The South Carolina Department of Education released a priority list last month for school’s who were underperforming and three Pee Dee schools were on that list.
The report classified Florence School District 1, 2, and 3 as needing improvement, but staff members said they have the resources to get off the list by this year.
“Our main issue was progress. Our students did not make the same progress as the students across the state,” said Dr. Neal Vincent, Superintendent for FSD2.
Hannah-Pamplico Elementary/Middle, J.C Lynch Elementary, and Palmetto Youth Academy Charter school, fell in the bottom 10% among all schools in South Carolina in 2018.
The state department of education releases this list every three years based on student and school’s overall performance.
“We are considered a targeted support school for improvement. We got on that list because a sub-group of ours was not making the required proficiency,” said Angela Tanner, principal at J.C Lynch Elementary.
Officials said each school will be moving forward with new programs to focus on continuous improvement.
“Making sure we are identifying the standards and aligning them with our curriculum and instructions. Another thing is making sure that teachers have all the tools they need in the tool box,” said Vincent.
Over the next three years all the schools included on the list will receive federal funds. “We will have the opportunity to participate in state sponsorship professional development activities. We will probably receive some assistance funds to help us implement some of these evidence,” said Tanner.
The schools will participate in a webinar meeting with the state department to discuss the funds and assistance each school will receive.