The information contained in this memo is to provide clarity around School Improvement
Designations and recent updates to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Plan that
impact identification and exit criteria for designated schools. Each district will be notified
of current designations for identified schools in their district in a separate communication.

This is a reminder about the upcoming Math Curriculum Caravans in February. Presentations are at nine sites across the state to hear and see publishers present their approved materials and receive guidance from SCDE on high-quality instructional material (HQIM) implementation. Training for instructional technology team members and textbook coordinators will also be available at these events.

In response to the valued feedback from the recent EDPlan SC Survey, the Office of Special
Education and PCG will offer additional webinars and resources to support EDPlan SC
users.

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is pleased to announce the addition
of Securly to the list of approved vendors for the monitoring software initiative.

We are pleased to announce the new Near Match Resolution Guide on the agency website under Data > Information Systems > Student Unique Numbering System.

During the 2024–25 school year, the Office of Leadership Effectiveness (OLE) worked with administrators and teacher leaders from twenty-eight schools to implement a cohesive vision for teacher leadership roles within South Carolina’s schools. This work helps schools develop a collaborative culture and high-quality professional learning that promotes student attainment of world-class knowledge, skills, and life characteristics.

As we have previously announced, the Department of Education is providing Destiny District Classroom Library Manager (DCLM) to all South Carolina Districts free of charge. We have heard some districts express interest in the product, but many have requested additional information about the product offering. Follett will be hosting two informational sessions on Tuesday, January 21st at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) announces that the Request for Proposals for the 2025 African American History Instructional Materials Grant is now available online. Approximately $200,000 in funding will be distributed on a competitive basis and the deadline to apply is February 28, 2025.

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) announces the Request for Proposals
(RFP) for the 2025 Summer Reading Camp (SRC) Community Partnership Grant (CPG)
under Proviso 1.56 of the General Appropriations Act is now available online. Approximately $700,000 in funding will be distributed on a competitive basis. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m., February 24, 2025.

January 15th is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, and as we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20th, the South Carolina Department of Education is proud to unveil the details of our inspiring new initiative in civics education. In partnership with McGraw Hill and the Good of All Foundation, lessons from the Civil Rights: A Global Perspective curriculum, grounded in the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are now available to South Carolina High School Educators teaching U.S. History.

We are thrilled to announce that Dan Ralyea, our own respected leader in data and technology, will be stepping into the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Department of Education.

The Office of Assessment and Standards is excited to announce locations and dates for the Spring 2025 Physical Education Regional Professional Learning Series. This free, face-to-face professional learning opportunity will focus on using the principles of Meaningful P.E. with the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Physical Education Standards 2021 (P.E. Standards).

In keeping with its mission to provide technology technical assistance to districts, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is offering virtual training on digital accessibility February 11 and 12, 2025, four hours each day. This training is at no cost to districts.

This memo provides critical updates and actionable guidance regarding adopting K-12 math instructional materials, the upcoming caravans, inventory management, and instructional technology contacts. Please review the information carefully to ensure timely compliance with outlined processes and deadlines.

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is pleased to announce the availability of statewide funds to reimburse school districts for implementing security monitoring software on school-issued devices and membership in 1EDTech. This initiative aims to enhance student safety by monitoring online activities and identifying potential risks such as violence, bullying, and other concerns.