In a recent meeting of the General Government Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee, significant discussions centered around educational performance metrics and the challenges facing South Carolina's school system. The meeting, held on April 29, 2025, highlighted the importance of data-driven insights into student outcomes, particularly through the use of newly developed dashboards.

One of the key topics was the introduction of various educational dashboards, which provide detailed insights into pre-kindergarten, K-12, and post-graduate student performance. These dashboards allow stakeholders to analyze graduation rates, college readiness, and chronic absenteeism among students. For instance, the K-12 dashboard enables users to drill down into specific high schools, revealing that only 30% of students graduating on time are deemed college and career ready. This statistic raised alarm among committee members, prompting questions about the effectiveness of the current educational system.

Committee member Mr. Bridal expressed frustration over the low percentage of graduates prepared for post-secondary education or careers, questioning, "What in the hell are we doing wrong in South Carolina?" This sentiment reflects a growing concern about the value of high school diplomas in the state, as many graduates enter the workforce unprepared for the challenges ahead.

The discussion also touched on chronic absenteeism, with reports indicating that 23% of students were chronically absent during the 2022-2023 school year. This absenteeism is linked to poorer academic performance, further complicating the educational landscape in South Carolina.

In response to these challenges, committee members emphasized the need for a more rigorous educational framework that ensures graduates possess meaningful credentials. The goal is to better prepare students for the demands of higher education and the workforce, addressing the disconnect between graduation and readiness.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these issues, with members expressing a desire for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to improve educational outcomes in South Carolina. The dashboards, which provide real-time data on student performance, are seen as vital tools for driving these improvements and fostering accountability within the education system. As the committee moves forward, the focus will remain on addressing the systemic issues that hinder student success and ensuring that all graduates are equipped for their future endeavors.