The United States Department of Education is releasing guidance on unconventional ways that states can enact some forms of school choice using federal funds or policy. In a March 2025 “Dear Colleague” letter, Hayley Sanon, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, reminds states that they may reserve 3% of their
The University of South Carolina System is taking a leadership role—alongside public higher education systems in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas—in creating a new accrediting agency focused on public institutions. This first-of-its-kind collaboration, known as the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), aims to strengthen academic excellence, prioritize student outcomes, and streamline accreditation
COLUMBIA, SC – Palmetto Promise Institute was named the winner of the State Policy Network’s top honor, the Bob Williams Award for Policy Achievement – Biggest Win for Freedom, in recognition of the work Palmetto Promise has done to restore South Carolina’s school choice program and protect children’s futures. In September 2024, the South Carolina
University institutes may not always grab headlines, but their impact can be felt far beyond campus. These organizations bring together students, faculty, and community members to explore big ideas, host thought-provoking events, and sometimes even shape public policy. While you might be familiar with popular centers focused on athletics, history, business, or health sciences, South
South Carolina is one step closer to citizens in every school district having easy, online access to the meetings of their local school boards. During its August 5, 2025, meeting, the South Carolina State Board of Education passed new model policy language for local school boards to use in crafting their own policies regarding live-streaming
This week, on August 5, 2025, the South Carolina State Board of Education approved Superintendent Ellen Weaver’s request to take control of the Jasper County School District. The board’s vote allows the South Carolina Department of Education to dissolve the locally elected school board and assume full operational control of the district. The decision comes
Historically, Mississippi has ranked near the bottom of national indicators in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic mobility. The phrase “Thank God for Mississippi” became an expression of relief for South Carolina, reflecting the idea that, regardless of how poorly we were doing in The Palmetto State, at least The Magnolia State was performing
When COVID hit, many parents who were suddenly homebound used that extra time to investigate what kind of education their children were receiving. In some cases, it didn’t require much sleuthing. After all, COVID forced parents to experience lessons and assignments in real time. Student achievement, course content, and funding at their zip code-assigned traditional
Most legislative observers missed it, but buried deep in S.62—the bill whose primary purpose was to reestablish South Carolina’s private school choice program (the Education Scholarship Trust Fund)— was a glimmer of hope for public school choice. The encouraging provision, which introduced the idea of interdistrict transfers for all students, can be found in Section
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law what may be the most significant federal school choice measure in American history. This new law, which includes Section 25F of the Internal Revenue Code, creates a permanent federal tax credit for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). And it is nothing short of a game-changer.
