Concerns over classroom discipline and teacher retention took center stage during the South Carolina Senate Corrections Committee meeting on May 1, 2025. Lawmakers highlighted the pressing issue of disruptive behavior in schools, which many educators claim is contributing to a high turnover rate among teachers.

One committee member raised the question of whether the agency has addressed the lack of discipline in classrooms, noting that teachers have expressed frustration over the situation. While acknowledging the issue, officials admitted that behavior management has not been specifically tackled by the agency, despite it being a recurring theme in annual teacher surveys.

The discussion also touched on innovative solutions to educational challenges, particularly the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for individualized tutoring. A committee member inquired about school districts currently implementing AI tools to support students who are falling behind. Officials indicated they could provide information on districts utilizing such technology, emphasizing the potential of AI to alleviate the burden on full-time educators.

Additionally, the committee discussed the importance of retention strategies in education. Following the implementation of the science of reading initiative, lawmakers noted improvements in reading scores, attributing this success to intentional retention plans that go beyond simply repeating material.

As the meeting concluded, the significance of addressing classroom behavior and exploring technological advancements in education was underscored, with hopes that these discussions will lead to actionable solutions in the near future.