Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests (PACT) scores showed that three of the four most improved elementary schools, and five of the sixteen most improved Charleston public schools, were working in partnership with Edison Alliance, a national program of Edison Schools.

Charleston School Superintendent Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson said the schools' students -- and their principals, teachers and leadership teams -- deserve special praise for their hard work. She said the improving scores show the alliance with Edison is working.

"I have always believed that all students can accomplish great things if well taught and well cared for by their schools," she said. "Our Alliance partnership schools poured their hearts and souls into this program, and the strong first-year results speak for themselves.

"Kids can get a great public education if we commit ourselves to doing whatever is necessary."

Goodloe-Johnson, who brought the Edison Alliance program to Charleston soon after joining the district, said she's pleased to see such positive outcomes. She will recognize Edison for its contributions at the next school board meeting.

Jeff McCoy, head of development for Edison Schools' District Partnership Division and general manager for its Alliance relationship with Charleston County School District, cited strong district support for the initiative as an integral reason for the improvement. "These gains are the results of our work together with the district -- day in, day out -- in a true partnership."

The Edison Alliance program includes intensive professional development and support for teachers. It also provides both teachers and administrators with the tools they need to easily assess student performance, address any concerns in real time, and help all students be successful.

Academic improvement is measured against the state's nationally recognized high standards of proficiency. Charleston schools working with Edison Alliance have high levels of economic disadvantage, and in the past several years some schools had less than 10 percent of students scoring proficient or above on PACT.

The strongest gains were achieved at Sanders Clyde Elementary School, which increased its percentage of students scoring proficient or advanced in reading and math an average of 27.6 points from 2004 to 2005; E.B. Ellington Elementary, which improved 24.5 points in students scoring proficient or advanced in reading and math; and C.C. Blaney, which gained an average of 11.5 points.

Edison Alliance also worked with three middle schools in Charleston County. Schroder Middle School and Brentwood performed on par with other Charleston middle schools and the now closed Rivers performed somewhat better. Research has shown that middle school progress can take longer.

Charleston County School District is a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,000 square miles. With approximately 43,700 students, 80 schools and additional programs, and more than 5,500 employees, Charleston is the second largest school system in SC and one of the area's top employers. For more information, visit ccsdschools.com.

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