That 1452 mark from 2009 can be misleading as well. South Carolina is has one of the highest participation percentages when it comes to the SAT. 67% of seniors in 2009 in SC took the SAT. That to me is a pretty good step in the right direction as far as focusing on getting kids to college goes.

It could be worse. Years ago when LIFE Scholarship qualifiers were used as one of the 4 school report card variables, principals would intentionally tell their less gifted test takers to not take the SAT or take the ACT instead so they could skew the results.

Yes the state SAT composite has declined 7 points since 2003 but oh wait…..shit!!!! the national average has dropped 10 points!!!! in the same time frame. So nationally kids are getting dumber quicker than kids in our state??? ;). just saying is all folks. SC’s declines are not nearly as bad as other states and the nation in general.

Average SAT Math scores from 2003 to 2009 have had no change in fact, while nationally its been a -4 decrease across the country. Again SC is just fine compared to the nation as a whole.

http://ed.sc.gov/topics/assessment/scores/sat/2009/documents/REPORT2009.pdf

Unfortunately, if you talk about changing the public ed establishment you’re immediately labeled “anti-education.” Heaven forbid you make a comment indicating that even poor families could become more involved in their kids education (or lives, period); you’ll be labeled much, much worse…

Is there a reason that kids 4-10 years old, at least, cannot be introduced to a foreign language, Shakespeare and other literary giants, philosophy, artistic technique, music scales, etc?

Since the beginning of my child’s school year, so far what has been covered has consisted of what was learned from kindergarten to 2nd grade.

There is no competition in the classrooms. Few challenges are involved in their studies, but a great effort is put into honing sporting skills.Furthermore, standardized testing involves the use of higher thinking skills. Students, at least in SC, are scoring poorly on such a scale because the skills aren’t being taught.

By the way, what happened to the approximate $25 million our district just didn’t figure into this year’s budget?

One, and possibly the most important issue, is that of child abuse. I cannot understand why our society is not addressing this issue full force. Yeah, a handful may overcome poor upbringing, but has anyone viewed the statistics lately? A child cannot learn if they’re being beaten, sexually abused, or if mom or dad is spending more time with the local crack dealer than their kids. I believe this is perhaps the crux of the issue.

While

In reference to your calling me a moron because of my “maroon” comment, please go watch a clip of Bugs Bunny.

Further, I did not attend any SC school (there are more than 2 state-funded colleges in SC, you know), but to include any institution of higher learning in this state (excepting Furman) in a category with UVA, Emory, Vanderbilt, etc. is a joke.