WHEREAS, the education of our children is an issue fundamental to South Carolina’s future and its quality of life; and

WHEREAS, the State of South Carolina has taken bold steps in reform and accountability, the success of which depend on the quality of the teachers in our schools and the training and support they receive; and

WHEREAS, our State must continue to improve its primary, secondary, and higher education systems.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State, I hereby create the South Carolina Commission on Teacher Quality, which is to serve as a body for reviewing issues concerning the training, recruitment, retention, and continuing education of a quality teaching force. The initial members of the Commission are listed in the Attachment to this Order, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The Commission for Teacher Quality shall be charged with the following:

1. Examining the existing programs and practices relating to teacher quality in South Carolina and their interaction and impact on teacher training, recruitment, and retention.
2. Reviewing model practices and national innovations in the training, recruitment, certification, and retention of teachers.
3. Identifying steps to better align and coordinate State efforts in the preparation, recruitment, and professional development of quality teachers.
4. Developing recommendations for guiding policy decisions regarding improvement in teacher training, recruitment, retention, certification, and professional development of quality teachers.

It is further ordered that the Commission on Teacher Quality shall provide a preliminary report on its findings and recommendations to the Governor for his consideration and review no later than December 1, 1999, and a final report no later than September 1, 2000. To assist in the implementation of its charge pursuant to this Order, the Commission may create such advisory committees or subcommittees as it deems necessary.