Reductions in Force: South Carolina

Analysis of South Carolina's policies

South Carolina does not have policy that addresses the factors used by districts to determine which teachers are laid off during a reduction in force.

Recommendations for South Carolina

Require that districts consider classroom performance as a factor in determining which teachers are laid off during reductions in force.
South Carolina can still leave districts flexibility in determining layoff policies, but it should do so within a framework that ensures that classroom performance is considered.   

Ensure that seniority is not the only factor used to determine which teachers are laid off.
Unlike some states, South Carolina does not require that districts consider seniority; however, the state should do more to prevent districts from making decisions solely on this basis.

State response to our analysis

South Carolina asserted that it is important that local districts have autonomy for employment decisions. However, during the recent teacher downsizing, the Department of Education advocated for and assisted many districts in implementing a reduction in force strategy that focused on educator quality and effectiveness.  

Last word

It is commendable that South Carolina has encouraged districts toward layoff policies that emphasize teacher effectiveness. The state should consider adopting formal policies in support of this approach. With guidelines established, South Carolina can ensure that districts meet these minimum expectations while still allowing them the autonomy to determine specific protocol for reductions in force at the local level.