- Duplin County Schools
- Overview
District-Wide Early College seeds are growing, beginning to flourish providing personalized career and college opportunities for all
This is a good time of year to reflect. Professionally, I am so very blessed to be able to work under the direction of a Board of Education that is truly focused on the best interest of all children in our county. I’m also blessed to work alongside an amazing group of educators who touch every part of this wonderful county. Together we have recently seen the completion of numerous state-of-the-art facilities, we’ve graduated the Class of 2017, and we’ve welcomed into Pre-Kindergarten the Class of 2029. All the while we have worked tirelessly to enhance the educational opportunities for those and all students. So much progress has been and continues to be made! The District-Wide Early College (DWEC) seeds planted into Duplin County’s already educationally fertile soil in 2011 are truly growing and really beginning to flourish.
Since 2011 Duplin County Schools has enhanced our partnership with James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) and others through a then-unique to NC philosophy of education: District-Wide Early College. Built upon the success of Duplin Early College High School (DECHS), and based on a highly effective Texas program, DWEC is a focused, purposeful blend of career, college, and STEM exploration, agricultural connections, classroom rigor, consistent instruction in a collaborative environment, and sustained support at every level, all of which are aligned with local, state, and national standards. It is designed to help prepare all students for future success in all kinds of careers.
In a June 18, 2011 DCS news release about District-Wide Early College, I explained, “This school (DECHS) has been impeccable. The results are convincing and it is certainly something we are all proud of. This is something we can do and something we should do for all of our children. It is our duty to ensure all students are equipped with the necessary academic preparation to be competitive in today and tomorrow’s global society...the future of education in Duplin County Schools for all of Duplin County’s children begins now.”
How is it that Duplin Early College High School practices and, most importantly, results, can be scaled to reach all students?
DECHS students are amazing; however, contrary to what some believe, the student body is not comprised of only top level students. DECHS is open to all students, regardless of any life challenges they face. First generation college hopefuls? Yes. Students who come from all socioeconomic backgrounds? Yes. English Language Learners? Yes. Students who qualify as “exceptional children,” (with learning disabilities and other challenges)? Yes.
The DECHS student body is a small cross-section of DCS as a whole. We are blessed to have this school, which continues to serve as a live learning laboratory facilitating teacher and administrator collaboration. Most importantly, it is providing “power of place” by meeting the needs of students who benefit from this type of environment.
Almost seven years into District-Wide Early College, student achievement statistics speak for themselves. Just last year alone, Duplin County High School (both DECHS and comprehensive high schools) students:
- enrolled in 1,707 college classes (906 of those were taken by students at comprehensive schools);
- passed 92.4% of college classes and earned a C or higher in 87.8% of college classes;
- earned nearly 4,600 semester hours of college credit saving families about $330,000 in tuition and about $110,000 in college textbooks;
- earned 20 associate degrees (DECHS students, bringing the total to 123 since DECHS opened);
- scored the highest since the ACT became part of the state accountability, with 50.5% scoring at the state standard or higher;
- applied for college at a rate of 96% (a record number);
- were offered $9.7 million in scholarship money in 2016-17; and more.
As a school system, we had five schools earn at least a 10% increase in overall proficiency; 13 of 16 schools “met” or “exceeded” growth; and our School Performance Grades have increased. All indications are that student achievement at all levels will continue to grow.
In 2011, we talked about setting high expectations, embedding a career and college-going culture in our school system, and personalizing education for every student. Entering into 2018, we are not where we want to be, but we have certainly made great strides of which we can all be proud.
It is a blessing to be part of Duplin County Schools where the work of our students, staff, and partners continues to make a positive impact and will do so for a very long time. In Duplin all means all, and for that we can truly be grateful and enter the holiday season and 2018 full of hopes and dreams for every single student in our midst. May God continue to bless you and keep you.