LAWMAKERS DUMB DOWN HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA STANDARDS
This website has written extensively on efforts by the S.C. General Assembly to “dumb down” academic achievement in the Palmetto State – home to the nation’s worst government-run (a.k.a. “public”) school system.
The most egregious example of this came in 2009, when the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT) was replaced by the Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS) – a test that enabled thousands of students to magically “pass” without any improvement in achievement.
To read one of our many stories on that scam, CLICK HERE.
This year, “Republicans” and Democrats in the S.C. General Assembly are at it again. Back in the spring, they quietly passed legislation further dumbing down our state’s already stupendously stupid system. According to Act 155 – signed into law by Gov. Nikki Haley back in April – students no longer have to pass an exit exam to earn their high school diplomas.
“Beginning with the graduating class of 2015, students are no longer required to meet the exit examination requirements set forth in in this section and State Regulation to earn a South Carolina high school diploma,” the law states.
Not only that, the law’s provisions are “retroactive to the graduating class of 1990,” according to the S.C. Department of Education. That means anyone who failed the exit exam over the last quarter century can now petition the government to have a high school degree issued to them.
An estimated 77.4 percent of South Carolina students pass the exit exam – a basic test of mathematics and language skills.
“A person who is no longer enrolled in a public school and who previously failed to receive a high school diploma or was denied graduation solely for failing to meet the exit exam requirements … may petition the local school board to determine the student’s eligibility to receive a high school diploma pursuant to this chapter,” the law states.
Amazing, isn’t it? Thousands of former students who didn’t earn degrees will now receive them – further devaluing what was already a pretty worthless piece of paper to begin with. Oh, and South Carolina’s graduation rates – which consistently rank among the worst in the nation – are now set to magically improve.
Once again the Palmetto State is adopting a “fake it till you make it” approach to government-run education.
The only problem? We’re just not making it … even with artificial adjustments like this.
68 comments
Now Diplomas have something in common with FITS and the Liberal-Tarians: Sorry FITS, I couldn’t help it….LMAO…
Legislatures should keep their nose out of it and keep it as local as possible.The more gov’t gets involved, from either side of the isle, things only get worse.Home schooling is becoming more of an option for liberals to.
The Legislature is ELECTED. The boards and commissions get fat and rich, with exorbitant tax-based salaries, and answer to no one but education industry lobbyists…
The SC legislature has REJECTED Common Core, but the bureaucrats will NOT dump it. This is where we need to make a stand. We take back education, or it is lost…
Obamacare may be the BIGGEST failure in the history of the federal government. If Obama can JAM Common Core on us, it will be even worse that the hated Obamacare.
We need the GOP right now more than ever. They are the ONLY resistance to total government control of us. For FITS to tear down Republicans is just his effort to remove any impediment to leftwing domination of all of our life.
I’m not sure if FITS is calculating or ignorant (maybe some of both) but he, and those like him, are the worst thing that can happen to freedom, and our rights as Americans.
Preach to people from on high how to educate their children some more and see where that gets you.The same as now no different.
The people – at least most of them – are on my side…Common Core is Widely unpopular among parents. States all over the country are moving against it, as more is learned about it.
Why do you think Democrat, and education insider, Molly Spearman is all over the road with it? She wants it, but she likely cannot get elected supporting Common Core.
Support your LOCAL school system is all I have to say.Thanks for the replies.
The federal government and the state have mandated Common Core for LOCAL SCHOOLS. (or had, until SC voted to dump it in 2015-16. )
Rejecting Common Core is SUPPORTING MY LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM.
Great.Maybe I should plan on home schooling my child then.Just replacing one for another.
Conceding the schools to liberal destruction is one answer. Charter schools area another. But our legislature is starting to get it (see CofC and USC-U.) If we were ever going to purge the boards and commission of greedy leftwing opportunists, now is the time. The people are waking up because Common Core is so blatantly, and radically, leftist.
You are to partisan for me.I think they both have agendas not just the liberals.
Nice of Haley to sign that shit, huh?
Sign what?
This, dude: “This year, “Republicans” and Democrats in the S.C. General Assembly are at it again. Back in the spring, they quietly passed legislation further dumbing down our state’s already stupendously stupid system. According to Act 155 – signed into law by Gov. Nikki Haley back in April – students no longer have to pass an exit exam to earn their high school diplomas” Did you not read it?
You seem to be fixated on a test. You are wringing your hands over an extraneous distraction because you can indict Haley. Yet you are oblivious to the fundamental value of education being destroyed by Common Core.
You probably sell the exit exams to the education industry.
You are a perfect representative of how the rot has permeated a potion of our children’s’ perception of the future.
Too damn bad Atwater was too retarded to beat her.
Ever hear of cross-over Democrat voters. I’m sure that is what got Spearman into the run-off. Otherwise Few would have won fairly easily. It’s why we need to close the primary.
If Few had won due to a closed primary, we would have a Democrat as state Superintendent for sure.
You said that when Mick Zais got the GOP nominations. Democrats can beat the F*#k out of an imaginary candidate,…but you get reamed in reality, because you’ve been deemed unfit. Why do you think Spearman switched parties, and is calling herself an R?
