School Board explores strategies to improve student attendance and academic readiness
April 30, 2025 | 2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina
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The South Carolina Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee convened on April 30, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding student attendance and academic readiness in the state’s education system. A key focus of the meeting was the concerning trend of absenteeism among students and its implications for their educational outcomes.
Committee members discussed feedback from students indicating a preference for online learning over traditional classroom attendance. This shift in attitude raises questions about parental responsibility in ensuring children attend school, especially as students approach adulthood at age 18. The committee emphasized the need for a public awareness campaign to encourage attendance, suggesting simple gestures, such as acknowledging students' absence upon their return, to foster a sense of belonging and importance in the school environment.
The conversation also highlighted the disparity between graduation rates and academic proficiency. While the on-time graduation rate stands at 85%, only about 50% of students are reading and performing math at grade level. This gap has led to discussions about the practice of social promotion—advancing students to the next grade regardless of their readiness. Some committee members expressed concern that this approach may hinder students' long-term success, advocating for a more nuanced strategy that includes holding students back when necessary, provided they receive targeted support to improve their skills.
The committee acknowledged that graduation does not necessarily equate to college readiness, as students must also meet specific benchmarks on standardized tests like the ACT or SAT. Various pathways to career readiness were discussed, including vocational training and industry certifications, underscoring the importance of preparing students for both higher education and the workforce.
As the committee moves forward, the emphasis remains on ensuring that students not only graduate but also possess the skills and knowledge necessary for their future endeavors. The discussions from this meeting will likely inform future policies aimed at improving educational outcomes across South Carolina.
Committee members discussed feedback from students indicating a preference for online learning over traditional classroom attendance. This shift in attitude raises questions about parental responsibility in ensuring children attend school, especially as students approach adulthood at age 18. The committee emphasized the need for a public awareness campaign to encourage attendance, suggesting simple gestures, such as acknowledging students' absence upon their return, to foster a sense of belonging and importance in the school environment.
The conversation also highlighted the disparity between graduation rates and academic proficiency. While the on-time graduation rate stands at 85%, only about 50% of students are reading and performing math at grade level. This gap has led to discussions about the practice of social promotion—advancing students to the next grade regardless of their readiness. Some committee members expressed concern that this approach may hinder students' long-term success, advocating for a more nuanced strategy that includes holding students back when necessary, provided they receive targeted support to improve their skills.
The committee acknowledged that graduation does not necessarily equate to college readiness, as students must also meet specific benchmarks on standardized tests like the ACT or SAT. Various pathways to career readiness were discussed, including vocational training and industry certifications, underscoring the importance of preparing students for both higher education and the workforce.
As the committee moves forward, the emphasis remains on ensuring that students not only graduate but also possess the skills and knowledge necessary for their future endeavors. The discussions from this meeting will likely inform future policies aimed at improving educational outcomes across South Carolina.
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