MYRTLE BEACH, SC – From October 23-25, over 400 members of the South Carolina Association of Title I Administrators (SCATA) gathered in Myrtle Beach for the 57th annual SCATA Conference.
Each year, the SCATA Conference attracts hundreds of educational professionals to the Grand Strand, including superintendents, deputy superintendents, Federal Programs coordinators, principals, teachers, and more. This gathering fosters communication and idea exchange among professionals who share a common goal: to improve educational outcomes for all students, particularly those in Title I schools. A Title I school is a school that receives extra federal funding because a significant portion of its students come from low-income families.
Kristy Cansler, Chief of Federal Programs at the Charter Institute at Erskine, also serves as President of SCATA. The President, elected from among SCATA’s members, oversees the planning process for the conference, which began months in advance. From selecting keynote speakers to coordinating logistics and securing sponsorships, the President ensures that each conference has something innovative and exciting to offer its members.
Governor Henry McMaster and South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver opened up the conference through video welcome messages, underscoring South Carolina’s leadership’s commitment to inspiring educational and generational change.
“We’re all in this together,” said Cansler. “It’s great to come together and see what our colleagues from other districts have come up with and how we can be more innovative across the field.”
This year’s theme, “Title I: Changing the Game,” underscores SCATA’s commitment to innovation and equitable education. Attendees enjoyed a dynamic event complete with themed decor, interactive sessions, and opportunities to win prizes—a testament to SCATA’s dedication to fostering collaboration and celebrating educational achievements.
Not only did attendees have the chance to walk away with prizes, but SCATA also gave back to the students it serves. At the conference, three scholarship winners from each of SCATA’s seven regions were announced, allowing students from Title I high schools to continue their education.
“At SCATA, we know that children are dealt different hands depending on their background,” said Cansler. “This year, we asked ourselves how we can change the Title I game and have the maximum impact on these students. Your ZIP code should not determine your future!”
Topics covered at the conference went beyond just Title I implementation – sessions included information on strategies for academic achievement among multilingual students, the intersection of Title I and McKinney-Vento (support for homeless students), and initiatives supporting students in foster care. Five keynote speakers shared inspiring and thought-provoking messages about overcoming hardships and operational excellence.
“Whether you’re a seasoned Title I professional or new to the field, the SCATA Conference offers something for everyone. This year, there was lots of collaboration, innovation, and fun!” said Cansler.
SCATA’s 57th annual conference took place on October 23-25 at Embassy Suites at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, SC. SCATA President Kristy Cansler extended her sincerest thanks to the conference’s valued sponsors. Learn more at https://sctitle1.org/.
