Our Vision & Mission

Vision:
The Kershaw County School District will empower and challenge all students to reach their maximum potential.

Mission:
The mission of the Kershaw County School District is to provide a positive, safe, and rigorous learning environment in which a highly motivated and nurturing staff prepares students for success.

Beliefs:
      We Believe:

• Parents are a child’s most influential teachers
• Educating all children is a community responsibility
• Respect for individual differences is essential for a healthy community
• A safe environment is essential for positive growth and development
• Individuals are accountable for their own actions
• Preparation for a global society is critical for prosperity
• All people deserve the opportunity to develop their talents and abilities
• Public education has a positive impact on individuals and society 

Objectives: Goals
      Desired, Measurable End Results

• To have every student complete a prescribed course of study to be prepared to enter post secondary education and to have the skills  necessary for gainful employment

• To have student achievement, which consistently ranks in the top ten districts in the state as measured by state required tests and other measures as outlined by the board

• The percentage of students at the conclusion of 2nd Grade who are Reading and performing Math on grade level will increase to 100% by 2014

• The percentage of students in grades 3-8 who score “basic” and above in ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies will increase to 100% by 2014

• All students in grades 3-8 will meet the state’s proficiency standard of scoring Proficient or Advanced in ELA and Math by 2014

• All eighth grade students who enroll in Algebra I and English I will pass the state end-of-course Algebra I and English I tests by Spring 2010

• All high school students will pass the state end-of-course Algebra I, Math Tech II tests by 2014.  Other EOC tests will be added as the SDE approves them

• At least 20% of high school graduates will take at least one Advanced Placement course or one course in a post-secondary institution (Dual Credit) by 2014

• To have students who take the Advanced Placement Exams scoring 3, 4, or 5 and qualifying for college credit to score at rates that meet or are above the national rates by 2014

• The average SAT score (composite) for high schools will be at or above the national average by 2010

• The average ACT score (composite) for high schools will be at or above the national average by 2010

• All high school students will meet the state’s proficiency standard on ELA and Math HSAP tests by 2014 

• Kershaw County School District will meet the national goal of 100% graduation rate by 2014 

Parameters:
      Guiding Rules

• We will always put the best interests of students first

• We will not tolerate unsafe conditions

• We will always respect individual differences

• We will always deal honestly and openly with people and issues

• We will not tolerate prejudicial discrimination on the part of anyone

• We will provide equity in opportunity to all people

• We will involve parents in the decision-making concerning their children 

Strategies:
How the District Will Meet Its Objectives

• We will secure the funding necessary to efficiently meet the district’s mission and objectives

• We will ensure the employment and development of a competent staff, which is capable of meeting the diverse needs of our student population

• We will enable all students to achieve technological literacy by providing the necessary resources and training through an integrated curriculum

• We will ensure competent, visionary, and innovative leadership for aggressively involving all segments of the community in the implementation of the district’s mission and objectives

• We will meet the needs of at-risk students

• We will provide a safe and healthy educational environment

• We will provide innovative individual and team learning experiences that promote active student participation and application of knowledge and skills

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