The South Carolina Senate convened on May 28, 2025, to address pressing issues in the state's education system, particularly focusing on high school graduation rates and college readiness. The meeting featured a presentation by Ms. Yao, which highlighted that while South Carolina boasts an 85% on-time graduation rate, only 30% of those graduates are deemed college and career ready. This statistic raised significant concerns among committee members regarding the effectiveness of the current educational framework.

One senator expressed frustration, questioning the implications of these figures and what they reveal about the state's educational shortcomings. He emphasized that only 24% of students are graduating with the necessary skills for post-secondary success, prompting a call for urgent reforms. The senator's inquiry led to a broader discussion about the value of a high school diploma and the need for a more rigorous curriculum that aligns with workforce demands.

Ms. Yao responded by acknowledging the committee's concerns and noted that efforts are underway to enhance the educational standards to ensure that graduates possess meaningful credentials. She pointed out that feedback from post-secondary institutions indicates that many incoming students are unprepared for the academic challenges they face, particularly in mathematics.

The meeting also included a request for documentation related to the presentation, which was agreed upon, and a strong recommendation for committee members to familiarize themselves with an educational dashboard shared by Ms. Yao. This dashboard is intended to provide comprehensive data on student performance, highlighting both successes and areas needing improvement.

As the meeting progressed, the chair of the K-12 Subcommittee was invited to discuss these issues further, indicating a commitment to addressing the educational challenges facing South Carolina. The session concluded with a sense of urgency to implement changes that would better prepare students for their futures.