The South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Committee convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss significant updates from the Department of Education, focusing on initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes for students. The meeting highlighted the department's new mission and strategic plan, which aims to ensure that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.

Philip Cease, the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Department of Education, presented the department's mission, which emphasizes serving students, supporting teachers, empowering parents, and engaging the community. He outlined a strategic plan known as "1 4 1 4," which includes ambitious goals for student achievement by 2030. The plan aims for at least 75% of students to be at or above grade level.

Key initiatives discussed included the Science of Reading and the Palmetto Math Project. The Science of Reading program, funded with nearly $40 million, focuses on providing high-quality professional learning for K-3 teachers. By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, all K-3 teachers are expected to complete training in evidence-based reading instruction. Currently, around 20,000 teachers are either in training or have completed the program.

Additionally, the committee addressed the importance of high-quality instructional materials for English Language Arts (ELA) and math, with a budget request for further funding to support these resources. The Read to Succeed initiative was also discussed, which aims to enhance reading proficiency among third graders, as foundational reading skills are crucial for academic success in later grades.

The meeting underscored the department's commitment to educational improvement and the importance of equipping teachers and students with the necessary tools for success. The next steps include continued implementation of these initiatives and monitoring progress towards the strategic goals set forth by the department.