South Carolina citizens will have an opportunity to offer comments on the current academic content standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics until September 30, via the website http://scstandards.org. The survey has been live and active since July 11, 2014.

Pursuant to Act 200 of 2014, passed by the SC General Assembly, the Education Oversight Committee (EOC) is to consult with the State Board of Education and conduct a cyclical review of the current standards as well as standards being written by two writing panels convened by the SC Department of Education (SCDE). According to state law, the review must begin on or before January 1, 2015, and the new college and career readiness state content standards must be adopted prior to the 2015-2016 school year.

“We invite and encourage any citizen of the state to voice their opinions about the standards used in our public schools,” stated Melanie Barton, Executive Director of the EOC. “Strong standards should provide a solid foundation for a system that is focused on college and career readiness for all young people.”

Results of the survey will be provided to the standards evaluation teams convened by the EOC; the SCDE writing panels; the Governor; the General Assembly; the State Board of Education; the EOC; and the public.

The SC Education Oversight Committee is an independent, non-partisan group made up of 18 educators, business persons, and elected leaders. Created in 1998, the committee is dedicated to reporting facts, measuring change, and promoting progress within South Carolina’s education system.