South Carolina graduation rates revealed with 85% graduating but only 30% college ready

In a recent meeting of the South Carolina Judiciary Committee, members gathered to discuss pressing issues surrounding education, particularly focusing on high school graduation rates and the preparedness of students for college and careers. The atmosphere was charged with concern as representatives reviewed data presented by Miss Yao from the Education Oversight Committee (EOC).

The meeting highlighted a significant achievement: the graduation rate for the class of 2024 stands at 85.4 percent. However, this statistic was tempered by a stark reality—only about 72 percent of those graduates are deemed college and career ready. This discrepancy raised eyebrows among committee members, prompting pointed questions about the effectiveness of the current educational system.

"Am I to understand an 85 graduation on-time rate and 30 percent of that group is college and career ready?" asked Representative Bridal, expressing frustration over the implications of these figures. His inquiry underscored a critical concern: what value does a high school diploma hold if graduates are not adequately prepared for the next steps in their lives?

Miss Yao explained that college readiness is assessed through standardized tests like the ACT and SAT, as well as through rigorous coursework such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. Career readiness is evaluated through state certifications and industry-related tests. Yet, the committee recognized that many students are leaving high school without a credential that holds value in the workforce.

The discussion also touched on chronic absenteeism, with alarming statistics revealing that a significant percentage of students missed at least 10 percent of the school year, further impacting their academic performance. This issue, along with the graduation and readiness rates, paints a complex picture of the challenges facing South Carolina's education system.

As the meeting drew to a close, members expressed a desire for further dialogue and solutions. The importance of the EOC's data dashboard was emphasized, encouraging committee members to explore the wealth of information available to better understand the educational landscape. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address these pressing issues, leaving attendees with a sense of urgency to improve the educational outcomes for South Carolina's students.