Board hears instructional update: teacher academy attendance, Khan Academy and high‑school programs

Superintendent Blatt reported to the Lincoln County Board of Education on July 29 that the district hosted a teacher academy last week with strong attendance and plans to use online supports this school year.

Why it matters: Instructional programs and teacher professional development can affect classroom preparation and student outcomes. The superintendent said the district is emphasizing math alongside reading and language arts this year.

What was said: Blatt said the teacher academy drew “about a 100 of teachers in attendance” and that staff received “a lot of good information.” He said the district will use Khan Academy and an "I Excel" program at the high school to bolster academic achievement and to provide test preparation resources.

Conference participation: Blatt said he, Mr. Davis and about 20 teachers attended a Department of Education conference in Charleston. Transportation Director Peggy Stone presented at that conference, and Larry Harshbarger and students demonstrated drone work.

Classroom focus: The superintendent described a renewed emphasis on mathematics at the elementary level and said the district earned recognition from the state for growth in early reading (K‑2). The curriculum team will assign directors to specific schools to perform spot checks and provide targeted instructional support; Miss Shortridge will visit each school during teacher instructional workshops.

Decisions and follow‑up: No instructional policy changes or budget votes were taken at the meeting. The board asked staff to return with test‑score analyses and further information on new materials once state testing data are available.