S.C. Dept. of Education to award $5 million to measure student growth

SOUTH CAROLINA (WJBF) – The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) announced the new schools that will be participating in the Strategic Compensation Pilot Grants on Tuesday.

In a press release on March 18, the SCDE said $5 million will be awarded to 37 school across 29 districts “for their commitment to accelerating student growth in English Language Arts (ELA) and math.” Teachers at the participating schools can earn a one-time performance-based bonuses based on student academic growth data.

Allendale-Fairfax High School and Saluda Middle School were among the schools included in the grant.

“This initiative is about more than just pay—it’s about rewarding the educators who are moving the needle on student growth in the foundational skills of reading and math,” said State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver. “When we recognize and support the very best teaching, we set a new horizon for what’s possible for students in every corner of our state.”

According to the department, 118 schools applied for more than $22 million in funding.