Pickens County schools outperform the state in performance results
On August 16, 2024, the South Carolina Department of Education released the performance results for the 2023-2024 school year. Though the pupil-in-poverty rating for the School District of Pickens County (SDPC) remains higher (64.3%) than the state’s pupil-in-poverty rating (62.4%) last school year, SDPC consistently exceeded the state in nearly all areas tested.
South Carolina College-and-Career Ready Assessments (SC READY)
SC READY is the standardized state assessment for English language arts (ELA) and mathematics for grades 3-8. Achievement levels are reported as “Exceeds Standard,” “Meets Standard,” “Approaches Standard,” or “Does Not Meet Standard” in both areas tested.
The data for the School District of Pickens County (SDPC) shows very positive results, particularly in these areas:
SDPC exceeds the statewide average in all grades (3-8) in ELA and Math.
The percentage of SDPC students scoring at the highest performance levels (Meets or Exceeds Standard) in ELA ranged between 3.2 and 8.1 percentage points higher than the state. In mathematics, SDPC students scoring at the highest performance levels (Meets or Exceeds Standard) ranged between 2.0 and 6.5 percentage points higher than the state.
When examining cohort scores, for example, 5th grade students in 2023-24 versus the same student group when they were in 3rd grade, we are seeing tremendous growth:
- In ELA, students in 5th grade in 23-24 scoring Met or Exemplary increased 9 percentage points over their 3rd grade scores (59.7% vs 50.7%).
- In ELA, students in 6th grade in 23-24 scoring Met or Exemplary increased 13.4 percentage points over their 3rd grade scores (58.2% vs 44.8%).
- In ELA, students in 7th grade in 23-24 scoring Met or Exemplary increased 4.2 percentage points over their 4th grade scores (53.5% vs 49.8%).
- In ELA, students in 8th grade in 23-24 scoring Met or Exemplary increased 10.5 percentage points over their 5th grade scores (53.8% vs 43.3%).
58.1 percent of SDPC students scored Met or Exemplary on the SC READY ELA assessment, more than four percent (4.6) higher than the state average.
47.4 percent of SDPC students scored Met or Exemplary for the SC READY Mathematics assessment, more than five percentage points (5.1) higher than the state average. The district’s overall score also improved by 1.3 percentage points compared to 2023.
SDPC shows progress on 2023-2024 End-of-Course Exams
The EOCEP provides tests in gateway courses of Algebra I, Biology I, English II, and U.S. History and Constitution. Results are used in the calculation of state accountability ratings for high schools. To meet federal accountability requirements, all public high school students must be administered End-of-Course tests by the third year of high school, including students with disabilities.
Newly released results show the district’s mean scale scores surpassed the state on three of the four End-of-Course tests, with gains reported in all four tests over the previous year’s average.
SDPC South Carolina Career Readiness Assessment Scores
The South Carolina Career Ready Test is a career readiness assessment designed to measure essential workforce skills in four areas: Math Assessment, Data Assessment, Reading Assessment, and Soft Skill Assessment. Students earn four levels of achievement depending on their score on the test: Level 2, Level, 3, Level 4, and Level 5.
61.8 percent of SDPC students taking the assessment also received a career-ready designation at Level 3, 4 or 5, again outperforming the state at 52.9%. Among traditional public school districts in South Carolina, SDPC is ranked 10th out of 73 districts for students earning Level 3, 4 or 5.
South Carolina Career Readiness Credentials Among SDPC Students:
- Level 3: 19.3% (score of level 3 or higher on all exams)
- Level 4: 40.2% (score of level 4 or higher on all exams)
- Level 5: 2.3% (score of level 5 or higher on all exams)
“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our students and teachers throughout the 2023-2024 school year. The consistent growth we’ve seen across all grade levels is a testament to the effectiveness of our instructional strategies and the commitment to excellence in our schools,” said Associate Superintendent for Academic Services, Shannon Sharkey.
“Our students’ outstanding performance on the SC READY, EOC, and Career Ready assessments reflects the strong support of our entire district community—students, teachers, staff, and parents. It is encouraging to see such significant gains, particularly when we consider the challenges many of our students face,” said School District of Pickens County Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck. “Our goal has always been to provide a high-quality education that prepares students for success, whether in higher education, careers, or other paths they choose. Our commitment to continuous improvement remains our focus, and we pledge to build on our accomplishments, address challenges, and adapt to the evolving needs of our students and community.”
To see all the results, visit the state’s Department of Education website (SC Ready, EOC, Career Ready)
School District of Pickens County Communications
August 16, 2024