Beaufort County Schools looking for hands-on ways to educate kids

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) —The Beaufort County School District (BCSD) set a goal, 75% proficiency in Math and English on state test scores, and a 92% graduation rate.

School leaders said it takes more than just opening a book to reach their goals, it takes getting creative with learning.

“Finding that connection with the content to something else that they’re interested in that is going to push them to reach their highest potential,” said Lady’s Island Middle School (LIMS) Principal Chavon Browne.

WSAV News 3 was told about how BCSD is working towards alternative ideas to use for in and out of the classroom learning.

“There are obstacles that get in the way, motivation, home circumstances,” said Browne. “There are all these external factors. When they come to our school, we’re presenting them with knowledge, you know, these grandiose theories and concepts. But we have to meet them where they are, what they’re ready for before we can get them to that that highest level. When they come to our school, we’re presenting them with knowledge, you know, these grandiose theories and concepts. But we have to meet them where they are, what they’re ready for before we can get them to that that highest level.”

A world at LIMS that involves 3D computer modeling that is more than just games, but science. One program a less messy version of anatomy right in front of their eyes.

“Lady’s Island Middle School is a part of the MedTech seven program,” said Browne. “Our medical magnet status is helping students explore careers in the health science field. They need to be able to make connections to the real world. Right? Why is this important? Why am I engaging in this along with I wonder what I could do with this in the future? I wonder if this experience is going to connect me to a profession?”

There’s also a “maker’s space” in the school library, with options ranging from a 3D art to a robotics team that competes around the area. These are “science lessons” where they can learn techniques that they can take back to the classroom.

There are even cards and games that seem like fun but can help students think in different ways compared to conventional methods.

“Connect 4, cards, battleship, Jenga, games that provide you know strategy so they’re having to do some critical thinking skills and so everything kind of helps them get ready for the day, prepare for learning,” Joanna Sergeant, LIMS Media Specialist said.

BCSD said that they have ramped up the alternative ideas since Covid and it has already shown progress. English Language Arts (ELA) state test scores being the highest in district history, and math scores also rose 3% last year alone.

“I don’t believe we would be able to continue in education without being progressive at what we’re doing for learning,” BCSD Chief Instructional Services Officer Mary Stratos said. “The world today is not what it was when I was a child. The world tomorrow won’t be what it is for these students today. So, these young people that you’ve seen today will be our workforce in potentially ten years. We must get them ready in a different world.”