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EDUCATION - Preparing for the Future of North Augusta
The various education programs launched by North Augusta 2000 have been very successful. Those programs will be continued and expanded in creative new ways. An exceptional education system will entice young people to stay in our community, start a career, and raise a family. Continuing education programs will allow adults in the community to enhance their career opportunities while creating an atmosphere of lifelong learning.
Real Life 101 is an accredited basic skills course intended to provide practical information to seniors at North Augusta High School relative to matters that they are facing or will face upon completion of their High School work. The program intends to provide information helpful not only to those continuing their post high school education but also those that are completing their education and will be attempting to enter the work force.The course covers over 25 topics taught by a volunteer faculty of community and profession business leaders to include checking accounts, insurance, real estate, auto repair, taxes, judicial process and etiquette. Each student receives a notebook and the book 20 Things That Matter-Life’s Greatest Lesson, by Hal Urban, provided by North Augusta 2000. The course began in August 2001 and over 500 High School seniors have participated thus far.
Reading is the key to academic success. The goal of the Reading Readiness Program is to increase knowledge and vocabulary as well as establish reading skills as a foundation for a lifetime of increased academic performance. The Reading Readiness Program, Chaired by Kathie Stallworth, a retired teacher with over 30 years experience, began in early 2002 and through 2006 has distributed over 32,000 age-appropriate books to over 1,700 preschool children between the ages of two and five. The books are distributed quarterly through public schools, private schools and day care centers. Reading scores measured in first grade in all four area elementary schools have increased each year since the program began. All four school scores now exceed the national average.
The Career Development Program, (formerly the Mentoring and Shadowing Programs), chaired by Dr. John W. L. Smith, began in 2003 and is held each year in the fall. All 1500-1600 high school students participate in the event. Each year, students take a survey to match them to possible future career choices. On Career Day they have an opportunity to listen to speakers from over seventy professionals in fields that most closely match their career interest. The speakers provide the students with information on education and experience requirements, differences in careers, and the rewards and challenges of given careers.
The Basic Life Skills initiative was implemented by a North Augusta 2000 partner organization, the Adult Literacy Pilot Program, with funds granted by North Augusta 2000.
North Augusta 2000 will develop the North Augusta Lifelong Learning Program to enhance learning opportunities for North Augusta residents of all ages and with a variety of needs. The programs will include English as a Second Language, Life Skills for Adults (similar to Real Life 101), and Life Enhancements (for retirees and older adults).
The education programs launched in 2001 have matured to the point of becoming community institutions. Hundreds of volunteers have contributed to the success of education initiatives. In the next five years the education programs initiated by North Augusta 2000 will “grow wings” and spin off to allied partners made up of the existing corps of volunteers under the North Augusta 2000 umbrella. A new organization, the North Augusta Education Alliance, will be created to oversee the continuation of the Real Life 101, Reading Readiness and Career Day programs.
North Augusta 2000 will host a series of forums to discuss and evaluate the future of education and the effectiveness of our schools, and explore options for improving the delivery of education services in the North Augusta area.
P.O. Box 6067
North Augusta, South Carolina 29861-6067
803.510.0011
