The Horry County School Policy Committee convened on December 9, 2024, to discuss updates to the district's educational policies, focusing on student performance metrics and college readiness standards. The meeting highlighted minor adjustments to the current policy, emphasizing a shift from district consolidated goals to strategic plan performance goals.

The committee noted that the strategic plan is updated annually and undergoes a comprehensive review every five years, ensuring that performance goals remain relevant and aligned with district practices. This change aims to enhance the accuracy of performance reports by utilizing the most current strategic goals.

A significant recommendation was made regarding the measurement of college and career readiness. The current policy relies on on-time graduation rates and composite SAT and ACT scores. However, the South Carolina Department of Education has introduced a broader definition of college and career readiness that includes eight different indicators. The committee proposed revising the language to reflect this updated accountability framework, suggesting that college and career readiness should align with the criteria established by the state.

While the graduation rate will continue to be a key metric, the committee agreed to remove the standalone requirement for SAT and ACT scores, recognizing that there are multiple pathways for students to achieve college and career readiness. The proposed changes aim to streamline the policy while ensuring it meets the evolving educational standards set by the state.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for the thorough review process and acknowledgment of the collaborative efforts involved in updating the policies. The committee did not receive any questions regarding the proposed changes, indicating a consensus on the direction of the policy updates. Further discussions and potential approvals are expected in future meetings as the committee continues to refine the district's educational framework.