District launches new online reading platform for students and staff
September 8, 2022
Charleston County School District (CCSD) has started using an online reading platform called Beanstack with teachers and students. The tool allows users to log their reading and compete in district and school-based reading challenges. The launch corresponds with International Literacy Day, today, Thursday, September 8, 2022. Additionally, the platform is one of many programs implemented to support and promote Superintendent Don Kennedy’s Vision 2027 reading initiative.
Beanstack makes it easy for students to earn virtual badges, tickets for drawings, and prizes by logging their reading. Readers can also post book reviews and keep track of activities they complete along the way.
In an effort to grow a reading culture and celebrate all students as readers, CCSD kicked off a year-long, district-wide challenge on August 17, 2022, called 15,000,000 Minute Challenge. Each school has a community goal based on the number of staff and students, and each reader has an individual goal to contribute toward the 15,000,000 minutes.
“We are excited about this challenge,” said Kennedy. “I hope it will motivate our students and staff to read and accomplish their established goals.”
According to Christy James, CCSD Library Media Services Coordinator and District Textbook Coordinator, Beanstack offers an exciting opportunity for all students and staff to make the commitment to reading and literacy visible.
“Everyone can log reading done during school and out of school,” explained James. “Students and staff can track anything they read, whether it is a library book, an ebook, magazine articles, or audiobooks. It all counts!”
CCSD also has challenges set up for K-8 for the new EL curriculum modules (new ELA curriculum) and launched South Carolina Book Award challenges after Labor Day.
Additionally, the Charleston County Public Library system just added Beanstack, creating the ability to have community challenges.
“This will be an exciting addition to our partnership with CCPL to support and celebrate reading in our schools and in our community all year,” added James.
Students and staff can access Beanstack in Clever or via the free mobile app. See the video for an overview of the student experience. For additional information, contact the Division of Communications at (843) 937-6303.
About the Charleston County School District
Charleston County School District (CCSD) is a nationally accredited school district committed to providing equitable and quality educational opportunities for all of its students. CCSD is the second-largest school system in South Carolina and represents a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves approximately 49,000 students in 88 schools and specialized programs.
CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), Montessori, and charter schools. Options include programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), music and other creative and performing arts, career and technical preparation programs, and military.
