Paper copies of 2012 report cards may be optional

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — School officials will not have to provide printed copies of schools’ and districts’ 2012 state report cards under a bill approved unanimously in the House.

The bill sent to the Senate on Thursday says public school districts can inform parents of report card results by emailing them a link to the state agency’s website or providing it through school newsletters. A parent could still get a paper copy for free upon request.

The measure applies to the yearly report cards on schools and districts that are based on students’ performance on state-standardized tests — not individual student report cards.

State law requires the Education Department to provide two-page summaries for each school to distribute to parents. It also requires districts to buy a newspaper ad to publish the results.