During a recent meeting of the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, significant concerns were raised regarding the state of education in South Carolina, particularly focusing on chronic absenteeism and graduation rates. The discussion highlighted that in the 2022-2023 school year, a staggering 20% of students were classified as chronically absent, meaning they missed at least 10% of the school year. This absenteeism is believed to have a direct impact on academic performance and overall student success.

Committee members expressed alarm over the state's graduation statistics, revealing that while South Carolina boasts an 85% on-time graduation rate, only 30% of those graduates are deemed college and career ready. This raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the current educational system and the value of a high school diploma. One member emphasized the need for a more rigorous curriculum that ensures graduates possess meaningful credentials that prepare them for post-secondary education or the workforce.

The committee also discussed ongoing projects aimed at improving accountability within the education system. Members were encouraged to review a dashboard that provides comprehensive data on student performance and absenteeism, which could be instrumental in identifying areas for improvement.

As the meeting concluded, the chair of the K-12 Subcommittee invited further discussions on these pressing issues, signaling a commitment to addressing the challenges facing South Carolina's education system. The committee's focus on these topics underscores the urgent need for reforms that can enhance student readiness and reduce absenteeism, ultimately benefiting the state's future workforce.