PENDER COUNTY, N.C. — Pender County Schools (PCS) is celebrating significant academic achievements as detailed in the latest North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Accountability Data Sets and Reports. The comprehensive analysis highlights promising trends and successes across the district’s elementary, middle, and high schools.
ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
Grade Level Proficiency (GLP) Results: PCS elementary schools showed noteworthy improvements, with 3rd-grade Math proficiency increasing by 2.10% and 5th-grade Reading proficiency rising by 4.30%. Despite a 9% decline in 4th-grade Math proficiency, all elementary schools demonstrated growth in Reading, reflecting the district’s effective literacy programs.
Middle School Performance: Middle schools saw improved End-of-Grade (EOG) scores and continue to close the gap in the 5th to 6th grade transitions, a positive sign of enhanced instructional strategies and curriculum focus. These improvements underscore the district's commitment to supporting student learning at critical developmental stages.
HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESSES
CTE Credentials: PCS students achieved a milestone by earning over 8,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) credentials in the 2023-24 school year, resulting in an impressive 83.50% credential attainment rate. This represents a substantial increase and highlights the district’s dedication to career readiness.
School Performance and Growth: High schools experienced a 3.40% increase in English 2 proficiency and a 2.10% increase in Math 3 proficiency, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted educational strategies.
OVERALL ACHIEVEMENTS
Twelve out of 18 schools met or exceeded growth expectations, and the number of low-performing schools decreased from 7 to 6.
Graduation Rates: PCS’s high school graduation rate remains strong, consistently in the mid-90s and above the state average. This reflects the district’s success in preparing students for post-secondary education and career paths.
Reading Growth: All PCS schools met or exceeded growth expectations in Reading, showcasing the effectiveness of the district’s literacy initiatives.
FUTURE PLANS
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 school year, PCS leadership is focused on setting new goals and implementing action plans. Upcoming priorities include:
Curriculum Enhancements: Introduction of new curricula in Math, English Language Arts (ELA), and Science to address identified areas for improvement.
Professional Development: Continued support for educators through professional development, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of struggling learners.
Targeted Support: Increased focus on improving ACT and Workkeys performance at the high school level and sustained efforts to support low-performing schools.
Pender County Schools is committed to building on these successes and addressing challenges to ensure ongoing academic excellence and growth for all students. The district’s achievements reflect a collaborative effort to provide high-quality education and prepare students for future success.