WHAT THE HECK IS HAPPENING TO EDUCATION IN SOUTH CAROLINA? A Three Part Look Based on Two Pieces of Current Legislation Part 2:H3863

H3863

Grows State-controlled Education

H3863 will “…ESTABLISH THE SOUTH CAROLINA SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) COALITION, THE SOUTH CAROLINA SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) EDUCATION FUND…AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA STEM COALITION ADVISORY COUNCIL….” [Proposition of Enactment]

This “coalition” will “…build public/private partnerships among state agencies, state funded entities, not for profits, private businesses, entities, organizations, and industries with the goal of building a technology-ready STEM workforce.” [Article 17 Preamble]

It is astonishing that schools and local districts in this country has been stripped of freedom to operate, make educational choices and decisions, and establish “best practices” that actually focus on the diverse and unique human beings entrusted to the variety of schools and settings. Children are being formed to meet the needs of the groups identified above. American education is free in NO sense of the word.

Ignores Developmental Readiness and Age-Appropriate Individualization

This bill is outcome-based, as evident in Section 13-1-2230, items (B)(1)(f) and (B)(1)(h) particularly. It goes on to clarify that this outcome based-approach will “…provide a coordination point for STEM education programs in K-12 and higher education through South Carolina.” [Section 13-1-2240( 2) and (6)]

This law will further ensure standardization across all educational settings given current trends toward more state control of educational options. It is curious that those who created a big ruckus over “Common Core” raise not a whimper now. What happened to those who tried to protect schools from federal standards, but now see no problem with state-level standards highly influenced by national entities and guidelines? “STEM” is easily accepted, albeit potentially more dangerous than even Common Core.

Will Be Driven by Workforce Needs, not the Development of Each Student’s Unique Characteristics

The lawful support for this kind of program is self-evident to anyone who reads this short bill. Have we really abandoned our children to this kind of factory worker training model as the purview of universal public education?

Requires Data Collection

“Section 13-1-2240…(19) annually before July report appropriate outcomes and measures of the impact of the coalition…” Just read the bill. There is more.

Token Statements to Disguise Real Intent and Provide Good PR

This law will be supported by the coalition, which will “…(3) promote STEM education statewide in coordination with business and industry in support of the long-term economic prosperity of South Carolinians…,”

“(10) annually advocate for a SC STEM Education Month and a SC STEM Education Day at the State Capitol and associated activities to promote STEM education,” and

“(11) promote public awareness of STEM careers opportunities through regional festivals and other community engagement strategies….” [Section 13-1-2240]

One might wonder why it is necessary to carry on a deliberate public relations campaign at taxpayer expense for this kind of program. Who is promoting this additional burden on public education—and why?

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not constitute legal or professional advice. ConservaTruth assumes no liability for any actions taken based on this content. Read more.

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