South Carolina aims for 75% of students at grade level by 2030
May 01, 2025 | 2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina
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In a recent meeting of the South Carolina Legislature, significant discussions centered around the state's strategic educational plan, dubbed "one-four-one-four," which aims to elevate student performance by 2030. The plan sets an ambitious goal of having at least 75% of students at or above grade level, with a structured approach that includes three-year objectives and 90-day goals.
A key focus of the meeting was the advancement of evidence-based instruction in foundational skills, particularly through initiatives like the Science of Reading and the Palmetto Math Project. The Science of Reading initiative, funded with nearly $40 million by the legislature two years ago, aims to provide high-quality professional development for K-3 teachers. 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. Currently, around 20,000 teachers are either in training or have completed the program, with incentives provided for those who finish.
The meeting also highlighted the adoption of new English Language Arts (ELA) curricula and the need for high-quality instructional materials in math, with a budget request set to be discussed soon. Ensuring that new educational standards are supported by effective materials is a priority for the state.
Another critical topic was the "Read to Succeed 2" initiative, which aims to improve reading proficiency among third graders. The new policy increases the threshold for student retention, 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. This initiative underscores 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 concerted effort by South Carolina lawmakers to enhance educational outcomes through targeted strategies and resources. As the state moves forward with these initiatives, the focus will remain on ensuring that all students have the foundational skills necessary for academic success. The next steps include further discussions on funding and implementation strategies, which will be crucial in achieving the outlined educational goals.
A key focus of the meeting was the advancement of evidence-based instruction in foundational skills, particularly through initiatives like the Science of Reading and the Palmetto Math Project. The Science of Reading initiative, funded with nearly $40 million by the legislature two years ago, aims to provide high-quality professional development for K-3 teachers. 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. Currently, around 20,000 teachers are either in training or have completed the program, with incentives provided for those who finish.
The meeting also highlighted the adoption of new English Language Arts (ELA) curricula and the need for high-quality instructional materials in math, with a budget request set to be discussed soon. Ensuring that new educational standards are supported by effective materials is a priority for the state.
Another critical topic was the "Read to Succeed 2" initiative, which aims to improve reading proficiency among third graders. The new policy increases the threshold for student retention, 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. This initiative underscores 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 concerted effort by South Carolina lawmakers to enhance educational outcomes through targeted strategies and resources. As the state moves forward with these initiatives, the focus will remain on ensuring that all students have the foundational skills necessary for academic success. The next steps include further discussions on funding and implementation strategies, which will be crucial in achieving the outlined educational goals.
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