GREENVILLE, SC– On Wednesday, November 12, a teacher at Langston Charter Middle School (Langston) received a Math Performance Bonus from his school’s authorizer, the Charter Institute at Erskine (Institute), for achieving significant student academic growth on SC READY math scores.
Dr. David Case earned $1,000 in recognition of his excellence in math classroom instruction. His hard work, passion for teaching math, and commitment to his students were celebrated in front of the school’s administration, faculty, and student body in a surprise presentation of the award.
“Relationships are important with teaching math,” said Dr. Case. “It’s not the most popular subject. So, I think the likability of the teacher is important. Do they think the teacher cares? They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Dr. Case still has previous students who dedicate their Friday afternoons to returning to the school to help tutor current students.
The Math Performance Bonus initiative recognizes Institute charter school teachers from across the state who met or exceeded added value growth targets of 3.5 or higher in math on SC READY during the 2024-2025 school year. Langston Charter Middle School is one of eight Institute charter schools across the state to receive math performance bonus checks for their teachers.
“I hope other teachers see the kind of support that the Institute is providing for our teachers to help motivate them and motivate our students,” said Principal, Mr. David Wooten. “When we all work together, we help South Carolina move forward. Everybody is doing their part. I hope other teachers can see the positive impact they’re making and that it motivates them to do their best.”
Facilitating success in math instruction is one of the three pillars of the Institute’s $1.75 million Success Agenda. The Math pillar of the agenda includes the performance bonuses as well as global research on math instruction with the goal of raising statewide math assessment scores.
“Even in the short time we spent with him, it was evident that Dr. Case is an exceptional educator,” said Dr. Bill Roach, Institute Deputy Superintendent. “He fosters success in math by building meaningful relationships and earning the trust of his students. It was an honor to celebrate his commitment to their growth today.”
Langston prepares 6th-8th grade students for success in high school and beyond by using a single-gender education model where teachers are trained to use targeted strategies that take into consideration the strengths of male and female brains. They also have eight core values – Core Academics, Single Gender Classes, Small Classes, Leadership Training & Community Service, Parent Involvement, Uniforms, Ethical Conduct, and Patriotism. In 2024, the school was named a National Blue Ribbon School for the United States Department of Education.
Langston is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine. For more information, visit https://langstoncharter.org/.
