challenge,” Hodge details. Each elementary school has a reading coach, a reading interventionist, and a math interventionist. Middle and high schools benefit from instructional coaches who support all content areas. Mental health care is also prioritized, with therapists serving schools throughout the district. Early learning is another area of progress. As it became evident that many children were entering kindergarten unprepared, the district partnered with Spartanburg Academic Movement to secure funding through a full service community grant.These funds will support the addition of four 3K classrooms, in addition to its existing 4K programs. “We know that if we provide a strong foundation for early learners, the research shows that they’re going to be graduating on time. They’re going to have a better opportunity for success post high school graduation,” Hodge recounts. “That is really the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all around support services,” she continues. “We are constantly looking at our data to see what our district needs to truly continue this forward momentum. We have a strong focus on continuous improvement and being intentional about anything and everything we do to help students succeed.” TOOLS FOR OPPORTUNITY Technology integration in Spartanburg Three begins early.“We have a one to one technology initiative, and our students have access to technology beginning in kindergarten,” Dr. Fowler reports. The district also maintains a virtual platform that allows for flexible learning during inclement weather, health needs, or student preference. The most innovative uses of technology can be found at the Daniel Morgan Technology Center, where students explore fields designed for the future. “Technology for us consists of more than just computers,” DMTC Director, Dr. Nikki Honeycutt asserts. The Information Technology instructor, David Thornton, is a state leader in artificial intelligence curriculum development.“He was the only teacher on Governor McMaster’s Task Force to pilot the artificial intelligence curriculum for the state,” she notes.“He has worked in conjunction with the South Carolina Competes and the Southern Region Education Board 330 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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