Brunson-Dargan Elementary School joins innovative school network TransformSC
Brunson-Dargan Elementary School is now a member of a growing group of schools accepted into TransformSC’s network of innovative institutions.
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.
Brunson-Dargan Elementary School joins Darlington High School, Hartsville High School and Carolina Elementary School as TransformSC members from Darlington County School District. To be accepted into the TransformSC network, the schools submitted three-year innovation plans that were evaluated and approved by TransformSC’s Action Team Chairs and staff.
Ada Sindab, principal of Brunson-Dargan Elementary School, said her school is eager to take advantage of membership in TransformSC.
“The world has changed a great deal and continues to do so at a rapid pace,” Sindab said. “To obtain jobs in the 21st century, students need to be able to think deeply about issues, develop creative solutions to real-world problems, and be able to manage a large amount of information. Brunson-Dargan believes students begin to learn these skills during their elementary years. Here, we lay the foundation for future learning.”
The new TransformSC schools include Brunson-Dargan Elementary School, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School, Batesburg-Leesville Primary School, Carolina High School and Wando High School. The School District of Pickens County also joined.
With the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate in mind, Brunson-Dargan Elementary School’s innovation plan included the following goals:
· Students will be actively engaged through authentic learning experiences.
· Brunson-Dargan will implement school-wide, standards-based report cards for English/Language Arts and Mathematics.
· All students will leave Brunson-Dargan with a digital portfolio, reflecting work across the curriculum.
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.
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.
Schools at all levels and stages of development are encouraged to apply for inclusion to the TransformSC network.
Currently, there are 57 schools and five entire districts in the TransformSC network. For more information, please visit www.sccompetes.org/transformsc.
