Rebecca Gunnlaugsson

The South Carolina Department of Education's Strategic Plan aims for every child to graduate college, career, or military ready, with a goal of having at least 75% of students at or above grade level by 2030. The plan outlines objectives to accelerate student outcomes in literacy and math, equip students with essential life skills and career-aligned pathways, elevate leadership effectiveness, and engage families and community partners. A one-year objective also focuses on aligning internal department culture and processes for effective plan execution.

The committee reviewed and approved new educator preparation programs in science teaching at Clemson University. Additionally, the committee approved changes to the South Carolina Certification Assessment Program for the 2026-27 academic year. These items were subsequently placed on the consent agenda for further action.

The meeting featured a Chair report recognizing community achievements and a report from the State Superintendent of Education highlighting educator excellence, school visits, and an upcoming education summit. Committee reports included discussions on educator preparation programs, certification assessment changes, school report card processes, and educator licensure cases involving suspensions and initial certifications. The board also reviewed academic data updates regarding educator effectiveness and leadership.

The committee held a meeting to discuss information items, specifically an overview and the processes for the School Report Card, presented by the Office of Accountability and Research.

The committee meeting agenda includes a request from the Charleston County School District for an S.C. Code Ann. §59-19-350 School of Innovation Waiver for the Meeting Street Burns and Brentwood Schools. Informational items include the selection of a State Textbook Depository and a cyclical review of the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards for Social Studies.