On State Report Card
Anderson District One maintained an excellent rating on the state report card for 2012 recently released by the South Carolina Department of Education. The district also earned excellent in 2010 and 2011.
Ten Anderson One schools (six elementary, two middle and two high) earned an excellent absolute report card rating. One primary school earned an excellent rating and the new high school in the district did not qualify to receive a report card rating. Two schools earned absolute ratings of good.
“Our district is extremely proud of our schools and their consistent excellent ratings. Two elementary schools (Palmetto Elementary and Spearman Elementary) have worked determinedly to regain their status as excellent after being good for a number of years,” said Jane Harrison, Director of Elementary Education. “Administration and teachers have collaborated through professional learning communities to look at instruction and analyze assessments that have resulted in higher student achievement and closing the achievement gap for all students. They are most deserving of this validation on their state report card.”
Jason Lesley, principal at Spearman Elementary said, “I am absolutely thrilled for my faculty and students. This excellent rating just confirms what I already know; Spearman is full of amazing teachers and the best students. The professionals in our building have worked tirelessly to assure that each student is successful by constantly looking at what’s most effective for each individual child. When students’ needs are placed first and everyone is committed to the best instructional practices, ‘Excellence’ happens.”
“I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Palmetto team”, said Palmetto Elementary Principal Amy Cothran. “We are truly united, with one goal…to focus each day on doing whatever it takes to reach, teach, and enhance the lives of all our students. Everyone at PES, no matter the grade level or subject area, has a role in making a difference for our students. We strive to quickly determine the areas of weakness for our students and then provide interventions to close the gaps and use strengths to challenge and move forward. We love every minute of it!”
District One Superintendent Dr. Wayne Fowler said, “Teachers, administrators, students and parents are to be commended for outstanding results on the state report cards. We are proud of each school as they work extremely hard to maintain excellent academic programs. We are especially pleased for Palmetto Elementary and Spearman Elementary on improving their overall rating from good to excellent.”
“Anderson One administration and teachers at all levels are very capable, competent and caring. They strive to help each student be successful academically. The ratings given by the state are evidence of the high quality instruction in Anderson One classrooms,” said David Havird, Associate Superintendent for Anderson One.
Included in the report card calculation for high school is graduation rate. The district grad rate shows improvement for the district from 82.4 in 2011 to 85.2 for 2012.
Robbie Binnicker, Director of Secondary Education, said “We are very excited about our “Excellent” District Report Card rating and are particularly proud of our district increase in the four-year graduation rate from 82.4% to 85.2%. This exceeds the state average by more than 10 percent. Both Palmetto and Wren High School saw significant increases in their graduation rates from the previous year. Maintaining high academic standards and graduating students in four years is a K-12 effort.”
