Thursday, July 9, 2015

Spearman Announces Three-Year ESEA Extension Approval

Columbia, SC – State Superintendent of Education Molly M. Spearman announces that the South Carolina Department of Education has received a three-year extension of its ESEA waiver.

"I am pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Education has approved our ESEA extension request for three years," said Superintendent Spearman. "This extension will provide much-needed flexibility for school districts around the state, returning power to the districts from the federal government. It is important for local administrators and educators to make the best decisions for students, working with parents and elected school board members. This renewed flexibility will enable us to build upon our efforts to improve educational outcomes for all students by using new, college- and career-ready standards, successful accountability systems, and professional development aimed at supporting effective instruction and leadership," concluded Spearman.

The U.S. Department of Education reviewed South Carolina's new English Language Arts and Mathematics standards and verified that the standards will meet the college- and career-readiness needs of South Carolina's students. Districts and schools will have more freedom to channel Title I and other funds on support, interventions, and teaching staff to achieve local educational goals. The flexibility renewal request was approved for three years, through the end of the 2017-18 school year.