South Carolina implements ambitious literacy goals through Science of Reading initiative
April 29, 2025 | 2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
In a recent meeting of the South Carolina House Ways and Means Committee, significant strides were discussed regarding educational improvements aimed at enhancing student literacy and math skills across the state. The committee outlined ambitious goals, including a "moonshot" target to ensure that by February 2030, at least 75% of students are reading at or above grade level.
Central to this initiative are three-year objectives that focus on advancing evidence-based instruction in foundational skills, particularly through the Science of Reading and the Palmetto Math Project. The committee highlighted that nearly $40 million in funding has been allocated to provide high-quality professional development for K-3 teachers, ensuring they are equipped with effective teaching strategies. By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, all K-3 teachers are expected to complete the LETRS training, which emphasizes phonics and foundational reading skills.
The meeting also addressed the importance of high-quality instructional materials, with new English Language Arts (ELA) curricula already adopted and a budget request for math materials set to be discussed. The goal is to align all new educational standards with appropriate resources to ensure effective implementation in classrooms.
Another key topic was the Read to Succeed 2 initiative, which aims to improve reading proficiency among third graders. The program has raised the retention threshold, meaning that more students will be supported to achieve reading proficiency before advancing to fourth grade. This is crucial, as the transition from learning to read in early grades to reading to learn in later grades is vital for academic success.
The committee emphasized the importance of these educational reforms, noting that they are designed to provide students with the necessary skills to thrive in their future academic endeavors. For more information on the Science of Reading and related training resources, the public is encouraged to visit the South Carolina Department of Education's literacy webpage.
As these initiatives move forward, they represent a concerted effort by state leaders to enhance educational outcomes and ensure that South Carolina's students are well-prepared for their academic journeys.
Central to this initiative are three-year objectives that focus on advancing evidence-based instruction in foundational skills, particularly through the Science of Reading and the Palmetto Math Project. The committee highlighted that nearly $40 million in funding has been allocated to provide high-quality professional development for K-3 teachers, ensuring they are equipped with effective teaching strategies. By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, all K-3 teachers are expected to complete the LETRS training, which emphasizes phonics and foundational reading skills.
The meeting also addressed the importance of high-quality instructional materials, with new English Language Arts (ELA) curricula already adopted and a budget request for math materials set to be discussed. The goal is to align all new educational standards with appropriate resources to ensure effective implementation in classrooms.
Another key topic was the Read to Succeed 2 initiative, which aims to improve reading proficiency among third graders. The program has raised the retention threshold, meaning that more students will be supported to achieve reading proficiency before advancing to fourth grade. This is crucial, as the transition from learning to read in early grades to reading to learn in later grades is vital for academic success.
The committee emphasized the importance of these educational reforms, noting that they are designed to provide students with the necessary skills to thrive in their future academic endeavors. For more information on the Science of Reading and related training resources, the public is encouraged to visit the South Carolina Department of Education's literacy webpage.
As these initiatives move forward, they represent a concerted effort by state leaders to enhance educational outcomes and ensure that South Carolina's students are well-prepared for their academic journeys.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting