The South Carolina Legislature's Judiciary Committee convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss critical educational strategies aimed at improving student outcomes across the state. A key focus of the meeting was the ambitious "one-four-one-four" strategic plan, which sets a goal for at least 75% of students to be at or above grade level by February 2030.

Central to this plan are four three-year objectives, with the first strategy emphasizing the advancement of evidence-based instruction in foundational skills. This includes the Science of Reading initiative, which has received nearly $40 million in funding over the past two years to enhance professional learning for K-3 teachers. By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, all K-3 teachers are expected to complete LETRS training, which focuses on phonics and reading fundamentals. Currently, around 20,000 teachers are either in training or have completed the program, with stipends available for those who finish.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of high-quality instructional materials. New curricula for English Language Arts (ELA) and updated math standards have been adopted, with a budget request for additional funding to ensure that all new standards are supported by quality materials in classrooms.

Another significant topic was the "Read to Succeed 2" initiative, which aims to improve reading proficiency by increasing retention thresholds for third graders. This summer, approximately 16,238 third graders will be eligible for retention under this program, emphasizing the necessity of mastering reading skills before advancing to fourth grade.

The committee also discussed the Palmetto Math Project, which aims to replicate the success of the Palmetto Literacy Project by providing additional resources and support to underperforming schools to enhance math scores.

In addition to academic strategies, the meeting addressed workforce development, with plans to expand access to employment and align career pathways through apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities. This aligns with ongoing legislative priorities to bolster workforce development initiatives.

Lastly, the committee is focusing on mental health and behavioral support in schools, aiming to empower local leaders to foster positive school cultures. This includes leveraging existing laws on character education and addressing the impact of cell phone usage on student well-being.

These discussions reflect a comprehensive approach to enhancing educational outcomes in South Carolina, with a clear commitment to supporting teachers, improving curricula, and addressing the broader needs of students. The next steps will involve implementing these strategies and monitoring their effectiveness in achieving the ambitious goals set forth in the strategic plan.