The SCHEA Board (SC Home Educators Association), while being a non-profit and unable to endorse any candidate, has taken on the task of disseminating answers to questions in a survey of the candidates running for Superintendent of Education in SC. We are providing you the answers they gave us to the survey. This is for you, the home schooling parent, to help you make an informed decision. Please feel free to share this with any voter in SC. We have responses from the Republican Candidate, Molly Spearman, and the American Party Candidate, Ed Murray. Tom Thompson, the Democratic Candidate, did not return our survey. The following is Molly Spearmans (Republican) Response: Explain your understanding of the homeschooling laws in South Carolina: Families have the opportunity to teach their children at home under three options: 1) working through a local district, 2) joining the SC Homeschool Association or 3) an association of at least 50 families. It is my understanding that the curriculum is selected through consultation with a local school district, or the association the family selects. Associations report to the State Department of Education the number of students enrolled through their groups. Explain the differences between home schooling and virtual charter schools in South Carolina: Virtual charter schools are public schools in SC and must follow many of the requirements of traditional public schools. Charters are governed by a separate board and are either under the auspices of a local school district or the SC Public Charter District. At least 75% of the teachers must be certified teachers, students must take the State Accountability Tests, and upon completion of 24 credits, the graduates receive a SC High School Diploma. Home school students do not have to take the State Accountability Tests unless parents choose to affiliate through a local district. Upon completion of 24 credits, the diploma granted by the home school association is recognized by most institutions; however, it is not awarded with the seal and signature of the State Department of Education. In South Carolina, are home schoolers allowed to participate on sports teams in their local districts?: Yes, this law was enacted about two years ago. I have worked with the Family Policy Council, the SC High School League and local districts to help with the implementation of this new opportunity. Is there anything you think needs to be changed about the home schooling laws in South Carolina? Why or why not?: The home schooling laws seem to be working well. I am interested in hearing suggestions from home school families if there are changes that would be helpful. I do believe that we have a responsibility to ensure that every child receives a basic education that will prepare him/her for a successful and productive life. What is your stance on Senate Bill S279 and House Bill H4624?: As the Executive Director of the South Carolina School Administrators Association, I have taken positions on tax credits on occasion. In some cases, I have opposed legislation that we felt was too broadly written with too little accountability to the tax payers or was being introduced in the midst of a recession when the State could simply not afford it with hurting many public school students across South Carolina. Most recently, I supported the Special Education Tax Credit. I believe that we must ensure that this tax credit and SGO program is implemented properly without the problems that have occurred in other states. As the next State Superintendent of Education, I will implement efficiently and fairly any legislation that the General Assembly passes. I believe that we must provide every child, every opportunity, every day. If a school is not providing the kind of service a student needs, parents should be able to move that child to a place that can and we should support that. As Superintendent of Education, what would your relationship with the state legislature look like? How would you work with the legislature to further your goals as Superintendent or would you?: As a former legislator, I will have a respectful and open relationship with the members of the General Assembly. Their task is not an easy one. There are many complex issues that they must deal with on a daily basis. I will always work for what is best for the children of this state; but I realize that I am not the expert in every area. I will seek the input of parents, students, teachers, business leaders, and legislators as decisions are made on moving our education system forward. In your opinion, does the SC High School League need to be left alone or does it need more oversight and regulation? Why or why not?: The League has served SC for over a hundred years; however, schooling has changed tremendously in the last years with the expansion of charter schools, magnet schools, home- school participation, Title IX requirements and new competitive areas. The League must continue to change. As a former member of the High School League Executive Committee and as the next State Superintendent, I will use my influence to help the League members shape their organization to better serve students. I hope the association improves independently and not require legislative action. How do you view standardized testing? Pros and Cons?: I believe that we must have some accountability through testing to know how our students, schools, districts are doing; however, I believe that we have gone too far with high stakes testing and spend too much time on testing in our state. We need to review the current tests, and select tests that give good information for teachers, students, and parents. What does South Carolina need to do about Common Core? Explain your stance on this approach as well as whether you think it will help or hinder educational results in South Carolina.: We must repeal and replace Common Core with South Carolina Standards immediately. SC needs to adopt its own highest standards that will lead to well prepared graduates ready for college, career and citizenship. I believe that high standards are necessary to improve results in South Carolina. List your three top priorities as Superintendent of Education in South Carolina: My priorities will be to 1) write SC Standards that are high, rigorous, reflect our values and the foundation to preparing our graduates for college/career and citizenship. 2) focus on stronger professional development for teachers and principals so they are better prepared to individualize instruction for all students 3) be a positive ambassador for public education in SC and work to bring all stakeholders together to move our system of education forward!
Posted on: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 01:03:02 +0000
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