The Education and Cultural Affairs Subcommittee of the Legislative Oversight Committee convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding student retention and readiness for post-secondary education and careers in South Carolina. The meeting focused on the effectiveness of current educational strategies and the importance of preparing students for their next steps after graduation.

The discussion began with a consensus that simply retaining students for an additional year without implementing different, high-quality educational strategies is unlikely to yield positive results. Members emphasized the need for intensive support from skilled teachers to enhance student outcomes. One member expressed a desire to see lower retention numbers, suggesting that this could correlate with improved proficiency rates among students.

A significant point of discussion was the criteria for graduation in South Carolina. It was clarified that there is no requirement for students to pass end-of-course exams to graduate. However, the committee highlighted the importance of students achieving necessary scores on college readiness assessments, such as the ACT or SAT, to ensure they can pursue higher education. Various pathways to career readiness were also outlined, including vocational assessments and industry certifications.

The committee underscored the importance of equipping students with valuable skills and knowledge as they transition from K-12 education to either college or the workforce. The goal is to ensure that graduates are prepared for their next steps, whether that involves entering the job market directly or pursuing further education.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the need for innovative educational approaches to improve student retention and readiness, with a focus on providing meaningful opportunities for all graduates. The subcommittee plans to continue exploring these issues to enhance educational outcomes in South Carolina.