{"id":16251,"date":"2025-03-04T09:44:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T14:44:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/?p=16251"},"modified":"2025-03-04T09:44:47","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T14:44:47","slug":"south-carolina-2025-math-standards-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/news-blog\/south-carolina-2025-math-standards-update\/","title":{"rendered":"South Carolina\u2019s K-12 Math Standards Update: What\u2019s Changing in 2025?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/schools-districts\/south-carolina\/elementary-school\/\">South Carolina schools<\/a> are set to undergo major changes in the <\/span><b>K-12 math curriculum<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> starting in the <\/span><b>2025-26 school year<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These updates are designed to improve student success, align coursework with real-world applications, and provide flexible pathways for different career and college goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Are These Changes Happening?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, only <\/span><b>41% of South Carolina students<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are performing at grade level in math. The goal of the new curriculum is to <\/span><b>increase this to 75% by 2030<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by improving how students learn and apply mathematical concepts. This overhaul includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><b>new high school course sequence<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More <\/span><b>real-world applications of math<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A stronger <\/span><b>foundation in problem-solving and reasoning<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Statistics and data literacy embedded in all grades<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With these changes, students will have more opportunities to succeed, whether they\u2019re heading to college, a career, or the military.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Key Changes in the 2025 South Carolina Math Standards<\/b><\/h2>\n<h4><b>Middle School Math Changes: Algebra No Longer Offered<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A significant update to the middle school math curriculum is the <\/span><b>removal of Algebra from middle school <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">course offerings beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Instead, <\/span><b>Geometry will now be the first and only advanced math subject available in most middle schools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This shift is intended to enhance students&#8217; spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills before they transition into Algebra in high school.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>High School Math Changes: Sequence Has Been Reorganized<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most significant updates is shifting the order of required high school courses. Through the 2024-25 school year, the high school mathematics sequence follows the order of Algebra 1, Geometry, and then Algebra 2. However, beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the sequence will change, requiring students to take <\/span><b>Geometry with Statistics first, followed by Algebra 1, and then Algebra 2 with Probability.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Why the Change?<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teaching <\/span><b>Geometry first<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> helps students develop <\/span><b>spatial reasoning<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before tackling abstract algebraic concepts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provides a stronger foundation before Algebra 1, which many students find challenging.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Statistics is now integrated into Geometry<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to provide real-world applications early on.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>What Happens to Students Currently Taking Algebra 1?<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>transition plan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> allows schools to continue using the <\/span><b>2015 SCCCR Math Standards through 2024-25<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before fully switching to the new curriculum.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>SC Department of Education has approved a grading policy waiver<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help students transition smoothly.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>More High School Course Options After Algebra 1<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of just the traditional <\/span><b>Calculus or Statistics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, students will have <\/span><b>multiple pathways<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after completing Algebra 1. This means students can choose math courses that match their career interests rather than feeling forced into a class that isn\u2019t relevant to their goals. New course options include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Statistical Modeling<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Data analysis for real-world decision-making)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reasoning in Mathematics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Critical thinking and logic)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Applications &amp; Modeling<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Practical math for everyday life)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Discrete Mathematics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Math concepts for technology, engineering, and computer science)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Statistics, Data, and Probability Are Now Embedded in All Grades<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the past, students only encountered <\/span><b>probability and statistics in a standalone course<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (usually in high school). Now, these concepts are <\/span><b>woven throughout all K-12 grade levels<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is a critical update, as data analysis is a skill needed in nearly every industry today, from healthcare to business and technology. This shift ensures that students:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop data literacy early and consistently.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Analyze and interpret real-world data.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply statistical reasoning in science, economics, and social studies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/schools-districts\/south-carolina\/elementary-school\/\"><b>Elementary students<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will learn to <\/span><b>read and create graphs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to represent data.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/schools-districts\/south-carolina\/middle-school\/\"><b>Middle schoolers<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will start making <\/span><b>real-world predictions using probability models<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/schools-districts\/south-carolina\/high-school\/\"><b>High schoolers<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will use <\/span><b>statistical analysis tools<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in multiple courses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Strengthened Mathematical Process Standards<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The updated curriculum places a stronger emphasis on <\/span><b>critical thinking and problem-solving<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, using five key <\/span><b>Mathematical Process Standards<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Problem-Solving<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Making sense of problems and using multiple strategies to solve them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Representation &amp; Communication<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Explaining ideas with models, equations, and precise language.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Connections<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Applying math across different subjects and real-world scenarios.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Analysis &amp; Justification<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Learning how to reason logically and defend solutions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Structure &amp; Patterns<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Recognizing relationships and patterns to make predictions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Why These Changes Matter<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>What This Means for Students:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A stronger math foundation for college, careers, and life.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More flexibility in course choices to align with individual interests and career paths.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased real-world applications of math, making it more relevant and engaging.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>What This Means for Teachers &amp; Schools:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A smoother transition plan, allowing schools to prepare before full implementation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better alignment between math instruction and real-world applications.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opportunities for professional development and support from the SC Department of Education.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>2025 SC CCR Math Standards<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> overhaul is a major step forward for students, educators, and the future workforce of South Carolina. By restructuring high school math courses, integrating data and statistics at all grade levels, and emphasizing real-world problem-solving, the new standards aim to make math more accessible, relevant, and engaging for all students.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What do you think about these changes?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Let us know how you see these updates impacting students and classrooms across the state. <\/span>For more details, visit the South Carolina Department of Education\u2019s website:<a href=\"https:\/\/ed.sc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SC Department of Education<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Subscribe to Get More Updates on South Carolina Standards<\/h2>\n<script charset=\"utf-8\" type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/\/js.hsforms.net\/forms\/embed\/v2.js\"><\/script>\r\n<script>\r\n\thbspt.forms.create({\r\n\t\tregion: \"na1\",\r\n\t\tportalId: \"23272034\",\r\n\t\tformId: \"c970216b-3a79-4ad1-a9d7-920aea441c78\"\r\n\t});\r\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South Carolina schools are set to undergo major changes in the K-12 math curriculum starting in the 2025-26 school year. These updates are designed to improve student success, align coursework with real-world applications, and provide flexible pathways for different career and college goals. Why Are These Changes Happening? Currently, only 41% of South Carolina students [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":16254,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"Big changes are coming to K-12 math in South Carolina! \ud83d\udcda Starting in 2025-26, new standards will focus on real-world applications and flexible pathways for college and careers. Learn how these updates will impact students & schools! #MathEducation #SCDOE","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[298],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16251","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-south-carolina"],"acf":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/South-Carolinas-K-12-Math-Standards-Update.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16251","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16251"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16251\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16257,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16251\/revisions\/16257"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16251"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}