According to a report published in “Education Week” magazine, South Carolina is tops in the nation in its efforts to improve teaching. The report by Quality Counts 2010 released Thursday indicates that the state earned “A’s” in the categories of academic standards, school accountability and teacher support in the national report card. Overall the state scored a B-minus grade with a score of 80, which is higher than the national average score of 76, a “C.” Critics of the the state’s public school system’s effectiveness point out that the report also shows that the state received a “D” for student achievement. State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex says the state has made tremendous strides in education, but he understands that their is still a lot of work to be done in various areas.

“When it comes to rigor and supporting teachers will do very well. The areas we don’t do as well in has to do with the way we fund schools. Some of the inequities that we have, the ‘Corridor of Shame’ and some of the other things most South Carolinians know about, also our high poverty rates and our high unemployment rate. All those things in the study that categorize as ‘chance for success’ score relatively low,” Rex says.     

The state ranked 11th in school policy and performance and seventh in school policy and performance.

Source: South Carolina Radio Network

These are steps in the right direction for Palmetto schools but much work remains to be done.  South Carolina's unique funding of schools needs to be changed so that all districts receive money in a more equal manner.

The next Governor of South Carolina will most definately be judged on how he manages the legislative agenda on school funding and reform.