Two Midlands schools accepted to the TransformSC network

Lexington Middle School in Lexington School District One and Sandhills Primary School in Lexington District Four have been accepted to TransformSC’s network of innovative schools.  There are now 40 TransformSC schools in 19 districts across the state.

“When schools volunteer to participate in TransformSC, it is a testament to their leadership and commitment to innovation,” said Mike Brenan, co-chair of TransformSC and state president of BB&T, and Pamela Lackey, state president of AT&T and co-chair of TransformSC   “We welcome these new schools to the TransformSC network, and we look forward to learning from them and celebrating their progress.”

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.

Lexington Middle School’s three-year innovation plan focuses on a combination of technology and competency-based progression, which enables students to move at their own pace.

“Lexington Middle School is excited to join the TransformSC network.  We believe that through the personalization of learning, schools can cultivate individuals who are both prepared and committed to meeting the needs of the future.  We use blended learning, design-thinking, and competency-based progression to activate each student’s strengths and passion for learning,” said Ryan Pool, principal of Lexington Middle School.

Sandhills Primary School will utilize project-based learning within the Montessori model to begin building college and career ready skills in their first and second graders.

“By providing Montessori education and project-based learning opportunities, we will provide students in grades one and two with the foundational skills to be career and college ready.  Through rigorous academic standards and innovative instructional practices, we are building critical skills such as problem-solving and collaboration,” said Principal Leslie Hightower of Sandhills Primary School.  “Peace, grace, and courtesy are also at the core of our learning and we hope to instill good work habits and the ability to persevere in our children.”

TransformSC schools receive a variety of supports and opportunities through participation in the network, including access to national experts, mentorship opportunities with other innovative schools and assistance with the implementation of innovation plans.

TransformSC is accepting applications from schools with innovative approaches to achieving the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate for every student and every teacher in every classroom, every day. Schools at all levels and stages of development are encouraged to apply.

About TransformSC

TransformSC, an education initiative of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, is a collaboration of business leaders, educators, students, parents and policy makers transforming the public education system so that every student graduates prepared for careers, college and citizenship. TransformSC schools and districts are designing, launching, promoting and proving transformative practices in the classroom.  Currently there are 40 schools from 19 districts, as well as 3 entire districts in the TransformSC network.  For more information, visitwww.sccompetes.org/transformsc.