We’re beginning our discussion of middle childhood in Human Growth and Development this week, and in addition to the usual topics of average weight and height gains of school-age children, SCHOOLING is an important topic. While re-reading the importance of learning to read, the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling, and the incidence of ADHD, I began thinking about these children and how their school experiences might impact their futures.

According to a report from Education Week, SC has the nation’s worst graduation rate. Huh? Utah has the highest. What’s going on? Why does SC continue to be rated at the bottom of the list, especially since the state has funded so much money towards public education? Is it because SC requires an exit exam, something only half of the other states require? Or could it be because SC requires 24 credits to graduate, four hours more than the national average and 11 more than California? In other words, the graduation standards are higher. Is there something else going on that parents, educators, and students need to know?