New S.C. law excuses school absences for FFA, other activities

COLUMBIA, S.C. - A new South Carolina law will make it easier for students to get experience for future careers while they’re still in school.

On Wednesday, Gov. Henry McMaster ed hundreds of FFA America students from across South Carolina for a bill-g ceremony outside the State House.

The new law will require all school districts adopt a policy that provides excused absences for students to participate in a Career and Technical Student Organization experiences.

This would include students who participate in agriculture programs, like FFA and 4-H.

This is part of an effort to encourage more students to be career-ready when they graduate from South Carolina high schools.

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“There are programs across our state where our students can receive these real-world experiences to layer on top of the fundamental academics that they are getting. And it is great foresight that the legislature has ed this bill to allow those opportunities to be recognized for what they are,” said Ian Headley. state deputy superintendent.

Students will be allowed no more than 10 excused absences a year – and they’ll be required to make up any work they miss.

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