The South Carolina House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee's Banking and Insurance Subcommittee convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and school safety across the state.

A significant focus of the meeting was on the implementation of high-quality instructional materials in classrooms. Currently, 20,000 teachers are either in training or have completed training to utilize these materials effectively. The new English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum has been adopted, and a budget request for $200 million is set to be discussed, aimed at providing high-quality math instructional materials to align with recently adopted standards. This initiative is crucial as it seeks to ensure that all new educational standards are supported by appropriate resources, enhancing the learning experience for students.

Another major topic was the "Read to Succeed 2" program, which aims to improve literacy among third graders. The program has raised the retention threshold, meaning that over 16,000 third graders could be eligible for retention if they do not meet reading proficiency by the end of the school year. This initiative underscores the importance of foundational reading skills, as students transition from learning to read in early grades to reading to learn in higher grades.

The committee also discussed the Palmetto Math Project, which aims to replicate the success of the Palmetto Literacy Project by providing additional resources and support to underperforming schools. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance educational outcomes through targeted support.

In terms of school safety, the committee addressed the implementation of a new cell phone policy aimed at reducing distractions in classrooms. The policy allows local school districts to determine how to manage cell phone use, with many opting for storage solutions during school hours. Initial feedback suggests that the policy has led to a decrease in classroom disruptions, with teachers reporting a more focused learning environment.

Additionally, the committee highlighted the importance of community engagement in schools. A proposed initiative would allow state employees to volunteer in local schools, fostering stronger connections between communities and educational institutions.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on budget requests that include significant investments in teacher salaries and school safety measures. The proposed budget seeks to increase starting teacher salaries to $50,000 and allocate funds for infrastructure improvements in rural schools, ensuring that all students have access to safe and conducive learning environments.

As these initiatives move forward, they reflect a commitment to improving educational standards and ensuring the safety and well-being of students across South Carolina. The outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in the state, directly impacting the lives of students and their families.