SC students failing end of course tests at significant rate, report says. See how your schools did
Some South Carolina students have more studying to do.
The percentage of F scores “remained significant” for the 2021-2022 End-of-Course Assessment exam, which the South Carolina Department of Education revealed in a report Monday. The exam tests students’ mastery of academic standards, providing tests in high school core courses and for courses taken in middle school for high school credit.
More than 40% of students failed the U.S history and biology sections of the exam.
Overall, the exam data showed mixed results.
The number of students that scored an F decreased in all subjects but U.S. history. However, the percentage of F scores remained significant in algebra, biology and U.S. history, the report states. Here’s what percentage of students scored an F in the four core courses on the exam.
- Algebra: 34.01%
- Biology: 42.52%
- English 2: 15.68%
- U.S. History: 43.55%
Meanwhile, the mean score for algebra increased from 65.84 in 2021 to 68.12 in 2022, nearly returning to pre-pandemic scores of 68.34. Also, biology and U.S. history mean scores increased in 2022, but were lower than in 2019. English 2 mean scores were nearly identical at 76.54 in 2021 and 76.52 in 2022.
“We acknowledge the growth and improvement shown in the results as compared to 2021, but we also recognize that there is significant work to be done,” Molly Spearman, state superintendent of education, said in a Monday press release. “Preparing students to meet college and career readiness standards must not just be an aspiration in our state. It’s a responsibility that all of us must play a role in as we pursue meaningful solutions.”
To improve results, several initiatives have been implemented on the state and local level. Those include a Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling professional learning program and a partnership with the South Carolina State Library to provide free online tutoring for South Carolina students through federal funding.
Federal money has also been used to create a digital library for all teachers that gives them access to high-quality, effective resources aligned to South Carolina college and career ready standards.
Here’s what percentage of students scored an F in the four core courses on the exam in Richland and Lexington counties. To view results for other county school districts or even individual schools in the state, click here.
Richland 1
- Algebra: 49.11%
- Biology: 63.51%
- English 2: 24.89%
- U.S. History: 55.11%
Richland 2
- Algebra: 32.73%
- Biology: 46.06%
- English 2: 14.19%
- U.S. History: 49.74%
Lexington 1
- Algebra: 32.70%
- Biology: 38.49%
- English 2: 12.46%
- U.S History: 45.48%
Lexington 2
- Algebra: 38.55%
- Biology: 50.08%
- English 2: 20.72%
- U.S History: 52.45%
Lexington 3
- Algebra: 47.41%
- Biology: 31.43%
- English 2: 22.94%
- U.S History: 62.41%
Lexington 4
- Algebra: 55.02%
- Biology: 64.80%
- English 2: 35.53%
- U.S History: 54.92%
This story was originally published September 21, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
