In South Carolina, Reform Proposal Draws Critics on Two Fronts

By Jessica L. Sandham

The education reform legislation that the South Carolina Senate appears ready to pass has some critics charging that its consequences may prove too severe, even as others argue the measure is not tough enough.

The Senate bill is designed to identify and help failing schools and struggling students by implementing stricter standards and frequent assessments.

It is also similar to a measure the state House passed 95-25 late last month that faced opposition from two fronts: black lawmakers who charged that the reforms could further alienate poor districts and conservative members who asserted that the bill does not go far enough...