Programs and Initiatives

                                     
ADEPT

Every student in South Carolina schools deserves an effective teacher. Teachers deserve timely, thoughtful feedback about their practice to grow and develop at all stages of their professional career. The Expanded ADEPT Support and Evaluation System represents a significant step in the journey of improving teacher professional practice for the benefit of ALL students in South Carolina. ADEPT (Assisting, Developing, and Evaluating Professional Teaching) system has become a vital part of South Carolina’s overall teacher quality initiative. In addition to achieving the minimum score or better on appropriate examinations of both subject matter (content) and general teaching area, teachers were required to complete all ADEPT requirements to be eligible for a professional teaching certificate. Expanded ADEPT focuses attention on intended student outcomes, allowing educators to align and strengthen professional practice to support those outcomes. The system uses data-driven improvements to the state’s existing support and evaluation systems.

                                              
PADEPP

South Carolina has adopted rigorous standards for students, teachers, and school leaders. The Expanded Program for Assisting, Developing, and Evaluating Principal Performance (PADEPP) Standards and Criteria play an essential role in South Carolina’s standards-based system. Current research consistently indicates that effective principals communicate and distribute leadership to engage all educators in realizing a vision for high quality teaching and improved student learning and growth. The purpose of ongoing assessment is to improve performance and effectiveness. The intention is for the process to be professional, supportive, collegial, transparent, and developmental in nature by enhancing the principal’s professional practice, knowledge, and skills throughout their careers.

                                      
Teacher of the Year

The Teacher of the Year, (TOY) program celebrates excellence and strengthens the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers in the schools and district. These awards not only assist in retention efforts but serve as a powerful recruitment tool. The Williamsburg County School District Teacher of the Year serves for one school year providing mentoring, collaborating with stakeholders, and attending speaking engagements.

                                                
Induction and Mentoring

The school district will provide an induction and mentoring program for all beginning classroom-based teachers, library media specialists, school counselors, and speech-language therapists in order to increase the effectiveness and promote the retention of novice educators. Through its induction and mentoring program, the district will provide assistance and support to beginning educators. The purpose of WCSD's mentoring program is to provide first year teachers and annual diagnostic teachers the opportunity for mentor-ship, guidance, and support throughout the year. Trained mentors are assigned to teachers in their building.  Mentors are selected by their building level principal and are master teachers and content savvy.

                       
Project Lead The Way

Project Lead The Way (PLTW), provides transformative learning experiences for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S. We create an engaging, hands-on classroom environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills they need to thrive. We also provide teachers with the training, resources, and support they need to engage students in real-world learning through computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. Students are provided with learning opportunities that allow them to utilize 21^st century skills by solving real world challenges and leadership.

Dr. Latetia J. Staggers
Executive Director of Professional Development & Instructional Support
500 North Academy Street, Building D
Kingstree, SC. 29556
Phone: 843-355-5571 ext. 7102
Fax:    843-355-3213
lstaggers@wcsd.k12.sc.us

Vernett Murray
Executive Administrative Specialist                                                                    500 North Academy Street, Building D
Kingstree, SC. 29556
Phone: 843-355-5571 ext. 6107
Fax: 843-355-3213                                                          vlmurray@wcsd.k12.sc.us