Those students who are unwilling or unable to function in such an environment must be placed elsewhere, for their benefit, as well as that of other students. I believe that the middle school years are a critical time in a child's life. Middle schools need to be strengthened so children can prepare for higher education and avoid risky behavior. In 1999, I convened the Middle Grades Task Force to look at ways to improve school safety and teacher quality in our middle schools. This initiative gives middle schools the funding and flexibility to hire additional guidance counselors, safety officers, nurses or psychologists.
Character education is essential to building better schools in South Carolina.
Parents want character education to reinforce the lessons of right and wrong they are teaching their children at home. I hear from business leaders who want character education so their future employees will understand the value of honesty, responsibility and mutual respect in the workplace. Teachers tell me that when students learn good character traits in our schools, they apply those values in their daily lives. South Carolinians want good values taught in every classroom. But they don't want our schools to be burdened with unfunded mandates from state government.