The SCEA regularly comments on state-level educational issues and performs advocacy work.

[3] The merger[10] of these two educational organizations was the largest combination of racially segregated associations in the history of the state of South Carolina.

Membership in The SCEA rose to nearly 25,000 black and white educators immediately after the merger.

[3][dead link‍] The SCEA was an important contributor to the development of the South Carolina Education Improvement Act (EIA) of 1984,[11] where it participated in direct negotiations with Governor Richard Riley.

[12] This legislation was considered to be the most comprehensive state-level educational reform in the United States to date.