COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
When 5th grade science teacher Pamela Livingston asks a question, she expects an answer, and her kids are eager to show what they know.
This type of engaged, interactive, and focused learning is what you'll see in every classroom at South Kilbourne Elementary.
"I think too often we look at what can technology do, but I do believe that children need people. They need a strong adult next to them, that's what we do," said Principal Sara Smith.
Smith makes it a priority to know every student in her school -- not just their name, but their data as well.
"We not only just analyze it, just aggregate it, we just know to the 'T' where our kids are, and the key is getting to know our children," said Smith, "Once we know them, then we build that relationship, and are able to see beyond the surface."
What data do they look at? all of it.
"I am a data geek," said Smith. "I love to connect down."
Kim Spivey is the curriculum resource teacher. She says one of the keys to Kilbourne's Blue Ribbon success is a concept called "climb the mountain".
"It's a data analysis form that the students have that I created, that we work together and they have to fill it out, and they have to watch themselves go up the mountain for success," said Spivey.
Spivey says they piece the data for each child together like a puzzle to figure out where the kids are missing something. Then they develop lessons and strategies to meet those needs.
Using data to drive instruction means there are a lot of changes at South Kilbourne on a monthly, weekly, and sometimes daily basis.
"Our students do not remain in the same group environment or classroom throughout the year, but we can change with in three or four times a month," said Smith. "It's according to the needs of the kids and we are constantly changing."
That strategy can be a little unsettling for new teachers, but veterans like Miss Livingston get it!
"Because we are such a data-driven school, teaching is such a reflective practice anyway, but it has allowed me to really see my students, how they learn, what they do, what they need," said Livingston.
It also allows students to see themselves and believe they can achieve.
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