From the Desk of the Superintendent

The Week of July 16, 2009

As we pass summer’s half-way mark, we are working harder than ever to prepare for a banner year in 2009-2010.

This week, we launched our “Quick Start” summer learning intervention.  This accelerated learning program takes below-grade-level students in select grades at “At Risk” rated schools, and gets them on track for academic success well before the school year begins.  Proven, high-quality teachers are paired with students in small class sizes, delivering intense literacy and numeracy instruction.  The program lasts for three weeks over the summer, and these same teacher-student pairings will continue all year long in an extended-day setting that will provide intensive and additional instructional supports from the first day of school until the last. 

This is all part of our renewed approach to improving literacy rates through two key strategic “levers” within our control that have the most impact on students—teacher quality and extended time.  If we are going to close the achievement gap and continue to make progress on our goals, we have to ensure that students—especially those who have fallen behind—are paired with effective, high-quality teachers (based on student performance data), with extra time in these rigorous settings.  This means adding years into the K-12 continuum with high-quality early childhood programs, extending the day with longer hours, and extending the year with extra days.    

Partnerships and collaborations with community, parent, business and faith-based groups have a great impact on the quality of programs in schools and the time children spend in them.  Yesterday and today, the district—together with the College of Charleston and other lead partners—hosted a “New Day for Learning: Expanded Learning Time and Partnerships” conference at North Charleston Elementary.  Principals, local providers and national after-school experts discussed how to boost student achievement in Charleston County by strengthening and developing research-based programs that reinforce what happens in the classroom.  After-school programs and schools have a shared purpose: making sure that all children learn to read, write and do math proficiently so that they have the foundation upon which to build advanced 21st Century skills that will help students in college and beyond. 

I was heartened to spend time with such committed partners, and I could feel the momentum as we planned for 2009-2010.  August 18th is just around the corner.  We took huge strides last year, and will take even bigger ones this year.  Our students demand it, and our families—who have made the great choice to GO PUBLIC!—and communities deserve it.  As always, stay tuned to www.cccsdschools.com for updates, and I’ll see you again next week.