1/ South Carolina educational leaders are not being honest with SC parents, teachers, & the public. This results in the continuing failed system for our students.
I’m speechless when the Dept & local school districts intentionally mislead the public, all for the sake of image.
I’m speechless when the Dept & local school districts intentionally mislead the public, all for the sake of image.
2/ The facts are:
(a) despite a 22% drop in participation on ACT last year, our students were outperformed by 13 of the 15 states with 100% participation. This means 78% of our kids scored worse than 100% of AL, Arkansas, LA, NC, & TN students. This is unacceptable.
(a) despite a 22% drop in participation on ACT last year, our students were outperformed by 13 of the 15 states with 100% participation. This means 78% of our kids scored worse than 100% of AL, Arkansas, LA, NC, & TN students. This is unacceptable.
3/ Comparing ACT participation & results arguably put our students at 50th in the nation.
Of course, today, the Dept focused on a slight uptick in the state average (with no mention the state is still far below the national average).
Of course, today, the Dept focused on a slight uptick in the state average (with no mention the state is still far below the national average).
4/ (b) the Dept spent $1m+ for a tv campaign last year focusing on SAT results from just 45% of our students which was above the natn avg. Yet, this year, w just 12% more participating, our state plummeted 43 points, now 18 points below the national avg.
5/ Comparing SAT participation & results arguably put our students at 48th or 49th in the nation.
Yet, a few weeks ago, the Dept’s press release focused on how participation increased.
Yet, a few weeks ago, the Dept’s press release focused on how participation increased.
6/ (c) despite hundreds of millions in extra money to education in the past 5 years, our 4th & 8th grade NAEP scores remain flat. Only 1/3 of our students are proficient in reading or math.
This puts our state at 46th in the nation in NAEP.
This puts our state at 46th in the nation in NAEP.
7/ Not to be outdone in praise of a failing system, our local school districts mislead as well with their positive statements.
8/ In times of crisis, we need honest assessment & bold leadership. We’re not getting that. We need a systematic overhaul. I don’t blame the teachers. I blame 172 state elected people for allowing our system to fail. Education by our state constitution is a state responsibility.
