Bill Text: SC H3240 | 2021-2022 | 124th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Educational and learning outcomes for different racial and ethnic student groups in public schools
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-01-12 - Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works [H3240 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2021-H3240-Introduced.html
A JOINT RESOLUTION
TO CREATE A STUDY COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE TRENDS AND CURRENT CONDITIONS IN EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR DIFFERENT RACIAL AND ETHNIC STUDENT GROUPS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THIS STATE, TO IDENTIFY AND RECOMMEND MEANS FOR IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR THOSE GROUPS, AND TO MAKE RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2022.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. (A) There is created a study committee to examine trends and current conditions in educational activities and learning outcomes for different racial and ethnic student groups in this State, and to identify means for successfully improving such outcomes.
(B)(1)The study committee shall:
(a) identify gaps in achievement and opportunity among different racial and ethnic student groups in the public schools of this State and recommend initiatives to close or eliminate the gaps; and
(b) provide an analysis to identify gaps among students who live in poverty, students with disabilities, and other students.
(2) In conducting its study, the study group shall:
(a) consider the chronology of an individual student's education using existing data provided by the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, Children's Trust of South Carolina, the Office of First Steps to School Readiness, the Education Oversight Committee, the South Carolina Department of Education, and the Commission on Higher Education;
(b) focus its analysis on:
(i) early childhood education, including access to early childcare and readiness for kindergarten;
(ii) academic performance in public schools, including reading and mathematics achievement in third grade through eighth grade, absenteeism rates, suspension and expulsion rates, dropout rates, high school course taking, high school completion rates, college readiness scores on the ACT and SAT, and career readiness scores on the Ready to Work (R2W); and
(iii) postsecondary education, including an analysis of college participation, undergraduate enrollment, six-year college graduation rates; and financial aid.
(C)(1) The study committee is composed of eleven members, consisting of:
(a) four public school teachers with experience in teaching diverse student classrooms, students with disabilities, and students who live in poverty:
(i) one member appointed by the Chair of the Senate Education Committee;
(ii) one member appointed by the Chair of the House Education and Public Works Committee;
(iii) one member appointed by the President of the Senate; and
(iv) one member appointed by the Speaker of the House;
(b) one member of the Senate appointed by the Chair of the Senate Education Committee;
(c) one member of the House of Representatives appointed by the Chair of the House Education and Public Works Committee; (d) two early childhood education, elementary education, or secondary education scholars or faculty members from institutions of higher learning in this State who have research and teaching experience in understanding trends and conditions in education activities and outcomes for different racial and ethnic groups in this State, students with disabilities, and students who live in poverty; and
(d) three parents of public school students appointed by the Governor.
(2) In making appointments to the study committee, consideration should be given to ensure the inclusion of diverse racial, ethnic, and economic perspectives representing districts throughout the State.
(3) A vacancy in the membership of the study committee must be filled in the manner of original appointment.
(4) Members of the committee shall serve without per diem, mileage, or other compensation generally provided to members of boards and commissions.
(D) The Senate Education Committee and the House Education and Public Works Committee shall provide appropriate staffing for the study committee.
(E) The study committee shall provide a report with recommendations to the General Assembly before January 1, 2022. The study committee shall dissolve upon providing its report to the General Assembly or on January 1, 2022, whichever occurs first.
SECTION 2. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
