Partner Districts

PARTNERS of the Center

The task force that met to write the original grant realized that the problems inherent in successfully educating large numbers of children of poverty were great -- much greater than any single person, institution, or agency can solve. Thus, although the Center would be physically housed on the campus of FMU, it would also extend throughout the region and the state by means of a series of partnerships and collaborations. Originally, three of the 18 school districts-- Darlington, Dillon 2, and Marion 1 -- served as "partner districts," with the other 15 districts designated as "participating districts." Administrators and teachers of the partner districts worked hand-in-glove with FMU faculty to determine how best to prepare teachers, initially and continually, to teach children of poverty. Administrators and teachers of the participating districts benefited from the activities offered by and materials developed by the Center, but were not directly involved in the ongoing operation of the Center.

The Partner District concept has continued, and each year districts are invited to join with the Center as “Partner Districts.” The number of districts working together with the Center has increased annually and the geographic representation now extends beyond that of the Pee Dee region.

To accomplish its goals in a more effective and efficient manner, the Center also established and has maintained a close working relationship with the Pee Dee Education Center (PDEC). Founded in 1967, PDEC has provided services for member districts and, perhaps more importantly, gained respect as an authoritative communications link with political and educational entities throughout the state. Early collaborative working relationships were also developed and continue with other centers and agencies across the state who shared similar goals, including existing Centers of Excellence in South Carolina; the SC State Department of Education; the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA); Johns Hopkins University’s National Network of Partnership Schools; and the National Center for the Education of Students Placed at Risk (CRESPAR).

For information on how to become a Partner District, please contact the Center of Excellence.