Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Wednesday, May 29, 2013  Senators have advanced a bill allowing seventh- through 12-graders to take more courses through South Carolina's virtual education program.

Tuesday, March 05, 2013  The federal Education Department has approved Superintendent Mick Zais' plan for evaluating teachers and principals in South Carolina.

Monday, January 14, 2013  The State Board of Education has disciplined 18 South Carolina teachers in the past two years for sexual offenses against students.

Monday, October 10, 2011  The state Education Department had planned to request the break from the federal law in November. Agency spokesman Jay Ragley said Monday that will give the agency more time to gather data and see how other states file their requests.

Monday, September 26, 2011  State Education Department spokesman Jay Ragley said Monday that Superintendent Mick Zais' application for an alternative way to evaluate student and school performance will be based on the state system that predates the 2001 federal law.

Thursday, July 07, 2011  State Education Department officials say about 50 employees have left the agency or been let go since May.

Monday, January 10, 2011  The senior management for South Carolina's incoming state schools superintendent will include his campaign manager and outgoing Gov. Mark Sanford's chief of staff.