffing and planning, specialized teachers reinforce SC standards and content through an arts-integrated approach. The goal is to highly engage our scholars in ways that tap into their natural talents to reinforce academic and social skills.
Critical Thinking is needed in order to increase students’ understanding of how to successfully maneuver, access resources, and solve problems in today’s world. Our students are challenged with best practices in Literacy, Mathematical Thinking, research-based digital content, and interdisciplinary units of study to promote text to world connections in order to become independent thinkers and global citizens. “Practice Makes Permanent” is our mantra until every scholar succeeds. Together, we must continue to ensure that students remain the ‘heart of our work’.
Janice Malone, Principal
Danielle Daniels, SIC Chair