(A) All public high schools must give instruction in the essentials of the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Federalist Papers. No student in any such school may receive a certificate of graduation without previously passing a course that includes instruction in the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Federalist Papers.
(B) On November eleventh of each year which is a legal holiday in this State as provided by Section 53-5-10 to commemorate and honor veterans, all elementary, middle, and high schools in this State if they are open, shall devote at least one hour of the school day in either classroom instruction or at a student body assembly program to study the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. If any such school is not open on November eleventh, this instruction or assembly program must be given on the day the school is open immediately preceding November eleventh.
(C) On November eleventh of each year, schools may permit students to attend activities to commemorate and honor veterans that are held at locations within their respective counties. The parent of a student seeking to be excused pursuant to this subsection shall provide prior written consent to the appropriate school personnel. Attendance at such activities shall count as a part of the instructional day for purposes of Section 59-1-440.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-420; 1952 Code Section 21-420; 1942 Code Section 5324; 1932 Code Section 5342; 1924 (33) 1186; 1990 Act No. 318, Section 1; 1998 Act No. 322, Section 1; 2021 Act No. 26 (S.38), Section 1, eff beginning with the 2021-2022 School Year.
Editor's Note
2021 Act No. 26, Section 5, provides as follows:
"SECTION 5. This act takes effect beginning with the 2021-2022 School Year."
Effect of Amendment
2021 Act No. 26, Section 1, rewrote (A).
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 29 - Subjects Of Instruction
Section 59-29-10. Required subjects.
Section 59-29-15. Teaching cursive writing and multiplication tables required.
Section 59-29-20. Required subjects; nature and effect of alcoholic drinks and narcotics.
Section 59-29-21. Guidelines for career guidance.
Section 59-29-30. Required subjects; Alcohol and Narcotics Education Week.
Section 59-29-35. Home school awareness week; admission opportunities.
Section 59-29-50. Required subjects; traffic laws.
Section 59-29-55. Instruction on Black history.
Section 59-29-60. Required subjects; program of safety instruction.
Section 59-29-70. Required subjects; instruction in fire prevention.
Section 59-29-80. Required subjects; courses in physical education; alternatives; exemptions.
Section 59-29-90. Physical education courses in teacher training colleges.
Section 59-29-110. Instruction in military science and tactics.
Section 59-29-130. Public institutions of higher learning; required instruction; applicability.
Section 59-29-160. Two units of mathematics requisite for graduation.
Section 59-29-165. Instruction in personal finance.
Section 59-29-170. Programs for gifted and talented students.
Section 59-29-179. Identification of higher order thinking and problem solving skills.
Section 59-29-180. Emphasis on higher order problem solving skills.
Section 59-29-181. Selection of tests for statewide testing program.
Section 59-29-182. Review of procedures to assess higher order thinking and problem solving skills.
Section 59-29-183. In-service training programs.
Section 59-29-190. Advanced placement courses for academically talented students.
Section 59-29-200. Pupil-teacher ratios.
Section 59-29-210. Emphasis on teaching as profession.
Section 59-29-220. Arts education curricula.
Section 59-29-230. Old and New Testament era courses.
Section 59-29-240. Civics test required; report.
Section 59-29-410. Development of high school financial literacy programs; areas of instruction.
Section 59-29-430. Incorporation into Academic Standards of Instruction.
Section 59-29-440. South Carolina Financial Literacy Initiative established.
Section 59-29-480. Board membership; terms; vacancies.
Section 59-29-490. Powers and duties.
Section 59-29-500. Employment of Director of the Financial Literacy Office and staff.
Section 59-29-520. Office of South Carolina Financial Literacy established.
Section 59-29-530. Applications for grants; criteria.
Section 59-29-540. Use of grant funds.
Section 59-29-550. Carrying forward funds into following fiscal year.
Section 59-29-560. Disbursement of and accountability for funds; penalties.
Section 59-29-570. Implementation review; grantee participation; reports.