South Carolina Department of Education outlines strategic plan to boost student success
April 29, 2025 | 2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina
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The South Carolina House of Representatives meeting on April 29, 2025, spotlighted significant educational reforms aimed at enhancing student outcomes and teacher support. Central to the discussions was the State Department of Education's new strategic plan, which sets ambitious goals for improving literacy and math proficiency among students.
Philip Seese, the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Department of Education, presented the department's mission to ensure that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential. He emphasized the importance of foundational skills in reading and math, highlighting the "moonshot goal" of having at least 75% of students at or above grade level by 2030. This initiative is supported by substantial funding, including nearly $40 million allocated for professional development in the science of reading for K-3 teachers.
A key component of the plan is the "Read to Succeed 2" program, which raises the retention threshold for third graders who struggle with reading. This year, approximately 16,238 students would have been eligible for retention under the new guidelines, underscoring the program's critical role in ensuring students master reading before advancing to higher grades.
Seese also discussed the introduction of the Palmetto Math Project, designed to replicate the success of the literacy initiative by providing additional resources to underperforming schools. The meeting further addressed the implementation of a new cell phone policy aimed at improving student focus during school hours, which mandates local school boards to adopt a model policy or risk losing state funding.
In terms of budget requests, the department is seeking an additional $200 million to raise starting teacher salaries to $50,000, part of a broader effort to enhance teacher compensation and support. Since the 2018-2019 school year, the state has invested $1.6 billion in education, reflecting a commitment to improving educational outcomes across South Carolina.
As the meeting concluded, the emphasis on data-driven decision-making and community engagement was clear, with plans for state employees to volunteer in schools to foster stronger connections between education and local communities. The discussions set a promising tone for the future of education in South Carolina, with a focus on accountability, support, and student success.
Philip Seese, the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Department of Education, presented the department's mission to ensure that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential. He emphasized the importance of foundational skills in reading and math, highlighting the "moonshot goal" of having at least 75% of students at or above grade level by 2030. This initiative is supported by substantial funding, including nearly $40 million allocated for professional development in the science of reading for K-3 teachers.
A key component of the plan is the "Read to Succeed 2" program, which raises the retention threshold for third graders who struggle with reading. This year, approximately 16,238 students would have been eligible for retention under the new guidelines, underscoring the program's critical role in ensuring students master reading before advancing to higher grades.
Seese also discussed the introduction of the Palmetto Math Project, designed to replicate the success of the literacy initiative by providing additional resources to underperforming schools. The meeting further addressed the implementation of a new cell phone policy aimed at improving student focus during school hours, which mandates local school boards to adopt a model policy or risk losing state funding.
In terms of budget requests, the department is seeking an additional $200 million to raise starting teacher salaries to $50,000, part of a broader effort to enhance teacher compensation and support. Since the 2018-2019 school year, the state has invested $1.6 billion in education, reflecting a commitment to improving educational outcomes across South Carolina.
As the meeting concluded, the emphasis on data-driven decision-making and community engagement was clear, with plans for state employees to volunteer in schools to foster stronger connections between education and local communities. The discussions set a promising tone for the future of education in South Carolina, with a focus on accountability, support, and student success.
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