School District Five has been awarded a $220,000 grant from the South Carolina Department of Education through the Instructional Leadership Accelerator Pilot Program, a new initiative designed to strengthen leadership systems that directly impact teaching and learning.
District Five is one of a select group of school districts chosen to participate in the inaugural pilot program, which focuses on developing instructional leadership practices, strengthening leadership pipelines, and providing more consistent, system-wide professional development for current and aspiring school leaders.
“We are excited to be selected for this opportunity and grateful to the South Carolina Department of Education for investing in the future of instructional leadership in our district,” Chief Academic Officer Tina McCaskill said. “Strong school leaders create strong schools. This grant will allow us to further develop and support our current and future leaders so they are equipped to positively impact teaching, learning, and ultimately student success.”
The district will implement the program in several phases. The work will begin with an orientation for participants, followed by professional learning experiences and instructional walkthroughs.
Participants will also take part in small-group coaching focused on strengthening instructional leadership through collaboration, reflection and feedback. The program will conclude with interview preparation, participant presentations and a showcase highlighting the growth and outcomes of the pilot.
Through the program, District Five will continue building its leadership pipeline while providing professional learning opportunities designed to support continuous improvement throughout the district.
The South Carolina Department of Education created the Instructional Leadership Accelerator Pilot Program to help school districts develop sustainable leadership systems that strengthen instructional excellence and improve student outcomes statewide.
