The COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively affect student achievement and well-being in three main areas: chronic absenteeism; mental health and social skills; and math achievement.
The percentage of Hispanic or Latino students in our public schools is steadily increasing. From 2013 to 2023 in South Carolina, the percentage rose from 7% to 13%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for our schools.
The teacher shortage is getting worse in South Carolina. The teacher turnover rate is increasing and the percentage of teaching positions that go unfilled at the start of each school year is three times higher than it was ten years ago.
