Lower Richland High School Earns AdvancED STEM Certification
February 26, 2015
LRHS first school to earn esteemed accreditation in Richland One
COLUMBIA, SC – Lower Richland High School has earned the coveted AdvancED Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Certification for outstanding performance; the first school to achieve such accreditation in Richland School District One.
The AdvancED STEM Certification is a mark of excellence and distinction demonstrating how Lower Richland High School (LRHS) creates a competitive learning environment, offering skills, knowledge and thinking strategies to give students a competitive edge in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, due to the growing demand of expertise in the job market for these fields of study.
Since receiving a School Improvement Grant and starting their STEM program four years ago, and hiring the regional competitiveness non-profit EngenuitySC two years ago, LRHS has begun outperforming fellow high schools in its district. LRHS has seen dynamic changes in student performance, dress, attendance and punctuality, as well as staff performance and enthusiasm. A predominantly minority school, in 2014 LRHS had the highest attainment rate for senior scholarships in the district; this was a first for the school. The LRHS student body also has achieved some of the highest African American SAT test scores in Richland One.
“The AdvancED STEM certification is a great honor for Lower Richland High School,” says Kelvin Wymbs, Principal at LRHS. “This certification shows the dedication and passion that our faculty and students have for science, technology, engineering and math curriculum. This award outlines what is truly possible when public schools and partners like EngenuitySC collaborate to transform daily teaching and learning experiences in the classroom.”
“We are extremely proud of Lower Richland High School in achieving the distinct honor of being the first Nationally Certified STEM Program in Richland One,” says Cheryl Harris, Board Chair at Richland School District One School Board. “This is certainly a prime example of great leadership, great teachers, great students and great partners like EngenuitySC producing great results for our kids and community. Lower Richland High School is definitely in a new place when it comes to innovation and collaboration. We look forward to seeing this success expand throughout Richland One.”
LRHS underwent the AdvancED STEM Certification Review in Nov. 2014, a test evaluating 11 indicators of criteria for LRHS’ awareness, continuous improvement, assessment of quality and the rigor/substance of the STEM educational program, based on data from evidence, conducted observations and interviewed stakeholders and participants. The total average rating for all indicators combined is required to be at a minimum of 2.8, while no single indicator has a rating of “1.” After review, LRHS earned a certification score of 3.09, and scored at or above the STEM Certification Score in 10 of the 11 categories. The accreditation lasts for five years before the school must be re-reviewed.
“Rarely in the public sector do you see immediate return on investment as powerful as what we’ve seen at Lower Richland High School, but the AdvancED STEM accreditation is proof that positive change can happen quickly,” says Meghan Hughes Hickman, Executive Director at EngenuitySC. “I am constantly amazed by the people at Lower Richland and it has been a true privilege to partner with them. What excites me most is that we’re just getting started and with the leadership of Principal Wymbs and champions at the District, the School Board and the County Council, we will continue impacting the lives of these students.”
About EngenuitySC
Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., EngenuitySC is a public-private partnership focused on enhancing our region’s economic competitiveness and prosperity. Through collaboration with business, government, higher education and community leaders, EngenuitySC builds partnerships and measures success around five indicators of competitive communities: innovative capacity, talent, entrepreneurial/business environment, livability and strong industry clusters. Through our innovative process, unique vision and ability to create a plan and deliver results, EngenuitySC is working to build a more competitive and prosperous Midlands region. For more information, visit http://www.engenuitysc.com.
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