We are better than “minimally adequate”

The most valuable resource to South Carolina has always been its citizens.  We are a people with strong sense of identity and pride that is truly unique to our state.

However, as South Carolinians we are not guaranteeing the best, high quality education to our children.  Instead we relegate them to minimal adequacy.

By keeping our standard for education at “minimally adequate” we are resigning ourselves to future generations that will not receive a high quality education that can make our children as competitive as their neighbors in other states and as their peers internationally.

Currently, South Carolina ranks 51st in the nation for graduation rates, ranks 45th in SAT scores and 44th in preparing students for the workforce. These statistics are clear evidence that something needs to be done. By removing the “minimally adequate” standard we, the citizens, tell our legislators that each child that is educated in South Carolina deserves to receive a high quality education which will prepare them for today’s global workforce.

A study performed by the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina found that for every dollar South Carolina invests in education between 2010 and 2030, approximately $11.20 is added to the economy (measured by gross state product).  That’s quite a return on investment, which is how we should begin to look at education.

Education is an investment in the future of South Carolina and her economic success.  Any smart consumer wouldn’t dare make an investment in a minimally adequate business, bank or stock.  It is the same with our legislature; they will never invest in a minimally adequate system of education.

As South Carolinians, we need to join together to say we can and will do better than minimally adequate. We need to live out our state motto of “prepared in mind and resources.”  We need to ensure that our future generations, our greatest resource, have a high quality education so they are well prepared in mind to compete with their peers on a global scale.

By collecting 1,000,000 signatures we collectively stand up and say we can do better and will do better than minimally adequate. All South Carolina citizens regardless of age can sign the petition at http://www.goodbyeminimallyadequate.com.

Please join me in starting this imperative discussion by posting your thoughts and comments either as you sign the petition or comment on this blog.  Then, bring the discussion to your friends and community.  Let us join together and change education in South Carolina.

Posted on July 9, 2009 by Carly Gallagher