Horry County Board discusses student retention and teacher training amid performance decline
November 04, 2024 | Horry 01, School Districts, South Carolina
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Concerns over declining student performance metrics dominated the Horry County School Board Work Session on November 4, 2024. Board members expressed alarm at a noticeable drop in scores, particularly in high school assessments, prompting a focused discussion on strategies for improvement.
During the meeting, officials highlighted a significant shift in how student performance is measured, transitioning from a cohort model that only considered senior scores to a year-tested model that includes all students tested that year. This change, while necessary for a broader assessment, has led to confusion and concern about the implications for student achievement. "We still do not tolerate or accept the performance declining from one year to the next, and that is a focus for us," stated a board member, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues.
Board member Miss Dawson acknowledged the hard work of teachers, noting that while the targets are ambitious, the focus should remain on year-over-year growth. She urged the administration to ensure adequate resources and support for educators, particularly in light of new training requirements for literacy instruction. "We want to make sure that they have time scheduled to do that work," she said, advocating for a budget that prioritizes teacher training and support.
The discussion also touched on the upcoming changes in retention policies for third graders, which could lead to an increase in the number of retained students. Board members expressed concern about the financial implications of hiring additional teachers to accommodate these changes, with one member suggesting collaboration with local colleges to integrate necessary training into teacher education programs.
In closing, the board recognized the importance of continuous improvement and support for both students and teachers. The meeting underscored a commitment to addressing the challenges posed by new state guidelines while ensuring that educators have the tools they need to succeed. As the district prepares for the next budget cycle, the focus remains on fostering an environment where every student can achieve their full potential.
During the meeting, officials highlighted a significant shift in how student performance is measured, transitioning from a cohort model that only considered senior scores to a year-tested model that includes all students tested that year. This change, while necessary for a broader assessment, has led to confusion and concern about the implications for student achievement. "We still do not tolerate or accept the performance declining from one year to the next, and that is a focus for us," stated a board member, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues.
Board member Miss Dawson acknowledged the hard work of teachers, noting that while the targets are ambitious, the focus should remain on year-over-year growth. She urged the administration to ensure adequate resources and support for educators, particularly in light of new training requirements for literacy instruction. "We want to make sure that they have time scheduled to do that work," she said, advocating for a budget that prioritizes teacher training and support.
The discussion also touched on the upcoming changes in retention policies for third graders, which could lead to an increase in the number of retained students. Board members expressed concern about the financial implications of hiring additional teachers to accommodate these changes, with one member suggesting collaboration with local colleges to integrate necessary training into teacher education programs.
In closing, the board recognized the importance of continuous improvement and support for both students and teachers. The meeting underscored a commitment to addressing the challenges posed by new state guidelines while ensuring that educators have the tools they need to succeed. As the district prepares for the next budget cycle, the focus remains on fostering an environment where every student can achieve their full potential.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting