School Profile



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School Profile


Fall 2014




www.scsdb.org

Introduction

The SC School for the Deaf and the Blind is the state’s only specialized school for students who are deaf, blind, or sensory multidisabled. It offers pre K-12 educational programs on its main campus in Spartanburg and specialized vision and hearing services in school districts and homes throughout the state. The school serves as a resource center to families and professionals and is committed to maintaining strong partnerships to better serve the state’s sensory disabled population.


The 160-acre main campus is located in Upstate South Carolina. Satellite outreach offices are located in Columbia, the state’s capital.
The SC School for the Deaf and the Blind is a state agency and the terms “school” and “agency” are often used interchangeably, but for the purposes of this document, the term “school” will be used when referring to the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind and its outreach services.

Community
The Spartanburg-Greenville community offers:


  • A location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains between

Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC – less than four hours’ drive from

coastal retreats



  • A moderate climate with a full change of seasons and an average

temperature of 60 degrees

  • Opportunities for continuing education with 15 colleges and

universities in Upstate South Carolina

  • Excellent public and private Pre K-12 schools

  • A low cost of living

  • Recreational areas including parks, trails, and playgrounds

  • Quality entertainment opportunities including art centers in both cities

  • An international business community and an international airport

  • Multiple shopping malls and factory outlets


History

In the late 1840’s, Reverend Newton Pinckney Walker saw the need for educational programs for South Carolina’s deaf children. He traveled to the Georgia School for the Deaf where he learned the teaching methods he would later use in the state’s first classroom for deaf students. He then began teaching five students on the site that is now the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind’s main campus in Spartanburg. A department for students who are blind was added in 1855.

In the early years, the school was the private property of Reverend Walker, but by 1856 Reverend Walker had convinced the State Legislature to provide financial support and the school became a state agency. Over time, the school has increased its state allocation, identified federal funding sources, and implemented fees for outreach services. In 1979, a foundation was established, and today The Walker Foundation continues to provide financial assistance to the school.

A School for the Multihandicapped (later renamed Cedar Springs Academy) opened in 1977 and completed full renovations in 2011. In 1984, outreach services were added. In 1986, a vocational facility (now known as the Applied Academics Center) opened. A learning resource center opened in 1996 and includes a library, a small television studio, and a parent/professional library. A transition living center opened in 2004 to help students further develop independent living skills during the high school years. A stadium was completed in 2009 as an addition to the sports complex, which includes an athletic center and a football/soccer field and track.

In recent years, the school has developed multiple partnerships with colleges, state agencies, businesses, and charitable organizations. Among other unique programs, these partnerships have led to a horseback riding program through HALTER (Handicapped Athletes Learning to Enjoy Riding) and the Kelly’s Kids program for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years through First Steps Early Head Start.
Governance

The work of the school is overseen by an all-volunteer board of commissioners appointed by the governor. The board appoints the school president who is a state agency head within South Carolina state government. The president is responsible for the administration and leadership of the school and reports to the board.


The 11 member board includes representatives of:



  • Each of the State’s Congressional Districts

  • Blind Community

  • Deaf Community

  • Sensory Multidisabled Community

  • State at Large

Ex officio board members include:

  • State Superintendent of Education

  • Commissioner of the Department of Health and Environmental Control

Board members are appointed for six-year terms. The board holds regular meetings on a quarterly basis, and special meetings are called as needed. The board supports and often attends the school’s special events.
Funding
The SC School for the Deaf and the Blind is an independent state agency enabling it to go directly to the State Legislature for funding and support after submitting its formal budget request to the governor. Historically a strong legislative state, South Carolina has seen a trend toward more administrative oversight by the governor in recent years.

The projected annual budget for this year is $24,587,881 provided through the following sources:

2014-2015 Projected Budget


Source

Dollars

State Funds

$ 14,665,250

Federal Funds

$ 1,139,000

Other1

$ 8,783,631

Total

$ 24,587,881

1 Includes fees for services to school districts,

businesses, and other organizations; Medicaid

funds; and private contributions
In addition to the above projected budget, the school also receives financial support from The Walker Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public, non-profit foundation. The foundation raised $399,894 in fiscal 2013-2014 for the school.


Student Population

A Summary of Services Report is compiled each year reflecting student enrollment based on the fiscal year (July 1- June 30). Based on the report, students were enrolled as follows over the last three years:



Program

2013-2014

2012-2013

2011-2012

School for the Deaf

101

97

110

School for the Blind

89

91

92

Cedar Springs Academy2

91

100

89

Kelly’s Kids3

21

16

16

Early Intervention

507

442

552

Total Enrollment

809

746

859

2 Formerly School for the Multihandicapped

3 Early Head Start Program
Based on the Summary of Services Report, the following non-enrolled students were served over the last three years:


Non-Enrolled Students Served

2013-2014

2012-2013

2011-2012

Vision Outreach

284

293

336

Hearing Outreach

72

71

71

Instructional Resource/Braille Production Center4

163

156

207

Deaf-Blind Project4

130

138

127

Summer Camps5

44

68

72

Total Non-Enrolled Students

693

726

813

4 Some students in these categories are also enrolled

5 Only non-enrolled students are eligible for summer camps.
Some non-students receive services through the school’s statewide outreach program. These include sign language interpreting services, conferences, and workshops.
Student Data

Student data is submitted annually to the State Department of Education for the State School Report Card. The data below was gathered on the 45th day of school each year.



Student Data

2013-2014

2012-2013

2011-2012

Students Receiving Free/Reduced Lunch

85%

82%

86.74%

Students Eligible for Medicaid

68%

81%

84.59%

Residential Students

54%

55%

59.14%

Average Age of Enrollment

8

8

6

Average Length of Stay (in years)

7

6

6.12


Student Access to Services

The SC School for the Deaf and the Blind works with local school districts to match children with the best educational options to meet their individual needs. However, South Carolina is a parent choice state, and the student placement decision ultimately rests with the parents.

The SC School for the Deaf and the Blind is a public, state supported school, and students do not pay tuition. On campus students pay a minimal annual activity fee, which can be waived if personal financial situations warrant.
Bus transportation to the Spartanburg campus is provided Monday-Friday for day students and weekly for residential students. Transportation is also provided for field trip and sporting event destinations.
Outreach services are provided in school districts throughout the state, and the school is investigating opportunities to partner with organizations to offer additional services in local communities.
Workforce

Currently, the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind employs 342 individuals on a full-time, permanent basis and 54 individuals on a temporary basis. The school supplements its permanent workforce through contracts with individuals and corporations to meet its needs for specialized employees such as therapists, interpreters, and early interventionists. Corporate contracts are also in place for food service, housekeeping, and security as well as facility improvement projects.

An organizational chart showing administrative leadership is attached.
Quality Indicators

The SC State Department of Education has named the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind a Palmetto Gold School for 12 straight years. The award recognizes excellent academic achievement as reflected on the State School Report Card. The SC School for the Deaf and the Blind is one of very few schools in the state that has attained this designation for multiple, consecutive years.


The school is accredited by:



  • SC State Department of Education




  • AdvanceEd/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Council on Accreditation and School Improvement


  • Conference of Educational Administrators

of Schools and Programs for the Deaf
Partnerships

The school partners with:



  • Parents to develop individualized programs to meet the needs

of their children

  • School districts to serve sensory disabled students throughout

the state

  • Businesses to provide work experiences

  • The Walker Foundation and individual donors to meet the school’s

financial needs

  • State agencies, colleges, and advocacy organizations to enhance

education and accessibility statewide

Among others, current key partnerships include:





  • University of South Carolina Upstate

  • Converse College

  • Clemson University

  • Spartanburg Community College

  • South Carolina State University

  • SC Department of Education

  • Spartanburg School Districts 6 and 7

  • First Steps

  • SC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

  • SC Commission for the Blind

  • SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs

  • National Federation of the Blind

  • Handicapped Athletes Learning To Enjoy Riding

  • Local Businesses



  • Alumni


Facilities

The 160-acre main campus in Spartanburg includes:




  • An Indoor, Heated Swimming Pool

  • A Horseback Riding Pasture

  • A Student Activity Center

  • A Two-Lane Bowling Alley

  • A Sports Center, Stadium, Track, and Football Fields



  • Three Accessible Playgrounds

  • A Fine Arts Facility and Auditorium

  • A Learning Resource Center including a Student Library, a Parent/Professional Library, and a Television Studio




  • Overnight Lodging Facility for Families of Current and Prospective Students



  • Academic Buildings

  • An Applied Academics Center



  • Residential Halls

  • Three Dining Rooms




Facilities also include satellite outreach offices in Columbia.
Building Projects

More than $8.5 million in additional state funding has been allocated by the State Legislature to make substantial facility improvements over the next few years. Current building projects include:


New Early Childhood Education Center

Students will have more room to move, grow, and explore in the new Early Childhood Education Center. The new 9,000 square foot building will serve all campus students under the age of five, and will allow for more non-disabled children to attend through the school’s reverse mainstream program. It will also allow for expansion of elementary programs in existing buildings.


Applied Academics Center

The many new programs in the Applied Academics Center will be served better by a new building and extensive renovations. These new facilities, designed to meet growing technology needs, will house the Denny’s Kitchen and food service classrooms, computer labs, technology intensive programs, the Retail Training Center, carpentry, industrial technology, auto mechanics, welding, small engine repair, agriculture, horticulture, small animals, and prevocational training.


School for the Blind Addition

Larger classrooms with learning centers for elementary education will be important features of the new educational wing in the School for the Blind. The 9,500 square foot addition will allow for conversion of old classrooms to space for therapists, counselors, computer labs, and common areas.


Campus Programs and Services

The SC School for the Deaf and the Blind provides three academic programs, an applied academics center, and an after-school/residential program on its main campus in Spartanburg. The programs are supported by a wide range of health and related services.


Campus Educational Programs

Cedar Springs Academy

Formerly the School for the Multihandicapped, Cedar Springs Academy provides educational programs for students, ages 3-21, with a vision or hearing disability and at least one additional disability. The academy provides:



  • Individualized educational programs

  • Career training

  • Independent living skills instruction

  • An accessible learning environment



School for the Blind

Student in grades Pre K-12 have the opportunity to reach their greatest potential in the School for the Blind through:



  • Individualized academic programs

  • An expanded core curriculum

  • Mainstream programs in local school districts

  • A career preparation program

  • Accessible learning materials

  • Independent living skills training


School for the Deaf

Students in grades Pre K-12 are prepared for lifelong success in the School for the Deaf. Services include:



  • Individualized academic programs

  • Opportunities to learn both spoken and sign language

  • Mainstream programs in local school districts

  • A career preparation program

  • An accessible learning environment

  • Independent living, socialization, and self-advocacy training


Applied Academics Center

The Applied Academics Center prepares students for employment and/or continued education in post-secondary, career, or technical institutions. Services include:



  • Career and technology instruction in digital arts, landscape

technology, animal systems, carpentry, hospitality management

and operations, architecture and construction, business and mar-

keting, early childhood education, web and digital communications,

welding, small engine repair, and food science and dietetics



  • Additional classes such as driver’s education, retail training, call

center training, and production and assembly training

  • Transition planning from high school to employment or

continued education

  • Work-based learning including off-campus work experiences

  • Career exploration opportunities with community and business

partners
After-School and Residential Programs

Services in the Residential Life Program include:



  • Extensive after-school tutoring programs

  • Access to sports, fine arts classes, and library activities

  • Clubs, recreational, and social activities

  • Access to the student work program

  • Community service projects and educational field trips

  • Daily living skills training

  • Self-advocacy and character education

  • Special events such as proms, talent shows, and health fairs


Health and Related Services

Health and Related Services provides health, developmental, and behavioral services to campus students. Services include:



  • Nursing care 24 hours a day with physician oversight

  • Physical and occupational therapy

  • Speech and language

  • Audiology

  • Counseling and psychology

  • Library


Information Technology

Information Technology supports both campus and outreach programs with instructional, assistive, and operational technology. Among other initiatives, recurring state funds have made the implementation of one-to-one technology and the establishment of a technology integration coordinator position a reality within the last year. Through the one-to-one initiative, every student will receive a MacBook Air or an iPad. The technology integration coordinator provides teacher training and support and technology learning resources for teachers, staff, and students.


