Pandemic Parenting: SC Charter, Independent, Home School Options Surge; Public Numbers Down Dramatically

Education
Blog · March 26, 2021

Over the last year, South Carolina’s traditional public school districts have lost nearly 30,000 students according to the most recent student counts released by the SC Department of Education. Where are those students going? Palmetto Promise collected and analyzed enrollment data across all forms of schooling in South Carolina and found significant increases in options outside of traditional public schools.

COMMENTARY: In God We Trust, All Others Bring Evidence

Education
Blog · March 17, 2021

Proposals in the South Carolina Legislature to give families more opportunities to choose schools and educational settings for their children have come under fire, including in a recent newspaper column by College of Charleston professor Kendall Deas. Professor Deas was critical of Senator Tim Scott’s support of empowering families to make more educational decisions for their children. The actual evidence indicates that Senator Scott’s ideas are what will improve educational outcomes for all children, whereas Deas’ ideas have been tried for decades—and have failed.

The Story of Mary McLeod Bethune, an Education Trailblazer

Education
Blog · February 12, 2021

Born in South Carolina in 1875, education pioneer Mary McLeod Bethune's understanding was limited to her life experience of being a daughter to former slaves and picking cotton with her family...until she picked up her first book and her life changed forever. Now, her legacy is inspiring the next generation in the fight to ensure that all South Carolina children—no matter what kind of house they live in or the color of their skin—have access to the education option that helps them reach their full, individual God-given potential.

SC lawmakers considering bill that would require high-stakes testing this spring

Education
Blog · January 20, 2021

PPI Senior Fellow Oran Smith appears in this news story from WSPA. COLUMBIA, SC (WSPA) — As teachers and students continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic in South Carolina, many are wondering how the pandemic has impacted academic performance. Last year, South Carolina received a waiver from the federal government for standardized testing due to

South Carolina Legislature convenes Tuesday; McMaster’s state of the state address Wednesday

Education
Blog · January 11, 2021

PPI President and CEO Ellen Weaver is quoted in Center Square regarding PPI’s priorities for the 2021 legislative session. (The Center Square) – South Carolina lawmakers will return to Columbia on Tuesday to begin the 2021 legislative session, and more than 800 pieces of legislation already have been filed for the General Assembly to consider.

An Education Freedom Agenda

Education
Blog · January 8, 2021

Effective Education for Every Student These 19 recommendations are drawn from the Palmetto Promise Playbook report. You can view our policy agenda for other issues by clicking below. Energy  | Healthcare | Tax & Budget | Work, Justice, & Quality of Life EXPAND EDUCATION CHOICE Adopt an Education Scholarship Account (ESA) law that will provide qualified