Superintendent opposes standardized testing bill, holds hope feds will waive requirements
VIDEO: Superintendent opposes standardized testing bill, holds hope feds will waive requirements By Kaitlin Stansell | January 20, 2021 at 6:50 PM EST - Updated January 21 at 4:34 PM
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Some lawmakers are pushing for a bill that could require students to undergo summative federal standardized tests even if the state is granted a waiver from the federal government.
Superintendent Molly Spearman is pushing back as she waits on a response from the federal government concerning her request for a waiver from these tests.
During a K-12 Subcommittee meeting Wednesday, Spearman said the tests would only add more stress to students during this unprecedented school year.
Jan. 14 COLUMBIA, S.C. South Carolina teachers who had their annual longevity pay bumps frozen this school year, could see at least $650 more on average in one paycheck by June. Legislators want to reinstate an annual step increase for teachers for this school year, after those automatic raises were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pay would apply retroactively to the beginning .
Teacher advocates: Governorâs funding plan is important step forward but âfalls shortâ
VIDEO: Teacher advocates: Governorâs funding plan is important step forward but âfalls shortâ By Kaitlin Stansell | January 8, 2021 at 8:09 PM EST - Updated January 8 at 11:55 PM
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMasterâs $10 billion Executive Budget includes a number of provisions focused on improving the stateâs education system, including $100 million to update educational materials in public schools.
Officials with the Palmetto State Teachers Association said the budget is far from perfect, but they believe it takes important steps toward providing our students with the educational opportunities they need and deserve.
Gov. McMaster proposes $48 million to expand full-day 4K program
VIDEO: Gov. McMaster proposes $48 million to expand full-day 4K program By Paola Tristan Arruda | January 8, 2021 at 9:27 PM EST - Updated January 9 at 9:47 AM
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is proposing $48 million to expand access to a state-wide program that provides full day kindergarten for low-income 4-year-olds.
The state’s Child Early Reading Development and Education Program offers free 4K in public schools and private childcare settings.
As part of that program, First Step 4K serves children and families in 39 out of the state’s 46 counties, in private settings. With the money used to expand the program, officials with First Step say they could serve twice as many children as they do now.
SC Superintendent recommends districts use federal funds to cover emergency paid leave
VIDEO: SC Superintendent recommends districts use federal funds to cover emergency paid leave By Kaitlin Stansell | January 8, 2021 at 5:39 PM EST - Updated January 8 at 6:12 PM
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Department of Education is âstrongly recommendingâ local school districts use federal dollars from the CARES Actâs Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Fund to cover employeesâ emergency paid leave because of COVID-19.
Districts are no longer federally required to provide emergency paid leave to their employee after the Families First Coronavirus Act expired on December 31st. Now, itâs up to local school district leaders to decide how they will cover emergency time off for employees.