Richland Two high schools accepted to innovative program

COLUMBIA, SC – All five Richland School District Two high schools – Blythewood, Richland Northeast,  Ridge View, Spring Valley and Westwood – have been accepted to TransformSC’s network of innovative schools.

To be accepted into the TransformSC network, the schools submitted a three-year innovation plan that is evaluated and approved by TransformSC’s Action Team Chairs and staff. TransformSC schools commit to create a culture of innovation in their schools and to implement some combination of TransformSC’s four innovative practices:  project-based learning, blended learning, continuous assessment and competency-based progression, in order to transform learning and teaching for every student and every teacher in every classroom every day.

“I applaud the work the high schools put into drafting these plans and look forward to seeing the results as we continue to achieve the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate,” said district Superintendent Dr. Debbie Hamm.

An overview of the goals by high school follows:

Blythewood High School:

• Goal 1: Blythewood will explore and create opportunities for Project-Based Learning.
• Goal 2: Blythewood will initiate Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) strategies to improve instruction.
• Goal 3: Blythewood will develop a freshman transition program focused on rising ninth graders, their parents and their teachers.

Richland Northeast High School:

• Goal 1: Richland Northeast will engage faculty, staff and students in 21st Century knowledge and skills which include collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking to prepare students for college and careers through Project Based Learning.
• Goal 2: Richland Northeast will involve faculty and staff in school improvement decisions and ownership by maximizing the full potential of Professional Learning Communities.
• Goal 3: Richland Northeast will cultivate a culture of Personalized Learning by tailoring the programs, course offerings and learning environments to continue to meet the needs of its diverse learners.

Ridge View High School:

• Goal 1: More than 50 percent of Ridge View students and staff will demonstrate the common definition of innovation through their presentation of learning and electronic portfolios.
• Goal 2: Each Ridge View stakeholder group will participate collaboratively to evaluate how current instructional and organizational practices are contributing to the success of students in the development of 21st Century Skills as described by the South Carolina High School Graduate Profile.
• Goal 3: Seventy-five percent of Ridge View students will personalize their instruction by selecting courses and their best educational environment such as blended learning, brick and mortar setting, virtual learning or work study. 

Spring Valley High School:

• Goal 1: Spring Valley will increase the use of blended learning and Project Based Learning across all departments.
• Goal 2: Spring Valley will update and expand science course offerings to support 21st Century Skills across all content areas.