School implements AI-driven literacy program and boosts fourth grade math scores

Rock Hill Schools is making significant strides in enhancing student performance and engagement, as highlighted in the recent School Board meeting held on February 11, 2025. A key focus of the meeting was the introduction of quarterly awards programs that celebrate student achievements in grades, attendance, leadership, and effort. These events are now live-streamed, allowing greater community involvement and recognition of student accomplishments.

The district is also implementing an innovative incentive program using the Miura platform from HMH, which leverages artificial intelligence to provide real-time feedback on literacy skills, specifically fluency and comprehension. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve academic outcomes, with recent data showing notable increases in student performance. For instance, fourth-grade math scores surged by 23 percentile points, reflecting the positive impact of the HMH literacy program.

In addressing areas needing improvement, the district is embedding targeted instructional strategies into its curriculum. This includes a shift to spiral reviews in coaching cycles, allowing teachers to revisit and reinforce previously taught skills. Upcoming professional development sessions are scheduled to further enhance instructional quality, with a focus on high-impact teaching strategies.

The meeting also addressed staffing updates, with the successful filling of two teaching positions and an interventionist role. However, there remains an opening in the special education classroom, which the administration is actively working to fill.

Attendance remains a concern, with approximately 9% of students on attendance plans. The district is employing "Tiger Time," an intervention period within the school day, to provide targeted support and improve student attendance.

Finally, the district reported a 94% approval rating from teachers on climate surveys, indicating a positive shift in school culture and resource equity. This feedback is crucial as the district continues to address challenges and celebrate successes in its educational environment.

As Rock Hill Schools moves forward, the focus remains on sustaining improvements and ensuring that all students receive the support they need to thrive academically.