Author: Charles Redfearn
If you were like me a few years ago, you might have thought that SCASCD was only something for principals. You can search Google to find out that it stands for the South Carolina Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, but really what is SCASCD and why is it so important to the future of education?
In my opinion, defining SCASCD can be done in one word, EMPOWERMENT! SCASCD is built by the empowered so that it can empower more than just administrators. They want to empower all educators to be able to improve teaching and learning for all students by focusing on the whole child. Members of SCASCD believe that for every child to be educated, they must first be Healthy, Safe, Supported, Challenged, and Engaged. They work tirelessly to ensure that these beliefs are shared with others, specifically in their home schools where they empower their fellow educators to embrace the whole child initiative.
Another way that SCASCD empowers educators is through advocacy. SCASCD is a non-partisan association that believes that our schools and students are greatly affected by educational policies. SCASCD members have opportunities to be a part of the decision-making process when the future of education is discussed and advocate for policies and practices that ensure each child has access to educational excellence and equity. Check out the current ASCD Legislative Agenda nd be empowered to be the advocate for education when working with policy makers.
As a 3rd year assistant principal at Chesterfield-Ruby Middle School, SCASCD is an important organization for my school because it provides a framework that can be used to evaluate approaches and practices of instruction, supervision, and leadership. The knowledge gained from SCASCD can be used to understand changes in direction so that practices may be introduced or further developed to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. My school is a busy place, and it can be easy to get caught in ‘activity traps’ where staff are working extremely hard in daily leadership tasks but valued student learning outcomes are not actually improving. By understanding some of the strategies of SCASCD instructional leadership, the focus of these tasks can be aligned with research-informed practices that promote improvement. Schools aligning with these practices and strategies is an important way of developing effective leadership in our schools. An effective leader directs their attention and actions towards ensuring all components within the educational system support the whole child, and, therefore, the learning of all students.
SCASCD’s ability to influence and empower inside and outside the schools holds a value that cannot be measured. If you are looking to be empowered and haven’t joined SCASCD, now would be a great time to start your membership. You can also add on SC affiliate dues when you begin or renew your ASCD membership. FREE memberships are provided to ALL first-year teachers in SC! There are some great things coming ahead, so don’t miss the opportunity to get connected and expand your professional network!
About the Author:
Charles Redfearn serves as Assistant Principal at Chesterfield-Ruby Middle School in Chesterfield County School District.
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