Strategic Spartanburg

Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT) Scores
The Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT) is a state test first administered in 1999 for grades 3 through 8 in math and language arts.  In 2003 science and social studies were added.  This indicator shows the passing levels for the total student population in Spartanburg County and minority levels.  Five of seven Districts are performing at or above the state average.

High School Retention Rates
This indicator shows an analysis of the number of 8th graders in a given year and the number of 12th graders enrolled four years later.  Thsi percentage is considered the retention rate by the U.S. Department of Education; however, it does not allow for migration, transfers, or early graduation numbers.  High School dropout rates are represented by retention rate data.

Gifted & Talented Eligible Students
Gifted and talented eligible students are those who are identified in grades 1 through 12 as demonstrating high performance ability  or potential in academic and /or artistic areas and therefore require an educational program beyond that normally provided by the general school program in order to achieve their potential.  Each student must be evaluated for purposes of placement.

Advanced Placement Exams
Advanced Placement classes give students an opportunity to take college level classes while still in high school. Students scoring at an acceptable level (3 or above) on the AP exam will be eligible to receive college credit at participating institutions. This indicator shows the percent of scores that were 3 or above in 2003-2004. The courses are developed by the College Board using prescribed curricula and tests.