Public Education: What Is Changing and Why It Matters

vivianelston1
Aug 10
3 min read

As students, families, teachers, and school staff begin another school year, public education remains one of the most important investments we make as a state.

There have also been changes to South Carolina's public education laws that families may not have heard much about.

For this week's Community Update, I thought I would share a few.

Did You Know? Students Have New Recess Requirements

South Carolina recently passed Act 202, which establishes new requirements for recess, physical education, and physical activity in public schools.

One of the biggest changes affects younger students.

Students in Kindergarten through fifth grade must receive at least 20 minutes of unstructured outdoor recess each school day. This time is separate from required physical education and academic instruction.

When weather prevents students from going outside, schools must provide indoor recess that allows for physical activity when practical.

The law also limits how often recess can be taken away as punishment. An individual student or group cannot lose recess as punishment more than two days per week.

Beginning with the 2028–2029 school year, additional physical activity requirements will also take effect:

K-5 students must receive at least 150 minutes of physical education and physical activity each week, with the majority of that time devoted to physical education.
Students in grades 6-8 must receive at least 60 hours of physical education and physical activity during the school year, again with the majority devoted to physical education.

Why Does This Matter?

For families, this means recess and physical activity are becoming more clearly defined parts of the public-school day. School districts will be required to report the amount of physical education and additional physical activity students receive. The South Carolina Department of Education will compile that information and provide an annual statewide summary to the General Assembly.

That reporting will give the public and lawmakers an opportunity to see how the law is being implemented across South Carolina schools.

Another Change: How Student Grades Are Calculated

Another new law, Act 204, addresses grading practices in South Carolina public schools.

Beginning July 1, 2026, public schools cannot require teachers to give students a minimum grade that is higher than the grade their work actually earned.

The law also addresses credit and content recovery and requires a review of South Carolina's Uniform Grading Policy.

A task force will examine the current grading system and make recommendations before June 1, 2027. Any resulting updates to the statewide grading policy are scheduled to be implemented beginning with the 2028–2029 school year.

What Does That Mean for Families?

Some parts of this law are already in effect, while other changes will take place over the next several school years.

That makes this an issue worth following.

As recommendations are developed and the statewide grading policy is reviewed, families, educators, and students should be able to understand what is changing and how those changes may affect classrooms, grades, and academic expectations.

Something to Watch: Education Funding

Laws are only one part of what shapes our public schools. Funding decisions also affect what districts can provide for students and families.

Teacher compensation, early literacy programs, instructional materials, student support services, school facilities, and other education needs continue to be part of state budget discussions.

As those decisions are made, I will continue sharing updates here in plain language: what was proposed, what actually passed, when it takes effect, and what it may mean for our communities.

Why Share These Updates?

I would like to hear from parents, educators, school employees, students, grandparents, and community members.

You can share your thoughts through my website or talk with me when you see me out in the community.

Vivian Elston

Candidate for South Carolina House District 96