Achieving excellence for students extends beyond grades and achievement tests to graduating students who are college ready, career ready, and life ready for success in a complex and ever-changing world. We’ll learn from two educators who have dedicated their careers not just to helping high school students explore possible future careers, but to begin advancing along specific career pathways now.

Achieving excellence for students extends beyond grades and achievement tests to graduating students who are college ready, career ready, and life ready for success in a complex and ever-changing world. We’ll learn from two educators who have dedicated their careers not just to helping high school students explore possible future careers, but to begin advancing along specific career pathways now.

A central theme of our Beating the Odds Investigative Study was holding high expectations of everyone, for everyone. Everyone at these excellent schools expected great things from their students, from one another, and from themselves. We’ll speak with two principals from our partner schools to learn from their experiences, setting high expectations and developing a shared commitment to reach those expectations, no matter what.

Schools that “Beat the Odds” use a lot of data. In our study, educators analyzed the data they had, talked about the data in teams, used data to figure out what they needed to do, and collected new data to monitor their plans. We’ll talk to a Digital Integration Specialist who exemplifies the art of using data to drive excellence, and the science of collecting data as evidence of effectiveness.

We continue our conversation with guests Monique Smalls, District Transformation Coach, South Carolina Department of Education and Christy Dodd, Principal, Flat Rock Elementary School, Anderson School District 3.

Our Beating the Odds study revealed a common thread in excellent schools: a strong sense of “family.” Hear from two leaders about how they built a culture where everyone is committed to each other’s success.

Educators who believe in at-risk kids keep showing up in the research as the one common thread behind people who beat the odds. We want you to hear their stories.

The Education Beat: Evidence to Excellence is a podcast that transforms the research, findings, and evidence gathered by the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee into compelling stories. From real voices on the ground to the ideas driving change, we bring you the conversations that matter most to educators, administrators, and families in our state.

Episodes are available Thursdays beginning June 18.