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Charleston Business

The Business Narrative: S.C. Student Testing

Sep 08, 2022 01:33PM ● By Donna Walker

Student Testing Shows Disruptions in Educational Gains

The South Carolina Department of Education released the 2021-2022 school year results for the South Carolina Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (SCPASS) in Science and the South Carolina College-and Career-Ready Assessments (SC READY) examinations in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics given in the elementary and middle school grade levels.

“Today’s results confirm the impacts and disruptions caused by the pandemic and the fact that we must continue to support students and educators as we recover,” said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman.

“We are alarmed and very concerned about the regression we see in areas like math, while encouraged by what we see in ELA. Much more will need to be done to reach our high standards and goals for the students of South Carolina, and it will take the combined efforts of educators, parents, and other stakeholders as we move forward.”

Several initiatives have been implemented on the state and local level to address learning loss during the pandemic, including a Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) professional learning program and a partnership with the South Carolina State Library to provide free online tutoring for South Carolina students through federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.

ESSER funds have also been used to create a new Instruction Hub, a digital library for all teachers to provide access to high-quality, effective resources aligned to the South Carolina College and Career-Ready standards.

Forty-six percent of the 113,880 fourth- and sixth-grade students tested in 2021-2022 met or exceeded state standards in science. This is an increase from 43 percent in 2020-2021 when 101,509 fourth- and sixth-graders were tested and a decrease from 49 percent in 2018-2019 when 178,756 fourth-, sixth-. and eighth-graders were tested.

SC READY is a statewide assessments in ELA and Mathematics that are aligned to the South Carolina College and Career Ready Standards for ELA and Math. 

Nearly 47 percent of the 347,962 third- through eighth-grade students tested met or exceeded expectations in ELA on state assessments during the 2021-2022 school year. This is an increase from around 42 percent (305,820 tested) during 2020-2021 and 45 percent (355,930 tested) during the 2018-2019 year.

Math scores mirror national assessment data, which show a decline post-pandemic. Just 39 percent of students met or exceeded expectations last school year, an increase from around 37 percent during 2020-2021 and decrease from around 45 percent during the 2018-2019 school year. 


South Carolina State Fair Discount Tickets on Sale Now

Discount admission and ride tickets for the 153rd annual South Carolina State Fair are on sale now through Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Patrons can save up to 50 percent by purchasing S.C. State Fair tickets in advance at SCStateFair.org or at a participating Circle K location.

The S.C. State Fair, the state’s largest annual event, returns October 12-23, 2022, at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. The S.C. State Fair brings 12 days of exhibits, competitions, food, midway rides, and entertainment to Columbia each October.

“The South Carolina State Fair is truly a one-of-a-kind event with something fun and exciting for everyone,” says S.C. State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith.

“This year’s theme, ‘To the Fair and Beyond,’ celebrates the experiences, traditions and impact that your fair creates for not only 12 days each fall, but also year-round and beyond.”

More than 90 food vendors will be serving up classic fair favorites like elephant ears and corn dogs as well as new items. There will be more than 60 rides in the midway, and more than 70 bands, acts, exhibits, animal races, and more will take place throughout the 12 days.

Discount admission tickets are $10 per person ($15-$20 during the fair), and discount ride vouchers are $30 per person ($35 $38 during the fair). Discount tickets can be purchased through Oct. 11. 


Greenville’s Aline Capital Orchestrates Sale of North Charleston Apartment Community

Greenville-based Aline Capital orchestrated the $28.1 million sale of Alston Arms Apartments in North Charleston, South Carolina. The 160-unit multifamily community is situated on 8.7 acres and was constructed in 2007. 

Texas-based Think Multifamily acquired the asset, adding to their ever-growing Southeastern portfolio. At the time of sale, the property was undergoing both interior and exterior renovations and the buyer plans to continue these efforts. 

The North Charleston market has witnessed tremendous growth over the past five years and continues to be a driving factor for the growth of the greater Charleston market. Members of Aline Capital's Multifamily Advisory Group, Johnathan Kessler and John Drummond, piloted the transaction.

“The property is located in the ever-growing submarket of North Charleston. The area has seen tremendous growth over the past few years and with the influx of more residents to the area, workforce housing will remain strong,” said Johnathan Kessler.

Aline Capital is a fully integrated commercial real estate and capital markets advisory firm headquartered in Greenville, S.C. 

The firm offers investment sales, debt & equity advisory, and commercial insurance services to commercial real estate developers and investors. For more information, visit www.alinecapital.com.


Spider-Man Tops SC’s List of Favorite Superheroes 

The love for comic book superheroes saw a rise since the pandemic when most fans gravitated back to comic books during 2020.

In 2021, the comic book industry grew over 60 percent in sales as it pivoted toward digital. 

The educational platform Wisevoter polled Americans about their favorite comic book superheroes.

Spider-Man took the top spot in South Carolina, as well as 24 other states.

Rounding out the top five in South Carolina were Batman, Superman, Iron Man, and Black Panther.


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