The South Carolina Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and the Education Oversight Committee share a united vision: by 2030, 75% of students will be performing at or above grade level, and every child will graduate ready for college, career, or military service. These ambitious goals are made possible by generous funding from our General Assembly and through key initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes across the state.
One significant effort includes training all K-3 teachers in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) by 2025-2026, providing educators with essential tools to strengthen early literacy—a cornerstone of future academic success. To further support student achievement, the state launched the Palmetto Math Project, an initiative designed to improve math proficiency by providing targeted resources, professional development for educators, and access to high-quality instructional materials. Additionally, the state has made a substantial commitment to recruiting and retaining top-quality educators by increasing the minimum teacher pay by 47%, from $32,000 in 2018-2019 to $47,000 today.
The 2023-2024 school year in South Carolina marked a period of sustained growth as the state continues its upward trajectory after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the strategic use of Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds and other available resources, the South Carolina Department of Education, in collaboration with educational institutions, agencies, and organizations, has addressed student academic needs and supported school recovery efforts.
In addition to academic measures, the SCDE and its partners are focused on other essential priorities such as school safety, staff recruitment, financial transparency, and fostering orderly classroom environments. Each of these components is vital to ensuring that students are given the best opportunities to succeed.
The South Carolina Department of Education encourages parents, communities, and school leaders to use these report cards as a tool to foster meaningful discussions about the past year's challenges and achievements. By working together, we can ensure that every South Carolina student is prepared to graduate and thrive in college, career, or military service.
