Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

EDUCATION IMPROVEMENTS FOR SOUTH CAROLINA'S FUTURE

A high-quality public education system is the key to South Carolina's long-term economic success and to creating a brighter future for our children. Vincent Sheheen is committed to providing South Carolina's students with the best public education possible so they can compete and thrive in the global economy. He has been a forceful advocate for expanding 4-year-old kindergarten; fought for better funding of public schools; and supports South Carolina teachers. As governor, Vincent will work with parents, students, teachers, and administrators to make sure South Carolina's public education system -- from pre-k through college -- is preparing students for the global, knowledge-based economy.

Invest now in voluntary, universal pre-kindergarten: Vincent has led the effort to improve access to 4-year-old kindergarten across South Carolina so that every child -- no matter where they live -- has a chance to succeed. Research has consistently shown that investments in early childhood education help children succeed and provides a significant return on the investment. As governor, Vincent will work to make voluntary 4-year-old-kindergarten part of the curriculum in every school district in the state.
Less paperwork for teachers: Teachers need to spend less time filling out unnecessary paperwork and battling red tape and more time teaching our students.
Lowering College Tuition Rates: It is unacceptable that South Carolina has the highest college tuition rate in the South and one of the highest in the nation. On average, tuition and fees for South Carolina public colleges and universities are 39 percent higher than the national average. Under the Haley-Sanford Administrations, support for public higher education dropped a staggering 40 percent, taxing middle class families and making it harder for students to attend college. Vincent Sheheen will work to increase support for South Carolina's public colleges and universities so that every student can achieve their dreams.
Accountable child-care ratings: It's unacceptable that South Carolinians can see a rating of the restaurant when they pick up a hamburger, but no rating at a daycare center when they drop their child off. Childcare centers should post ratings from a current system in a public place to allow parents to know about the safety and quality of the facility.

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