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 from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Key amendments include the requirement for statewide assessments to cover Spanish in grades three through eight and the establishment of performance-oriented educational standards that encompass Spanish language skills. The bill also emphasizes the importance of rigorous assessments that measure student mastery in all core subjects, including Spanish, and mandates a cyclical review of these standards to ensure they meet college and career readiness benchmarks. Overall, the act seeks to prepare students for a globalized economy by fostering bilingual and bicultural competencies.

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