40% of South Carolina high school students failed US History exam, says state ed department

The South Carolina Department of Education released lackluster data this week about its public high schools. 

The Monday report included data about core high school courses as well as the career readiness test, which is administered to 11th graders.  

Compared to the past four years, South Carolina high schoolers had some improvement in English 2, with 68% of students scoring a C or above.  

There was only slight improvement in Algebra 1 and U.S. History, with a slight decline in Biology. In those subjects, roughly 45% of students scored a C or above.  

“I’m particularly concerned that nearly 40% of students received a failing score on the U.S. History exam,” state Superintendent Ellen Weaver said in a press release. “Our future depends upon citizens with knowledge deeply rooted in our shared story and America’s exceptional founding ideals. That’s why a strong focus on civics education will be an ongoing priority of my administration.”  

Weaver noted the high school data mirrored elementary and middle school scores released earlier this month.  

“South Carolina students have seen marked gains in (English Language Arts) compared with pre-pandemic data and continue to struggle with Math,” Weaver explained.  

The Department of Education also released the South Carolina Career Ready Test results.  

Partnering with the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), high school juniors were ranked in five categories based on their “foundational skills” in reading, math, data assessment and soft skills.  

Roughly 34% of students ranked at Level 4 or 5, while 28% were deemed not career ready. O*NET’s Job Zones are ranked by requisite education and skills, with zones 4 and 5 requiring a bachelor’s or graduate degree, respectively. 

Nevertheless, students made a stronger showing in Math and Reading, and nearly 70% passed the soft skills assessment.