Charleston County Schools Show Notable Academic Improvements in Recent Report
CHARLESTON, S.C. — A recently released state report card highlights significant academic progress in the Charleston County School District, the second largest district in South Carolina. The 2023-2024 South Carolina Annual State Report Card was unveiled on Tuesday, providing a comprehensive look at school performances across the state.
The report reveals that the overall educational outcomes in Charleston County are trending positively. The graduation rate increased by 1.5% compared to the previous year, while the percentage of students deemed college or career-ready rose by 6.9%. Notably, both metrics exceed the state average.
Key Improvements Noted
According to Superintendent Anita Huggins, the improvements reflect the hard work of educational leaders, dedicated teachers, and supportive families. “Charleston County Schools continue to demonstrate improvement, growth, and achievement among our students,” she stated.
This year, 55 schools in the district have achieved ratings of “Excellent” or “Good,” a substantial increase from 38 schools in the same category five years prior. In contrast, only 17 schools are presently rated as “Below Average” or “Unsatisfactory,” a marked decrease from 27 schools in 2019. Additionally, all three schools that were labeled “Unsatisfactory” in 2023 have made gains, with Edith L. Frierson Elementary School notably improving four levels to reach an “Excellent” rating.
Factors Behind the Progress
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Luke Clamp pointed to several contributing factors behind these improvements. “When teachers come together, they plan collaboratively, they look at student data, and they make decisions about future instruction based on the needs of kids,” he explained.
Furthermore, 10 schools have moved out of the “Below Average” or “Unsatisfactory” categories since 2019. According to Huggins, the successes can be attributed to targeted initiatives such as the Early Head Start and Head Start programs designed to assist students and schools needing additional support.
Challenges with Multilingual Learners
Despite these advancements, the district is facing challenges regarding the performance of multilingual learners. The report indicates that only 32.4% of these students reached proficiency within five years, falling short of the state average of 38.5%. Huggins noted the importance of transparency regarding these figures and emphasized the district’s commitment to addressing the needs of these learners.
To support multilingual students, the Charleston County School District has implemented the Weighted Student Funding Model, which provides additional resources tailored to their needs. As the population of multilingual students continues to grow, district leaders recognize the necessity for adjustments and targeted support systems.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, the district plans to establish a task force to enhance the educational experience for multilingual learners. This team will work on developing a consistent curriculum and improving the student-to-teacher ratio. “We believe that students who come to our system from another country have truly hit the jackpot,” stated Clamp, highlighting the district’s strengths in inclusivity and resource availability.
The report produced detailed data regarding student performance through assessments like SC READY, a statewide testing method that evaluates students in core subjects like English Language Arts and math. Huggins confirmed that ongoing curriculum updates and teacher training will further drive improvements, ensuring that the district continues on a path of elevated educational outcomes.
