My Approach to Establishing Vision

First, I will work to show the drastic importance of college readiness. I’ll work to instill a sense of urgency in this work using statistics and stories. All grade levels and district departments will have to work together to get this done.

Here is a sample of the statistics that we must understand.

College graduates with a bachelor’s degree typically earn 66 percent more than those with only a high school diploma; and are also far less likely to face unemployment.[1]Over the course of a lifetime, the average worker with a bachelor’s degree will earn approximately $1 million more than a worker without a postsecondary education.[2]By 2020, an estimated two-thirds of job openings will require postsecondary education or training.[3]

Second, I’ll work to review Lexington One’s data points and identify problems that my team can work with others to solve.

Here is an example of a data analysis using data from SC Department of Ed. I’m sure the district has internal data sources that will be incredibly important in this work. If there’s a need, I can work with others in the district to create them.

Data Points and Concerns

After reviewing Lexington One’s available data on the SC Department of Education’s website, I found a few things I would like to investigate. These are the problems I would bring before my team in my first 90 Days. I’m especially concerned with the points 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12. I feel that each of these data points works together to gauge the district’s success in helping get students College and Career Ready. I feel if we can improve Dual Enrollment enrollment, FAFSA Completion, and College Application Completion we will see the percentage of students enrolled in the following fall in some type of college increase.

1. Gilbert and Pelion have fewer students in Dual Enrollment between 2018 and 2019.

2. Gilbert and Pelion have a small percentage of students in Dual Enrollment classes. White Knoll only grew by .9% to 6.8%

3. Gilbert and Lexington have fewer students taking 6 credits.

4. Gilbert, Lexington, White Knoll and Pelion have fewer students filling out their FAFSA from 2017-2019.

5. Gilbert didn’t report the percentage of students completing a college application in 2019.

6. White Knoll dropped from 69.7% to 32.3% of students who completed a college application from 2017-2019.

7. The District dropped from 70.1% to 60.4% of students who completed a college application from 2017-2019.

8. Lexington dropped from 91.1% to 76.9% of students who are in some type of college from 2017-2019

9. Pelion dropped from 87.2% to 53.2% of students who are in some type of college from 2017-2019

10. White Knoll dropped from 83.1% to 78.4% of students who are in some type of college from 2017-2019

11. River Bluff dropped from 87.3% to 80.9% of students who are in some type of college from 2017-2019

12. The District dropped from 84.5% to 74.9% of students who are in some type of college from 2017-2019

Third, I’ll work with a team to break down College Readiness into a manageable process. It will start in the youngest grades by giving the students and families access to information and build their sense of urgency. We will also have to calm their fears and help them see the many possibilities that are in their reach. Then, there has to be collaboration with the guidance department. I’ve heard Lexington One uses Naviance. I’m familiar with the product and know what it brings to the table. We can use this tool to help guide and support the process. As the students age, we need to help them determine a path that fits them, access financial aid, and find a school and/or program that meets their needs.

Fourth, each part of the process must be measured and monitored. Even the best plans fail without full implementation. Tools will need to be identified or developed for this part of the process.

Fifth, The College Center needs to be seen as a piece of the larger college readiness process. It’s a great opportunity for students to earn college credit, make the most of their high school experience, and graduate from their homeschool.