Pickens County reports test‑score gains and high graduation outcomes for class of 2026

Pickens County's chief academic officer presented preliminary assessment and graduation data at the June 11 board meeting, highlighting growth in several subjects and strong post‑graduation outcomes.

Dr. Abby May told the board that 25% of the district's students improved by at least one achievement band in math and 34% did so in science. She also reported strong maintenance at higher achievement levels — 74% of students at the "distinguished" level in math maintained that status, and 56% of students at the proficient level did the same — and said staff will continue to analyze growth patterns by grade and course.

May emphasized instructional supports and systems behind the numbers: a new data warehouse to track literacy needs, expanded horizontal planning for scope and sequence, and adoption of a new ELA curriculum (SAVIS) in grades 6–12. "We want our kids to continue to do well," May said, noting the district plans additional curriculum work and professional learning during preplanning.

Superintendent remarks and board discussion included graduation outcomes for the class of 2026. The district reported 254 graduates: 140 enrolled in higher education, 65 employed, 7 enlisting in the armed forces, and 42 both enrolled and employed — a total the superintendent said meets the goal of every graduate having a plan. The district anticipates a four‑year graduation rate of roughly 95.25% (slightly down from 95.4% the prior year), and noted the class earned more than $850,000 in scholarships. The district also reported that 76% of the class graduated with either college credit or a business credential.

What happens next: district staff will continue to disaggregate the assessment data (including by grade and subgroup), report deeper findings to the board and use the results to guide summer and fall professional learning and targeted interventions.