South Carolina implements 75% literacy goal with Science of Reading and Palmetto Math Project
May 28, 2025 | 2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina
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The South Carolina Legislature convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss the state's strategic educational plan, known as "one-four-one-four," aimed at improving student literacy and math proficiency by 2030. The meeting highlighted key objectives and initiatives designed to enhance educational outcomes for K-3 students.
Central to the discussion was the ambitious goal of having at least 75% of students reading at or above grade level by February 2030. To achieve this, the plan outlines several three-year objectives, including the implementation of evidence-based instructional strategies, particularly the Science of Reading and the Palmetto Math Project. The legislature previously allocated nearly $40 million to provide professional development for K-3 teachers, ensuring they are trained in effective reading instruction methods.
The meeting also addressed 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 pending for additional resources to support these initiatives. The "Read to Succeed 2" program was discussed, which raises the retention threshold for third graders who struggle with reading, emphasizing the critical need for foundational reading skills before advancing to higher grades.
In addition to literacy, the Palmetto Math Project aims to identify underperforming schools and provide them with the necessary resources to improve math scores. The initiative is modeled after the successful Palmetto Literacy Project and seeks to replicate its positive outcomes.
The meeting also touched on workforce development, with plans to expand access to employment opportunities through career pathways and apprenticeships. This aligns with ongoing efforts to prioritize workforce readiness in the state.
Lastly, the discussion included strategies to support school culture and address behavioral and mental health needs among students. The legislature is working to provide schools with high-quality resources and support, including character education initiatives.
Overall, the meeting underscored the South Carolina Legislature's commitment to enhancing educational standards and outcomes, with a focus on literacy, math proficiency, and workforce readiness as key pillars of the strategic plan.
Central to the discussion was the ambitious goal of having at least 75% of students reading at or above grade level by February 2030. To achieve this, the plan outlines several three-year objectives, including the implementation of evidence-based instructional strategies, particularly the Science of Reading and the Palmetto Math Project. The legislature previously allocated nearly $40 million to provide professional development for K-3 teachers, ensuring they are trained in effective reading instruction methods.
The meeting also addressed 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 pending for additional resources to support these initiatives. The "Read to Succeed 2" program was discussed, which raises the retention threshold for third graders who struggle with reading, emphasizing the critical need for foundational reading skills before advancing to higher grades.
In addition to literacy, the Palmetto Math Project aims to identify underperforming schools and provide them with the necessary resources to improve math scores. The initiative is modeled after the successful Palmetto Literacy Project and seeks to replicate its positive outcomes.
The meeting also touched on workforce development, with plans to expand access to employment opportunities through career pathways and apprenticeships. This aligns with ongoing efforts to prioritize workforce readiness in the state.
Lastly, the discussion included strategies to support school culture and address behavioral and mental health needs among students. The legislature is working to provide schools with high-quality resources and support, including character education initiatives.
Overall, the meeting underscored the South Carolina Legislature's commitment to enhancing educational standards and outcomes, with a focus on literacy, math proficiency, and workforce readiness as key pillars of the strategic plan.
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