Bill > S0708

This bill creates a new school flexibility pilot program that allows school districts in South Carolina to apply for waivers that enable them to deviate from traditional statutory and regulatory requirements in order to innovate their educational approaches. Districts can apply to the state Department of Education for a three-year waiver that would permit alternative scheduling models, such as four-day school weeks, customized professional development, redesigned school calendars, and modified assessment practices. To receive a waiver, districts must submit a detailed application demonstrating how their proposed changes will maintain or improve instructional quality, ensure students still meet state academic standards, and provide adequate support for teachers. Approved districts can design more flexible instructional schedules based on competency and student needs rather than rigid time requirements, and they must submit annual reports detailing student achievement, teacher retention, and stakeholder feedback. The bill also modifies existing law to suspend the standard 190-day teacher contract and 180-day student attendance requirements for districts granted these flexibility waivers, giving them more latitude in designing their academic year. The Department of Education will be responsible for developing application procedures, evaluating proposals, and creating an annual summary report for the General Assembly.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0708&session=126&summary=B