PENDLETON — What could make for a better metaphor for Anderson School District 4 than a lighthouse?

In fact, such a beacon of hope for every child rests in the hands of our caring educators. Throughout the six neighborhood schools and our Family Learning Center is a quality source of learning with illumination on student excellence.

Each Child. Each Opportunity. This is the motivation that inspires what we do.

While we are proud of accomplishments such as three schools being named National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools (Pendleton Elementary, Riverside Middle and Townville Elementary); Pendleton High’s HSAP scores ranking 14th in the state; Riverside Middle being only one of four middle schools to receive a Palmetto’s Finest visit; and La France Elementary’s We Are Family Program, where every adult is a mentor to children; our sights remain on creating a world-class learning environment.

At the core of our daily work are our district goals that every child will read at or above grade level by the end of third grade, be prepared for the next grade, and will graduate from high school.

Clear goals. Clear direction. Clear commitment.

In an effort to accomplish these absolutes, several initiatives are in progress to include:

Low teacher-student ratios with a commitment to move toward a 17:1 in grades K-3 by the year

2011-12.

A clear instructional path driven by a standard-based curriculum map

K-12 offering consistency among grade levels and content areas, vertical alignment and effective learning activities and assessments.

Flexible use of instructional minutes, providing learning opportunities

for both accelerating learning and academic assistance.

A nontraditional grading system that is a true reflection of student learning, providing parents with specific feedback on skill mastery.

Extended learning opportunities through such avenues as summer enrichment and Jumpstart programs, along with the prospect of implementing a district year-round academic calendar.

State-of-the art interactive classrooms comprised of interactive white boards, wireless slates, LCD projectors, Phonic Ear (enhanced stereo sound from all sources to include the teacher’s voice), student voting systems, mobile computing labs, engineering design labs, Voice Over IP technologies, with wireless access at all campuses.

Maximizing expanded instructional space funded by the 2005 $26.5M referendum, which included the opening of Mount Lebanon Elementary and renovations/additions to Townville Elementary, Riverside Middle and Pendleton High Schools.

Enhanced student academic achievement based on annual audits of curriculum and educational effectiveness using extensive data to establish benchmarks of student achievement.

And, employee performance and attendance incentives, which will compensate employees according to their roles, responsibilities and performance, while positively impacting morale and employee retention.

World-class teaching and world-class learning, this is the very fabric that makes up each effort given, each day. It’s who we are. It’s where we are going!

Dr. Joanne Avery is the assistant superintendent for Anderson School District 4.

Joanne Avery is the assistant superintendent for Anderson School District 4.