Bill Text: SC S0686 | 2011-2012 | 119th General Assembly | Comm Sub
Bill Title: Science requirements for diploma
Spectrum: Committee Bill
Status: (Passed) 2011-08-23 - Act No. 98 [S0686 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2011-S0686-Comm_Sub.html
COMMITTEE REPORT
April 13, 2011
S. 686
S. Printed 4/13/11--H.
Read the first time March 29, 2011.
To whom was referred a Joint Resolution (S. 686) to clarify the science course requirement for receiving a South Carolina High School, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:
PHILLIP D. OWENS for Committee.
A JOINT RESOLUTION
TO CLARIFY THE SCIENCE COURSE REQUIREMENT FOR RECEIVING A SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. The State is transitioning from requiring all students to take physical science with its associated end-of-course test to requiring students to take biology with its associated end-of-course test.
SECTION 2. Section 59-18-310 requires students to pass a science course in a subject in which the end-of-course assessment is administered to earn a state high school diploma.
SECTION 3. The State Board of Education further defined the high school diploma requirement to be the course in which a federally approved end-of-course test is administered. Currently, the federal government has not given final approval to the biology assessment, although the biology end-of-course exam is being administered to meet federal accountability requirements. Due to the delay by the federal government, there is lack of clarity and certainty as to which course is required for graduation.
SECTION 4. To provide clarity and certainty for high school students, for the graduation classes of 2011 and 2012, students who earn a unit of credit in either biology or physical science shall count that course credit as the required science course for graduation purposes.
SECTION 5. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
