CCSD's 2009 State of the Schools Event
Watch video footage of Dr. Nancy J. McGinley as she presents her 2009 State of the Schools address!
On Thursday, April 23, Charleston County School District (CCSD) hosted its annual State of the Schools breakfast. The event was sponsored by AT&T and Marriott provided the room free of charge.
Approximately 300 people attended the event, including key district partners such as local mayors; police chiefs; CCSD's Board of Trustees; leaders from MUSC and local colleges; and local parent, business, nonprofit and faith-based leaders.
CCSD Board Chair Toya Green opened the program by welcoming all the guests and introducing the Master of Ceremonies Ross Cary, a student at Moultrie Middle. Partners—including AT&T's Jack Mitchell and Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor, Sr.—spoke about the importance of their relationships with the District. Throughout the event, CCSD students showcased incredible talent, including Angel Oak Elementary student Shelby Levine who sang "The Star Spangled Banner." Vince and Martha Hoover shared a letter describing their son's education and achievements with CCSD. State Superintendent Jim Rex delivered a video introduction of the Superintendent.
Superintendent Dr. Nancy McGinley delivered her "State of the Schools Address" and presented a PowerPoint presentation. Dr. McGinley credited the assembled partners for their contributions, looking back at the year, and announcing new initiatives and strategies moving forward.
In the speech, Dr. McGinley unveiled the Teacher Outstanding Performance (TOP) program, which applies a tool called the Virtual Comparison Group (VCG). VCG allows the District to look at the growth of students by classroom within one year, comparing their improvement to similar groups nationally. The District currently has strong data in grades 2-5, and next year we’ll expand the system beyond these grades.
With the contributions from First Federal, the Charleston Education Network and others, CCSD has launched the TOP project to reward elementary teachers who have had at least 80% of their students meet VCG goals in English and/or Math. The goal of this TOP project is simple—evaluate teacher performance on student growth, and reward teachers who move their classrooms forward. On May 22nd, 89 teachers who made the TOP list will be recognized at a ceremony; the 16 top elementary teachers who earned the highest VCG marks in both English and Math were also in attendance at the State of the Schools event. The 89 teachers will receive cash rewards—not for their years of service, certification, or popularity, but for their results in moving students forward. A Fact Sheet details the TOP project.