Pickens County highlights literacy push, says project-based learning reduced remediation needs

Chief academic officer Dr. Abby May told the board Feb. 12 the district will run a monthlong literacy initiative beginning March 31 called the 'Dragon Slam Dunk Literacy Challenge,' and listed several related events: a literacy night on March 5 at PJ, Read Across America on March 6, and the Pickens Page Turners event on March 7.

Dr. Abby May said the initiatives will use social media and school-based activities to encourage family engagement and reading at home. She also highlighted instructional changes at one school where teachers implemented project-based learning: teachers reported students showed higher engagement, fewer behavior concerns and, according to a teacher-submitted data point shared at the meeting, remediation needs after units fell to roughly one-third of prior levels.

The chief academic officer framed these activities as part of the district's goal area 1 for student achievement and success and encouraged attendance at literacy events.

The district did not present independent validation (e.g., a written report or slide deck) with the meeting record; the details and teacher-reported remediation numbers were presented orally at the board meeting.