Outreach Services

Outreach services are available in counties throughout the state for individuals who are deaf or blind, their families, and the professionals who serve them. Services include:


Vision Services

Vision Services are available to school districts throughout the state. They include assessments, teacher consultation, contractual teachers of the visually impaired, orientation and mobility training, access technology expertise, and educational events for students, parents, and professionals statewide.


Hearing Services

Hearing services are available on a contractual basis to school districts statewide. They include assessments, teacher consultation, and teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing.



Early Intervention

Early intervention services are available for children birth to age 3. Services are provided in the child’s home and include assessments of the child’s strengths and needs; development of Individual Family Service Plans; family training services; referrals to specialized services such as speech, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sign language instruction, and orientation and mobility; referrals to community resources; home-to-school transition services; and educational materials and activities.


Kelly’s Kids

Through a partnership with Spartanburg County First Steps Early Head Start, services are available to eligible children, 6 weeks to 3 years old, who are sensory disabled as well as typically developing.


SC Interagency Deaf-Blind Project

The Deaf-Blind Project assists parents, teachers, and other service providers throughout the state address the needs of individuals from birth to 21 years of age who have combined vision and hearing losses.


SC Instructional Resource Center

The Resource Center manages the distribution of braille and large print state-adopted textbooks for all students in the state who are legally blind


Sign Language Interpreting Services

Qualified certified sign language interpreters are available statewide for a variety of settings including medical, legal, social services, higher education, and business.


Conferences and Workshops

Conferences and workshops are offered throughout the year for students, parents, and professionals.




Strategic Plan

The SC School for the Deaf and the Blind develops a school-wide strategic plan on an annual basis and reports its accomplishments in a yearly state agency accountability report submitted to the state’s Executive Budget Office. The school also submits a Five-Year Strategic Plan to the State Department of Education and updates it annually. Progress on the Five-Year Strategic Plan is reported annually to the State Department of Education.

The school’s mission is to ensure that the individuals we serve realize maximum success through high quality educational programs, outreach services, and partnerships.

The school’s vision is to be the statewide leader in education and accessibility for individuals who deaf, blind, or sensory multidisabled.

Values include: education, accessibility, partnerships, leadership, accountability, diversity, teamwork, relationships, character, and independence.
Challenges

Even though the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind provides quality educational services and maintains excellent partnerships throughout the state, continuous improvement is an ongoing goal. The board has identified the following areas as challenges for the school over the next few years:



  • Ensuring that all of the state’s sensory disabled children have the opportunity to access the school’s services as needed

  • Establishing and communicating about high quality services that are sought and recommended by parents, professionals, and opinion leaders (aggressively marketing the school’s programs and services)

  • Identifying and developing innovative programs and services

  • Communicating with stakeholders (government, students, families, staff, and deaf and blind communities)

  • Working with diversity and socioeconomic differences

  • Funding for facilities and programs (including obtaining additional funds to complete current building projects)

  • Optimizing school and foundation relationships

  • Maximizing outreach services

  • Managing statewide perception of the school through public relations efforts

  • Striving for excellence in academic standards and instructional programs

  • Justifying through data that the school is meeting the needs of children who are deaf, blind, or sensory multidisabled



Conclusion

The board, administration, and staff of the SC School for the Deaf and the Blind are proud of the school’s many educational accomplishments in recent years. However, we recognize that building relationships with stakeholders, funding providers, and student referral sources is critical to the long-term success of our agency and to ensuring an ongoing, improved quality of life for South Carolina’s deaf, blind, and sensory multidisabled residents.








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