During a recent meeting of the South Carolina Judiciary Subcommittee, significant concerns were raised regarding the state’s education system, particularly around high school graduation rates and student preparedness for post-secondary education.

The discussion highlighted that while South Carolina boasts an 85% on-time graduation rate, only 30% of those graduates are deemed "college and career ready." This alarming statistic prompted committee member Mr. Bridal to question the effectiveness of the current educational framework, asking, "What in the hell are we doing wrong in South Carolina?"

In response, education officials acknowledged the need for a more rigorous curriculum that ensures high school diplomas hold real value for graduates. They emphasized that many students enter college unprepared for the academic challenges they face, particularly in subjects like math. The officials are actively working to enhance the accountability system to better equip students for future success.

Additionally, the meeting introduced a new educational dashboard, designed to provide comprehensive data on student performance across various educational stages—from pre-K to post-graduation. This tool aims to help educators and policymakers identify areas of need within communities and track the effectiveness of educational spending against student outcomes.

The issue of chronic absenteeism was also discussed, with reports indicating that 23% of students were classified as chronically absent during the 2022-2023 school year. This absenteeism is believed to have a direct impact on academic performance, further complicating the challenges faced by the education system.

As the committee continues to address these pressing issues, they are committed to fostering a more effective educational environment that prepares students for both college and careers. The next steps include further discussions on the accountability system and the potential for individual meetings with committee members to explore these topics in greater depth.