ST 1.8

ST 1.8 - STEM learning outcomes demonstrate students’ STEM literacy necessary for the next level of STEM learning and for postsecondary and workforce readiness.

One of our overriding goals is to make sure that we prepare our students for their next step. We are a data driven school, and we take the time to analyze our data for each student and teacher. We strategically use the information from our standardized tests to support our teachers, and to improve our student’s academic success.  In addition to standardized data, we assess in many formative and summative ways as well. As STEM learners, we are seeking outcomes in growth of the 21st Century Skills on a regular basis.


We Are Palmetto's Finest
Palmettos FinestRed Cedar Elementary teachers do whatever it takes to ensure student success.  In 2015, we earned the honorable achievement of Palmetto’s Finest by showcasing our ability to achieve great things, implement innovative curriculum, create enrichment programs, and provide student leadership opportunities. South Carolina Association of School Administrators recognized Red Cedar to offer excellent instruction and outstanding leaders, augmented by strong family and community involvement and a supportive business community. We see this regularly in the success of our students as you see below.


SCREADY English Language Arts & Mathematics Data
Because STEM permeates all areas of our curriculum, the below ELA and math data shows the overall achievement of our students.  The SC Ready data below shows that we compare favorably to the school district especially in the third and fifth grades in both reading and math. Of particular note, the fifth grade scored 16 and 12 percentage points higher in reading and math respectively than the school district.

ELA Data

Math Data

STEM and the Four Cs
Standardized testing gives of the quantitative information we need to ensure content is understood and to allow us to makes informed decisions in regards to curriculum. But assessing and understanding the 4 Cs of 21st Century Learning is equally important qualitative. Here how one of our teachers ensures that students are progressing not just in content but in practice and skill as well.



4 Cs Rubric
(4 Cs for 21st Century Learning Rubric)


Growth Mindset & Effort
As a part of building a culture of problem solvers, our staff began studying the work of Carol Dweck on growth mindset.  We seek to embed the ideas of persevering, work hard, the power of “yet,” and seeing failure as a learning opportunity. Through this work and our work on rethinking grading, we developed an Effort Rubric.  This is used by teachers in grades 2-5 as well as Related Arts to help students self-assess and set goals for their focus, accountability, participation and initiative. This tool is also a part our each student’s agenda book so that parents can refer to it as well.