The Williamsburg County School District Board of Trustees were presented 2008-2009 test results by its principals during their February 22, meeting. Dr. Kerry Singleton, D.P. Cooper Elementary School principal presented his results first. He was elated to announce the school met Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) in math, english and writing results at impressive levels. D.P. Cooper did not make AYP last year and the significant increases prompted the board to question his tactics after the presentation. He explained positive gains have been the product of several tactics such as moving teachers into areas they are better suited and incorporating the “Bump It Up” writing program. He added that building the overall character development through the addition of music, civic organizations such as student council, Beta and reading clubs. Singleton told the board he has shared his strategies and tactics with other principals. The board requested each principal supply their reports from the prior year so they can review and compare the two scores.
Greeleyville Elementary, C.E. Murray High, W.M. Anderson Primary, and St. Mark also met AYP. St. Mark interim principal reported fourth graders scored exemplary in all categories, including 100 percent in math. Fifth grade scored 83 or better in all categories and sixth grade scored 100 percent in social studies.
Hemingway Elementary met 15 of 16 objectives but did not make AYP. The school scored exemplary in all areas for third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. Cades-Hebron, Hemingway High School and Kingstree Elementary did not meet AYP but all met exemplary in several grades. Kingstree Junior High School did not meet AYP but met 15 out of 17 objectives compared to 10 of 17 objectives met in 2008. Kingstree Senior High School did not meet AYP but according to the latest scores the students are making progress. SAT scores increased by 27 points, from an average of 1190 points in 2008 to 1217 points in 2009. The ACT composite showed an increase as well. “Kingstree Senior High is moving in the right direction,” said Dr. Fred Moore. “Along with a great staff pulling together, we are going to improve the Senior High.”
Annual Yearly Progress is the measure by which public schools and districts are held accountable for student performance under Title 1 of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The legislation mandates that state assess public schools and districts each year to establish their academic achievements. AYP is determined by assessing student performance based on established annual targets. Additional test scores and information can be obtained from the South Carolina Department of Education web site.
In other business, the board voted to allow Interim Superintendent Linda Huell to negotiate with vendors for a district wide communications system.
Huell reported that current communications are inadequate and hampers timely reporting such as calling parents in the event of an emergency. Four schools are presently operating under an updated system. A district wide system will cost $15,000 to $18,000 and if accepted, the system would be in place by August 2010.