News Releases

September 23, 2024
Four SC schools named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools
Four SC schools named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver has announced that four South Carolina schools were recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

September 3, 2024
Statement from State Superintendent Ellen Weaver on the Passing of Dr. Barbara S. Nielsen, former State Superintendent of Education

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver shared the following statement regarding the passing of Dr. Barbara S. Nielsen, South Carolina's fourteenth State Superintendent of Education

September 3, 2024
SC Department of Education Unveils Free to Focus SC
SC Department of Education Unveils Free to Focus SC

Following final approval by the State Board of Education of a statewide model cell phone policy Tuesday afternoon, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has launched ‘Free to Focus SC’.

August 29, 2024
SCDE Launches Initiative Empowering Students with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Message of Hope and Unity

The SC Department of Education (SCDE) is unveiling a new initiative to provide high-quality civics education resources to South Carolina teachers and students at no cost to local districts.

August 16, 2024
SCDE releases 2024 End of Course and Career Readiness assessment results

The South Carolina Department of Education has released the 2023-2024 results for the End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) and SC Career Readiness Assessments, showcasing improvements in student performance across several key subjects.

August 16, 2024
SC students maintain ELA post-pandemic gains, Math scores show slight improvement

The South Carolina Department of Education has released the latest English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics SCREADY assessment data for students in grades 3-8.

August 12, 2024
SCDE begins new chapter in South Carolina's education story

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) hosted a ribbon cutting for the agency's new headquarters located in Lexington County on August 12.

July 8, 2024
SCDE unveils new logo

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) revealed an updated look Monday morning. The new logo recognizes the agency’s rich history with a fresh, modern design.

June 11, 2024
SCDE Announces More Than 1,300 Free Summer Meals Sites

Free meals are available for South Carolina kids and teens under the age of 18 this summer. Hundreds of sites are now operational across the state participating in either the Summer Break Café (SBC) or Seamless Summer Option (SSO) meal programs.

May 29, 2024
Allendale and Williamsburg Educators Honored with Excellence in Teaching Awards

This week, State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver surprised a group of educators in Allendale and Williamsburg counties with news they have received Excellence in Teaching Awards.

May 6, 2024
Dominion Energy & S.C. Department of Education Announce Winners of Annual Student Essay Contest

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) and Dominion Energy are pleased to announce the winners of the fourth annual Strong Men & Women in South Carolina History student writing contest.

April 25, 2024
Braden Wilson of Palmetto Middle School Named SC Teacher of the Year

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver announced today at the annual South Carolina Teacher of the Year event that Braden Wilson, a social studies teacher at Palmetto Middle School in Anderson School District One, is the 2025 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. 

March 22, 2024
Superintendent Weaver Announces Institute of Innovation's Bekah Hamrick as Teacher of the Year Finalist

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver surprised Institute of Innovation's Bekah Hamrick today with news that she has been selected as one of five finalists for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award.

March 18, 2024
Superintendent Weaver Announces Ware Shoals High School's Blake Bishop as Teacher of the Year Finalist

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver surprised Ware Shoals High School's Blake Bishop today with news that he has been selected as one of five finalists for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award.

March 18, 2024
Superintendent Weaver Announces Wellford Academy's Katie Farr as Teacher of the Year Finalist

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver surprised Wellford Academy's Katie Farr today with news that she has been selected as one of five finalists for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award.

March 15, 2024
Superintendent Weaver Announces Palmetto Middle School's Braden Wilson as Teacher of the Year Finalist

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver surprised Palmetto Middle School's Braden Wilson with news that she has been selected as one of five finalists for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award.

March 14, 2024
Superintendent Weaver Announces Blythewood High's Will Epps as Teacher of the Year Finalist

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver surprised Blythewood High School's Will Epps with news that he has been selected as one of five finalists for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award.

March 5, 2024
SCDE Provides Update on Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program

With less than 10 days until the application deadline, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is encouraging eligible South Carolina families to submit an application for the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2024.

March 1, 2024
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver applauds passage of S.418

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver heralded the passage of S.418, The Read to Succeed Act. This legislation marks a critical milestone and major victory for Superintendent Weaver’s strategic focus on early literacy, a top priority of her first year in office.

February 29, 2024
Dominion Energy and S.C. Department of Education Accepting Entries for Annual Student Essay Contest

Junior and senior high school students in South Carolina can participate in Dominion Energy and the South Carolina Department of Education’s (SCDE) fourth annual Strong Men & Women in S.C. History essay contest. Winners will receive an Apple MacBook Air and $1,000 for their school or home schooling association.