The S.C. House this week passed education bills that were pushed by Gov. Mark Sanford.

House members on Thursday approved the Streamlined Management and Accountable Resources for Teaching, or SMART, bill that would reform how education is funded.

Under the bill, all state funding for public schools would be consolidated into six categories -- quality teaching, instruction, technical assistance, operations and infrastructure, work force education and special needs.

The bill would give school districts flexibility to spend funds as they see fit.

On Wednesday, the House approved a bill that would add a conduct grade on a student's report card. Supporters say the bill would improve classroom discipline and expand character education in schools.

"These reforms will go a long way toward fixing two serious problems in our public schools -- a lack of flexibility in being able to spend state dollars where they're needed most and a lack of discipline in our classrooms," Sanford said.

Changes To Minority Affairs Panel Approved

A House bill that gives American Indian issues to the state Minority Affairs Commission has been approved by a Senate subcommittee.

The bill approved Wednesday is designed to help tribes gain state recognition.

"My regret is we couldn't do more," said state Sen. Bob Waldrep, R-Anderson, who is of Cherokee descent.

Waldrep said he wanted to give the agency money to handle its expanded duties. He hopes that will be possible in the future.

The bill also makes the agency responsible for Hispanic and Asian issues.

Some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the possibility of gambling and land claims, Waldrep said.

Federally recognized tribes are permitted to have gambling operations under certain conditions.

The Catawbas, the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina, have bingo games in Rock Hill.

Will Goins, an American Indian and supporter of the bill, said backers need to educate legislators that state recognition is not a major step to federal recognition.