South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) announces the premiere of The Education Beat: Evidence to Excellence, a new weekly video and audio podcast debuting June 18 that transforms research and findings from the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC) into compelling stories about the people, practices and ideas shaping education across South Carolina.
Hosted by Dr. Matthew Lavery, deputy director of the EOC, the series brings together educators and experts from across the state to explore the conversations that matter most to educators, administrators and families. Prior to joining the EOC in 2021, Dr. Lavery taught at the secondary level for eight years and earned a doctorate in Educational Research Methodology, Measurement and Analysis from the University of Central Florida. He has worked as an educational researcher, teacher educator and graduate-level instructor in research methods at three universities.
From building school cultures rooted in relationships to using data to drive decisions and preparing students for careers of the future, The Education Beat brings together educators and experts from across South Carolina to reveal what the data really tells us and how those insights can lead to meaningful change. Drawing on decades of research and the EOC's "Beating the Odds" studies, each episode examines the trends and challenges influencing education today while highlighting strategies that are making a difference for students.
Below is a glimpse into upcoming episodes of The Education Beat:
Episode 1 – “Building School Culture as a Family, Part 1”
Drawing on findings from the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee's "Beating the Odds" study, guests explore how successful schools create a culture that feels like family and foster a shared commitment to student success. Featured guests include Monique Smalls, district transformation coach for the South Carolina Department of Education, and Christy Dodd, principal of Flat Rock Elementary School in Anderson School District 3.
Episode 2 – “Building School Culture as a Family, Part 2”
Continuing the conversation with Smalls and Dodd, guests examine how high-performing schools serving at-risk students balance rigorous expectations with meaningful relationships. Learn about how a family-centered approach creates environments where students, educators and families support one another.
Episode 3 – “Decision-Driven Data Collection”
Ashley Pursley, digital integration specialist at Glenview Middle School in Anderson School District 5, discusses how schools use data to guide decisions, collaborate effectively and monitor progress. Learn about both the art and science behind collecting and analyzing information to drive excellence.
Episode 4 – “High Expectations for Everyone”
Featuring Dr. Marquice Clark, principal of Cleveland Academy of Leadership in Spartanburg School District Seven, and Brian Perrin, principal of Merrywood Elementary School in Greenwood School District 50, guests examine how a culture of high expectations can help students and educators achieve success regardless of circumstances. The discussion reflects one of the central findings of the "Beating the Odds" study: excellence begins with believing in every learner.
Episode 5 – “Career and Technical Education, Part 1”
Dr. Bob Couch, retired director of the Anderson Institute of Technology, and Dr. Michael E. Lofton of Spring Hill High Career Pathways Magnet School in School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties share how career and technical education prepares students for college, careers and life. Explore how innovative programs help students discover their interests and begin pursuing career pathways while still in high school.
Episode 6 – “Career and Technical Education, Part 2”
Couch and Lofton discuss how hands-on learning and interdisciplinary approaches are helping students develop skills for an ever-changing world. Through stories of real-world experiences and career exploration, learn how career and technical education can transform opportunities for students across South Carolina.
New episodes will be available weekly beginning June 18 on the SCETV website, SCETV News YouTube channel, southcarolinapublicradio.org, the SCETV App and wherever podcasts are available. Additional information is available at SCETV.org/EdBeat.
QUOTES
“Storytelling has long been at the heart of SCETV’s service to South Carolina, and Our Town continues that tradition by sharing authentic stories from communities across the Palmetto State. By showcasing the people, history and traditions that make each town unique, the series helps viewers discover new places, deepen their connection to their communities and celebrate the rich heritage that defines South Carolina.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
"The South Carolina Education Oversight Committee exists to translate evidence into action — and The Education Beat does exactly that. Whether we're looking at schools that have beaten the odds or examining how educators use data to make sure no student slips through the cracks, this series puts real research into the hands of the people who can use it most. South Carolina's students deserve nothing less.” –EOC Executive Director Dana Yow
"Lasting learning and meaningful change emerge when evidence, experience, and reflection come together. By connecting what we know with what we do, this podcast highlights promising work in schools and communities while helping educators and decision-makers move from insight to impact.” –SCETV Chief Learning Officer Dr. Salandra Bowman
“Research is most valuable when it informs action. Through these conversations with educators and experts from across the state, we're exploring not only what the data tells us, but what excellence looks like in practice and how schools are creating opportunities for students to succeed.” –The Education Beat Host Dr. Matthew Lavery
FAST FACTS
- The Education Beat: Evidence to Excellence premieres June 18, with new episodes released weekly.
- The program is hosted by Dr. Matthew Lavery, deputy director of the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee.
- The video podcast transforms research and findings from the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee into stories highlighting the educators and ideas shaping South Carolina schools.
- New episodes will be available on the SCETV website, SCETV News YouTube channel, southcarolinapublicradio.org, the SCETV App and wherever podcasts are available. Additional information is available at SCETV.org/EdBeat.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
