South Carolina launches 75% literacy goal and new reading initiatives for K-3 students
April 30, 2025 | 2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina
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In a recent meeting of the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, significant strides were discussed regarding educational improvements in South Carolina, particularly focusing on literacy and math skills for young students. The committee highlighted a strategic plan known as "one-four-one-four," which aims to ensure that by February 2030, at least 75% of students are reading at or above grade level.
A key component of this plan is the emphasis on evidence-based instruction, particularly through the Science of Reading initiative. This program, funded with nearly $40 million by the legislature two years ago, is designed to enhance the skills of K-3 teachers. By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, all K-3 teachers are expected to complete the LETRS training, which focuses on phonics and foundational reading skills. Currently, around 20,000 teachers are either in training or have completed this program, with additional stipends offered as an incentive.
The committee also discussed the adoption of new high-quality instructional materials for English Language Arts (ELA) and math, which are crucial for implementing the new standards effectively in classrooms. A budget request for further funding to support these materials is set to be reviewed soon.
Another important topic was the "Read to Succeed 2" initiative, which aims to improve reading proficiency among third graders. This program has raised the retention threshold, meaning that a significant number of students—over 16,000—could be affected if they do not meet reading standards by the end of third grade. The committee stressed the importance of mastering reading skills early, as students transition from learning to read in the early grades to reading to learn in higher grades.
The discussions reflect a strong commitment to enhancing educational outcomes in South Carolina, with a focus on equipping teachers and students with the necessary tools for success. As these initiatives move forward, they promise to have a lasting impact on the literacy and math skills of future generations in the state.
A key component of this plan is the emphasis on evidence-based instruction, particularly through the Science of Reading initiative. This program, funded with nearly $40 million by the legislature two years ago, is designed to enhance the skills of K-3 teachers. By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, all K-3 teachers are expected to complete the LETRS training, which focuses on phonics and foundational reading skills. Currently, around 20,000 teachers are either in training or have completed this program, with additional stipends offered as an incentive.
The committee also discussed the adoption of new high-quality instructional materials for English Language Arts (ELA) and math, which are crucial for implementing the new standards effectively in classrooms. A budget request for further funding to support these materials is set to be reviewed soon.
Another important topic was the "Read to Succeed 2" initiative, which aims to improve reading proficiency among third graders. This program has raised the retention threshold, meaning that a significant number of students—over 16,000—could be affected if they do not meet reading standards by the end of third grade. The committee stressed the importance of mastering reading skills early, as students transition from learning to read in the early grades to reading to learn in higher grades.
The discussions reflect a strong commitment to enhancing educational outcomes in South Carolina, with a focus on equipping teachers and students with the necessary tools for success. As these initiatives move forward, they promise to have a lasting impact on the literacy and math skills of future generations in the state.
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