South Carolina reports 85% high school graduation rate but low college readiness
April 29, 2025 | 2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina
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The Education and Cultural Affairs Subcommittee of the Legislative Oversight Committee met on April 29, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding high school graduation rates and student readiness for college and careers in South Carolina. The meeting highlighted significant data regarding the state's education system, revealing both achievements and areas needing improvement.
During the session, it was reported that the graduation rate for the class of 2024 stood at 85.4%. While this figure indicates progress in high school completion, concerns were raised about the readiness of graduates for post-secondary education and the workforce. Only 72% of these graduates were deemed college and career ready, prompting questions about the effectiveness of the current educational framework.
Committee members expressed frustration over the disparity between graduation rates and readiness levels. One member pointedly questioned the value of a high school diploma if a significant portion of graduates lack the necessary skills for success in further education or employment. The discussion underscored the need for a more rigorous curriculum that ensures students leave high school equipped with valuable credentials.
The meeting also introduced a new dashboard aimed at providing transparency and data accessibility regarding student performance and school funding. This tool allows stakeholders to analyze various metrics, including chronic absenteeism, which was noted as a growing concern affecting academic outcomes. In the 2022-2023 school year, 20% of students were classified as chronically absent, missing at least 10% of the school year.
The subcommittee emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges and committed to reviewing the accountability system to enhance educational standards. Members were encouraged to utilize the dashboard for a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and to identify effective strategies for improvement.
As the meeting concluded, the committee expressed a willingness to engage further on these topics, indicating a proactive approach to enhancing educational outcomes in South Carolina. The discussions highlighted a critical juncture for the state's education system, with a clear call to action for stakeholders to collaborate on solutions that ensure all students graduate with the skills necessary for success.
During the session, it was reported that the graduation rate for the class of 2024 stood at 85.4%. While this figure indicates progress in high school completion, concerns were raised about the readiness of graduates for post-secondary education and the workforce. Only 72% of these graduates were deemed college and career ready, prompting questions about the effectiveness of the current educational framework.
Committee members expressed frustration over the disparity between graduation rates and readiness levels. One member pointedly questioned the value of a high school diploma if a significant portion of graduates lack the necessary skills for success in further education or employment. The discussion underscored the need for a more rigorous curriculum that ensures students leave high school equipped with valuable credentials.
The meeting also introduced a new dashboard aimed at providing transparency and data accessibility regarding student performance and school funding. This tool allows stakeholders to analyze various metrics, including chronic absenteeism, which was noted as a growing concern affecting academic outcomes. In the 2022-2023 school year, 20% of students were classified as chronically absent, missing at least 10% of the school year.
The subcommittee emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges and committed to reviewing the accountability system to enhance educational standards. Members were encouraged to utilize the dashboard for a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and to identify effective strategies for improvement.
As the meeting concluded, the committee expressed a willingness to engage further on these topics, indicating a proactive approach to enhancing educational outcomes in South Carolina. The discussions highlighted a critical juncture for the state's education system, with a clear call to action for stakeholders to collaborate on solutions that ensure all students graduate with the skills necessary for success.
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