Superintendent unveils four-year education plan to enhance literacy and school culture
May 01, 2025 | 2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina
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The Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee of the South Carolina Legislature convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss a range of educational strategies and budget requests aimed at improving student outcomes and school safety. The meeting focused on the strategic plan titled "one-four-one-four," which outlines ambitious goals for student literacy and math proficiency by 2030.
The committee began by reviewing the moonshot goal of achieving at least 75% of students at or above grade level by February 2030. The discussion highlighted four key three-year objectives, including the advancement of evidence-based instruction in foundational skills 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 prior, aims to ensure that all K-3 teachers receive high-quality professional training by the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
The committee also addressed the Read to Succeed 2 program, which has increased retention thresholds for third graders who do not meet reading proficiency standards. This program is crucial as students are expected to transition from learning to read in grades 1-3 to reading to learn in grade 4.
In addition to literacy initiatives, the Palmetto Math Project aims to provide additional resources and support to underperforming schools to improve math scores. The committee emphasized the importance of aligning career pathways and expanding access to employment opportunities for students, reflecting a broader focus on workforce development.
Mental health and behavioral support were also key topics, with discussions on deploying care initiatives to empower local leaders in building school culture. The committee reviewed a new cell phone policy framework aimed at addressing the impact of smartphones on student mental health, referencing research that links smartphone usage to increased rates of depression and anxiety among youth.
The meeting concluded with a detailed budget request, highlighting a total of $1.6 billion in new state investments since the 2018-2019 school year, with a focus on increasing teacher salaries and funding for high-quality instructional materials. The request includes $200 million to raise starting teacher salaries to $50,000 and additional funding for summer reading camps aimed at helping struggling students.
Overall, the committee's discussions underscored a commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through strategic investments and targeted initiatives, with a strong emphasis on literacy, math proficiency, and mental health support in schools.
The committee began by reviewing the moonshot goal of achieving at least 75% of students at or above grade level by February 2030. The discussion highlighted four key three-year objectives, including the advancement of evidence-based instruction in foundational skills 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 prior, aims to ensure that all K-3 teachers receive high-quality professional training by the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
The committee also addressed the Read to Succeed 2 program, which has increased retention thresholds for third graders who do not meet reading proficiency standards. This program is crucial as students are expected to transition from learning to read in grades 1-3 to reading to learn in grade 4.
In addition to literacy initiatives, the Palmetto Math Project aims to provide additional resources and support to underperforming schools to improve math scores. The committee emphasized the importance of aligning career pathways and expanding access to employment opportunities for students, reflecting a broader focus on workforce development.
Mental health and behavioral support were also key topics, with discussions on deploying care initiatives to empower local leaders in building school culture. The committee reviewed a new cell phone policy framework aimed at addressing the impact of smartphones on student mental health, referencing research that links smartphone usage to increased rates of depression and anxiety among youth.
The meeting concluded with a detailed budget request, highlighting a total of $1.6 billion in new state investments since the 2018-2019 school year, with a focus on increasing teacher salaries and funding for high-quality instructional materials. The request includes $200 million to raise starting teacher salaries to $50,000 and additional funding for summer reading camps aimed at helping struggling students.
Overall, the committee's discussions underscored a commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through strategic investments and targeted initiatives, with a strong emphasis on literacy, math proficiency, and mental health support in schools.
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