South Carolina reports 85.4% high school graduation rate and improves readiness stats
May 28, 2025 | 2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina
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During a recent meeting of the South Carolina Legislature, education officials presented encouraging data regarding high school graduation rates and student readiness for college and careers. The 2024 graduation rate for public school students reached 85.4%, reflecting a steady improvement in the state's educational outcomes. This statistic highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance student retention and success in high school.
In addition to graduation rates, the officials reported that approximately 72% of graduates are deemed college and career ready. This readiness is assessed through various measures, including standardized tests like the ACT and SAT, as well as participation in advanced coursework such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Career readiness is evaluated through state-administered tests and industry certifications, indicating a comprehensive approach to preparing students for their future endeavors.
The committee emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of students who graduate without valuable credentials or adequate preparation for post-secondary education or the workforce. They are focusing on providing additional support to these students to ensure they can successfully transition to the next stages of their lives.
The meeting also introduced a new online dashboard, designed to provide transparency and accessibility to educational data. This dashboard allows users to explore various metrics, including pre-K results, K-12 performance, and post-graduation outcomes. It aims to facilitate informed discussions about educational effectiveness and resource allocation across different schools and communities.
Chronic absenteeism was identified as a significant concern, with 23% of students classified as chronically absent during the 2022-2023 school year. This absenteeism is linked to lower academic performance and remains a critical area for intervention.
As the committee continues its work, it plans to engage with members of the legislature and the community to address these challenges and improve the educational landscape in South Carolina. The meeting concluded with an invitation for further questions and discussions, underscoring the committee's commitment to collaboration and transparency in enhancing student outcomes.
In addition to graduation rates, the officials reported that approximately 72% of graduates are deemed college and career ready. This readiness is assessed through various measures, including standardized tests like the ACT and SAT, as well as participation in advanced coursework such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Career readiness is evaluated through state-administered tests and industry certifications, indicating a comprehensive approach to preparing students for their future endeavors.
The committee emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of students who graduate without valuable credentials or adequate preparation for post-secondary education or the workforce. They are focusing on providing additional support to these students to ensure they can successfully transition to the next stages of their lives.
The meeting also introduced a new online dashboard, designed to provide transparency and accessibility to educational data. This dashboard allows users to explore various metrics, including pre-K results, K-12 performance, and post-graduation outcomes. It aims to facilitate informed discussions about educational effectiveness and resource allocation across different schools and communities.
Chronic absenteeism was identified as a significant concern, with 23% of students classified as chronically absent during the 2022-2023 school year. This absenteeism is linked to lower academic performance and remains a critical area for intervention.
As the committee continues its work, it plans to engage with members of the legislature and the community to address these challenges and improve the educational landscape in South Carolina. The meeting concluded with an invitation for further questions and discussions, underscoring the committee's commitment to collaboration and transparency in enhancing student outcomes.
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