In today’s world, education is the key to one’s future. The outlook could be bleak according to the researchers of Educational Testing Services (ETS). A report from ETS’s Policy Information Center states that, unless we act now, the “convergence of three powerful socioeconomic forces are changing our nation’s future: substantial disparities in skill levels (reading and math); seismic economic changes (widening wage gaps); and sweeping demographic shifts (less education, lower skills).”
Fortunately, South Carolina students today do have some control over their futures. Students can take action on two of these three forces by choosing a school that meets their learning needs, increases their skill level, and offers academic guidance. Deciding on which school to attend may also affect career choices and narrow the wage gap, as well. The South Carolina public education system offers two types of public school choices: traditional and charter.
Traditional and charter public schools are funded by local, state, and federal moneys, except that public charter schools do not receive funding for facilities, transportation and often food services. Neither traditional nor charter public schools can charge tuition or may “pick and choose” their students. Traditional public schools are controlled by a central local governmental authority such as a district school board.
Most traditional public schools operate within a defined attendance area, and may require an application if students enroll outside the defined perimeter. Some traditional school systems also offer opportunities in magnet and alternative schools that exist outside zoned school boundaries. They usually have a special program to offer which makes them an option for some students. Magnet schools are not autonomous, remain part of the bureaucracy of the traditional school system and usually are highly selective of students. All traditional schools are required to comply with district and state regulations. For example, the state mandates