Cost about $300 a year to home school a child. Public schools need over $10,000 a year to educate a child.
Just like abortion and Planned Parenthood , education and public schools are all about the $$$$$$$$$.
They don’t give a shit about the children.
You care about a Republican, not a child !
I like your pub estimate, it’s not even close, Nikki !
Wow. This is huge! Obamacare is a bigger fail than Vietnam, Iraq, Afghan, wars paid for on credit cards–ditto for Medicare drug program and revenue cuts to make the economy grow. Huge I tell you. Huge!! Oh, and that jam on Common Core was more like a bribe, something this state knows plenty about.
“If the people who worship you, and leftwing politicians, ever heard you tell them to get married, provide TWO parents, and take responsibility, we may get better.”
Looks like that worked out well for Bill Cassidy and Sararh Palin’s kids. Lol.
Who, and, WTF are you talking about you ignorant F*#king liberal cliche? The Palins have NOTHING to do w/ education in SC. Dumb@$$…
Right over your Abstinence Only and Creationist little head.
Hey, I know everythng, goddamnit!
You got it ALL right. We are losing our SECOND generation of children to the brainwashing of Vietnam era tenured professors at the state controlled universities that have ‘infected’ the state controlled public schools with liberal , mind-numb robots that have never been taught how to teach because of the guidelines/standards set forward by the Marxist teaching unions in this country.
You care about a future republican, not a child.
Still looking for those teachers unions in SC. Can you help? And, if the profs were tenured in Vietnam era, they are dead, retired, or about to be. Mind-numb? You mean patently rejecting any info or data that is inconsistent with what you already “know” and believe? Hmmm, I think I’ve seen some evidence of that around the state.
No one cares, this is SC, idiot !
Keep people as stupid as possible, appeal to longstanding prejudices, stay in office.
“Why fix what ain’t broken….” (says the GOP in S.C.)
This must be good legislation. Sic Willie’s butt buddy carpetbagger Davis voted in favor. You know, just like his vote for Toal.
Why has FITS been silent on Cindi Ross Scoppe running the education department. She’s DEMANDING Obama’s Common Core be forced on us.
Until FITS shows an inkling of understanding what is most pertinent, he input is as worthless as he claims the diplomas are.
SC will be the bottom, as always. Sandi can help ???
Several state are dropping High School Exit Exams
Exit exams may be on their way out
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/22/exit-exams-high-school-diploma/2351009/
Some of the 25 states that now require students to pass an exit exam to graduate are looking to replace them with tests that yield better information about students’ aptitude for college or jobs, but without requiring a specific grade to earn a diploma.
Among the exit exam policy changes taking place in the states:
• The Nevada legislature passed a bill this year that will phase out its exit exam and replace it with end-of-course tests and college entrance exams that are aligned with the Common Core State Standards that have been adopted in 45 states, according to Assemblywoman Lucy Flores, a Las Vegas Democrat.
• Arizona passed a bill that did away with its exit exam and other national tests and calls for the state Board of Education to develop another test that will better measure critical thinking skills, according to state Rep. Doris Goodale, a Phoenix Republican.
• Alabama is phasing out its exit exam and using tests developed by ACT that measure students’ readiness for college or work, according to state Department of Education spokeswoman Malissa Valdes-Hubert.
• Georgia eliminated an outdated exit exam and is replacing it with end-of-course tests, according to Department of Education spokesman Matt Cardoza.
Let’s get honest, these changes Nationwide are simply wrapped up political gifts to the increasingly third world demographic which is the new United States.
The exit exam is not rigorous. It’s really kind of a joke and a time waster for most students and teachers. The fact that many people don’t pass it is sad.
SC is a Diploma Mill for Republicans. They start out of High School. Look at Mike Campbell, A idiot with a spoon. Naming this SC ” Thing ” doe’s nothing. I say people have a vote they can cast ! Want Nikki and Pubs ? Or don’t want Nikki and Pubs ? Tango love’s life in Pub SC. It must be ” Grand ” for him ! Either way, SC is stupid guaranteed!
Right on, brother!
LMAO. The democrat party OWNED teaching unions (NEA and FTA) have destroyed public schools and the lying ‘faux’ Marine blames Republicans.
You are an idiot,Gomer ‘pile’ of shit.
Can’t wait either !
You need to go to school on that one
Actually, Pondering is correct. The highest ranked states in graduation rates and test scores (across the board) have very strong unions and bargaining units. Regardless, it appears states that have more conservative leadership typically have lower graduation rates and test scores.
There is no teachers union in South Carolina. And interestingly enough the states with highest achieving students have some of the strongest unions.
Pub’s have fun until 16.
A Pub educated child in SC is the way to the future of a pub world. The Nazi’s tried that in 39, now a new experiment. Can’t wait to see the election’s !
Sandi will get dusted in 14, WOO HOO !!!
Yay! I’ve always wanted a High School Diploma and not this Attendance Certificate.
“I don’t know what we’re yelling about!”
