Education leaders unveil strategic plan to enhance student literacy and math skills

The Family and Veterans' Services Committee's Veterans Affairs Subcommittee convened on May 6, 2025, at 10:15 AM to discuss critical initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and support for veterans and families in South Carolina. The meeting focused on the strategic plan known as "one-four-one-four," which outlines ambitious goals for student achievement and educational resources.

The primary objective of the plan is to ensure that by February 2030, at least 75% of students are performing at or above grade level. To achieve this, the committee outlined several three-year objectives, including the advancement of evidence-based instruction in foundational skills, particularly through the Science of Reading and the Palmetto Math Project.

A significant highlight was the funding of nearly $40 million allocated by the legislature two years prior to enhance professional learning for K-3 teachers in the Science of Reading. By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, all K-3 teachers are expected to have completed LETRS training, which focuses on phonics instruction. Currently, 20,000 teachers are either in training or have completed the program, with stipends available for those who finish.

The committee also discussed the adoption of new high-quality instructional materials for English Language Arts (ELA) and math, which have been deployed this year. A budget request for additional funding for high-quality math materials is set to be reviewed in the following morning session.

Another key point was the implementation of the Read to Succeed 2 initiative, which raises the retention threshold for third graders. This summer, 16,238 third graders will be eligible for retention, emphasizing the importance of mastering reading skills by the end of third grade to facilitate learning in subsequent grades.

The Palmetto Math Project, which aims to replicate the success of the Palmetto Literacy Project, was also discussed. This initiative focuses on identifying underperforming schools and providing them with additional resources to improve math scores.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on expanding access to employment through aligned career pathways and apprenticeships, as well as deploying care initiatives to support local leaders in addressing behavioral and mental health needs within schools. The committee emphasized the importance of providing high-quality resources to schools to foster a positive school culture and effectively meet the needs of students.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and support systems for families and veterans in South Carolina, with a clear focus on strategic planning and resource allocation.