District sets aggressive growth goals for math and reading proficiency assessments

Berkeley County Schools is setting ambitious academic goals for the upcoming year, aiming to boost student performance in both reading and math. During a special Board of Education meeting on June 10, 2025, officials revealed that the district's target for student proficiency is set at 38%, a notable increase from the current 34% in math.

The meeting highlighted the district's performance compared to national and state averages, with Berkeley County students outperforming both in reading and math according to recent I Ready data. The data showed a significant improvement in grade-level proficiency, particularly with a 13 percentage point gain in math for all grades, rising from 27% to 40%.

In addition to these goals, the district is focusing on "stretch growth," with 38% of students in grades K-5 meeting this benchmark in reading, while 25% achieved it in math. This growth is crucial as it aims to close the achievement gap and bring students closer to grade-level expectations.

The discussion also included insights into PSAT data, revealing moderate growth across the board. The district plans to continue assessing students in both fall and spring to track progress effectively. Notably, 12% of students met both reading and math benchmarks, indicating a positive trend in academic performance.

As Berkeley County Schools moves forward, the emphasis on aggressive growth targets and continuous assessment reflects a commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for all students. The district's strategic plan aims to ensure that students not only meet but exceed expectations, setting a strong foundation for future academic success.