The "Competitive Education Employment Act" aims to enhance the educational standards in South Carolina by incorporating Spanish as a core academic area alongside existing subjects such as mathematics, English/language arts, social studies, and science. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to establish educational standards for Spanish by December 1, 2026, with implementation set for the 2026-2027 school year. Additionally, it amends various sections of the South Carolina Code to ensure that statewide assessments and performance ratings reflect the inclusion of Spanish, thereby promoting bilingual education and preparing students for a globalized economy.

Key amendments include the requirement for statewide assessments to cover Spanish in grades three through eight, as well as the establishment of performance-oriented educational standards that encompass Spanish language competencies. The bill also outlines the necessity for a cyclical review of the new Spanish content standards and ensures that performance ratings for schools include indicators for Spanish proficiency. Overall, the act seeks to create a more competitive workforce by fostering bilingual and bicultural training in public schools.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 59-18-300, 59-18-310, 59-18-320, 59-18-325, 59-18-350, 59-18-900
Latest Version: 59-18-300, 59-18-310, 59-18-320, 59-18-325, 59-18-350, 59-18-900