S.C. Code Ann. § 59-18-310 – Development or adoption of statewide assessment program to measure student performance

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the State Board of Education, through the Department of Education, is required to develop or adopt a statewide assessment program to measure student performance on state standards and:
1. (1) identify areas in which students need additional support;
2. (2) indicate the academic achievement for schools, districts, and the State; and
3. (3) satisfy federal reporting requirements.
  All assessments required to be developed or adopted under the provisions of this section or chapter must be objective and reliable.
(B) The statewide assessment program in the four academic areas shall include grades three through eight, an exit examination which is to be first administered in grade ten, and end of course tests for gateway courses in English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies for grades nine through twelve. A standards based assessment will be developed for grades one and two for use by schools and districts as deemed appropriate by the district officials.
(C) While assessment is called for in the specific areas mentioned above, this should not be construed as lessening the importance of foreign languages, visual and performing arts, health, physical education, and career/occupational programs.