That is a Sandi thing
your point is noted
Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS)
[A sample of the newly proposed questions]
Candidates must not write on more than two sides of the exam paper. Marks will be deducted for bad spelling and writing which is difficult to read.
————————————————————-
1. What language is spoken by French Canadians?
2. Give important characteristics of ancient Babylonian Empire with
particular reference to architecture, literature, law and social conditions — or give the first names of the Osmonds.
3. What religion is the Pope? [Jewish, Catholic, Hindu, Anglican (ONE only)].
4. Who won the Second World War? Who came in second?
5. What is a silver dollar made of? [gold, silver, polyvinylchloride (ONE only)].
6. Explain Le Chatelier’s principal of dynamic equilibrium force — or spell your name in BLOCK capitals.
7. Approximately how many commandments were given to Moses?
8. There were six kings of Britain called George, the last one being called George VI. Name the other five.
9. Write down the numbers 1 to 10. (marks will be deducted for every number out of sequence.)
10. Would you ask William Shakespeare to—[build a bridge, sail the ocean, lead the army, or WRITE A PLAY?]
11. Do you understand Newton’s law of gravity? [answer YES or NO]
12. What is 69 and 69? (one answer only)
(a) 101.
(b) Ten times your I.Q.
(c) All of the above
13. Write a prose composition on the role of fast food franchises in the modern urban environment.
>>>
25.Approximately how many questions are on this exam (answer to the nearest 100 if you can count that far.)
End of Exam
1- Canadian
2- Donny, Marie
3- Roman
4 – Tie : Stalin, Democrat Party
5 – Federal Reserve
6 – HILLARY
7 – Don NOT Pollute the Rain forest
8 – Foreman
9 – 2012 The Movie is a lie
10 – Communism has never failed
11 -Global Warming Deniers
12 – Baby Daddy
13 – McRib is sivle rights.
OK, your efforts are rewarded – I smiled!
The Up Vote will suffice, SH. And: Did I pass?
Did I pass? – Yes, in the top 1%..!! And better yet, there is a ‘TopSecretCorollaryAnalysisProgram’ which ran your answers to determine your “best use” in the interest of America. The result was a new position,’ THE EAR WHISPERER TO THE POTUS’ (this would be a LIFETIME appointment!) — should you accept it.
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Sessions
Is this the Wanda D.Howard that owns Original Benjamin’s in South Carolina? Grandparents and father searching for adult granddaughter-daughter we haven’t heard from in almost ten years. Maybe she can help. If you know her, please have her post on this site , IF she can help. I believe she was married to Bill Howard.
Thank you.
“EVEN MORE WORTHLESS” is another example from fitsnews education.
Why are you saying SC schools are so bad though? I suggest you re-examine the racial breakdown of SAT scores. SC’s problem is it has a large minority population and minority populations tend to perform poorly on standardized tests.
a good formal education would likely remedy that under performance for both the large minority and minorities in general that you reference. However, until SC lawmakers, nay law makers and educators figure out a way to do it different. Over 49 percent of kids are going to score below average on standardized testing. Let’s face it? I choose to blame Democrats for the on M-W-F and the GOP for that on T-R and weekends….
Regional breakdown too, you can’t compare Corridor of Shame schools or other rural schools to, say, Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, etc.
When kids are graduating from high school and eligible for scholarships due to their 3.0 or above cumulative HS GPA but have to go in to developmental classes at an open enrollment Technical College before they can get into a curriculum, I’d say there is a problem with SC education. All should know this because we are constantly at the bottom of education when compared to other states.Good grief. Thank a Republican for the state of education in this state. Private schools score even worse. Go figure.
Hey there’s an ACTUAL copy of an essay, given to Lexington One (MGMS) eight-graders in May, on SC Political Digest.
It’s trying persuade kids that the US Constitution needs to be changed, to allow foreign-born aliens be elected as president. Not sure if it was written pre-2008, or not. Google: SC Political Digest. I’d love to see what people interested in public education have to say.
Look, we still have Mike Fair trying get students to believe the magic sky wizard made everything in 6 days as it is now and that Noah made a huge boat. I mean, this is our starting point folks.
It’s all racial. About 40% of blacks could not pass the test.
It muss b tha waze theys axe tha kwestons.
The reasoning for no longer requiring students to pass the exit exam was because there was no provision for special needs students who could not pass the test. Instead of helping those who might take longer to pass the exit exam, the whole thing was trashed. Students still have to take the exam, though. They do not have to pass it. The company with the multi-million dollar contract to grade/assess/whatever still gets paid. I think the figure given was around $3.5 million. People make money while SC students get nothing for those education dollars.
As a SC student from the class of 2009 I’m going to tell you that the standardized test does not even hardly relate to our curriculum. If I wasn’t taught something I’m not going to be able to get it right. I find a lot of the stuff has not helped me at all in the real world. I’m even a college graduate with a Bachelor degree in Communications. My senior year of high school they tried to make it easy on all the people failing simple task with something they called the, “Power of I.” If certain students want to fail they are going to. All it did was cause stress for all the students who did do a good job but were forced to do barely meaningful assignments over when we stumbled. The same people who would have failed under the old system still failed under the new system.