Dorchester Two Superintendent on 2011 Report Card

The 2010-2011 school year was one of extraordinary achievements and continued growth in Dorchester School District Two. As one of the fastest growing districts in the state, student enrollment is approaching 23,000. 

The award-winning school district continues to attract families to the area. To address this growth, the school district has built a new elementary school and has expanded Ashley Ridge High that will provide much needed space next year. 

Despite major economic challenges, the district continued to increase student achievement with an emphasis on program efficiency and effectiveness. Explicit direct instruction, a teacher-centered approach to instruction, has been implemented in all schools.  The instructional process Target Teach has been utilized in all middle schools withdramatic results in improved student achievement.  

This year Target Teach was implemented in all elementary schools.  The district has developed a K-12 Intervention Pyramid framework to address the academic and behavioral needs of all students.  

These initiatives along with the dedication of teachers and staff have resulted in a year with the best student test scores ever attained. 

Sixteen of the twenty district schools earned Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards for student achievement, and 90 percent of our schools made an Excellent or Good on the absolute rating on the 2010 state report cards.

The district’s growth rating improved to Excellent with an absolute rating of Good.

Innovative programs are making a difference for students as the district focuses on educating the whole child. .   

Guidance Department was named a 2011 Recognized American School Counselor Association Model Program Award winner for an outstandingcomprehensive guidance program to serve students.  

Five district schools have received . 

More than $100,000 in grants were awarded to after-school programs for additional student resources, like .

This year also included major accomplishments by individuals and schools.  

Superintendent Joe Pye was named the South Carolina Superintendent of the Year. William Reeves Elementary was named a 2011 Palmetto’s Finest school. The Summerville High Girls’ Track & Field Team captured the 4-A state championship. Fort Dorchester High Boys’ Golf Team won the state golf championship. More than $25,466,685 in scholarships was offered to the graduating class of 2011. Two dedicated volunteers were named State Volunteers of the Year by the State Board of Education. Summerville High Navy JROTC was selected as the top Navy JROTC Unit in North and South Carolina. 

As Dorchester School District Two plans for the coming year, we look forward to new milestones and continuing student success.