Memoranda Results
Selection of the Social Studies Standards Writing Team
(Nov 18, 2025)
To:
District Superintendents
Instructional Leaders
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is organizing a State Standards Writing Committee for the revision of the 2019 South Carolina Social Studies College- and Career-Ready Standards. The role of the committee in the cyclical review process is to develop a draft of revised academic standards aligned with research and best practices in the field to be approved for adoption by the South Carolina Board of Education.
Draft Interdistrict Transfer Model Guidelines
(Nov 18, 2025)
Pursuant to S.C. Code Section 59-8-165, the South Carolina Department of Education has developed draft model guidelines to ensure clarity, consistency, and access for students applying to transfer to another district.
Updated Civics Test Requirements for the 2026–2027 School Year
(Nov 12, 2025)
To:
Principals
District Superintendents
Instructional Leaders
In fall 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated the Naturalization Test and Study Resources to align with Executive Order 14161. Under the James B. Edwards Civics Education Initiative (S.C. Code § 59-29-240), enacted June 3, 2015, all South Carolina public high school students—beginning with the 2016–2017 ninth-grade class—must take a district-curated civics test based on the USCIS Naturalization Exam as part of their U.S. Government course.
Formative Assessment Data Collection
(Nov 12, 2025)
To:
District Superintendents
Accountability Coordinators
In accordance with SC Code §59-18-310(D), districts must assess all students in grades K–8 using a state-approved interim (formative) assessment each fall, winter, and spring, and report results by grade and school to the South Carolina Department of Education. Data must be uploaded to the state system within five (5) business days after each testing window closes.
Teacher Leadership Professional Learning Opportunity
(Nov 4, 2025)
To:
Principals
District Superintendents
Instructional Leaders
The Office of Leadership Effectiveness is pleased to announce a new cohort of Foundations in School Leadership (FSL) is open to teacher leaders and coaches beginning February 2026. The South Carolina Department of Education’s leadership development cohorts all focus on growing highly effective educators who are prepared to support all students to reach the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.
Statewide Capital Needs Report
(Nov 4, 2025)
Pursuant to Section 59-144-130 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the State Board of Education (SBE) is required to submit a report to the General Assembly every three years detailing:
• Projected five-year school facility requirements as reported by school districts
• Newly identified needs since the previous report
• Previously identified needs that have been addressed
