Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit Aims to Strike Amendment “Born in Bigotry” from SC Constitution

Education
Blog · April 14, 2021

Action by a federal court would have the effect of restoring eligibility for federal COVID relief funds to students in denominationally-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), other faith-based colleges, and religiously-affiliated K-12 independent schools.

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