Berkeley County reports fall diagnostic results, rolls out phonics and tutoring supports

Donald Masters, a district staff member, opened the instructional update at the Berkeley County Schools board meeting on Sept. 22, saying he would present the beginning-of-year diagnostic assessment and the 2025 balance score form.

The district presented fall 2025 I-Ready diagnostic results for grades 1–8 and described how the data will guide instruction, interventions and midyear projections for state tests.

Why it matters: The I-Ready diagnostic is the district’s early-year measure of reading and math that the administration says will inform small-group instruction, identify students for tiered supports and project spring performance on the state assessment (GSA). Board members and staff pressed for clarity on students far below grade level and on plans for middle-school learners who pulled the district average down.

Key findings and context

- Tool and scope: For the first time the district ran a consistent I-Ready diagnostic across grades 1–8 after previously using different products in middle school, district staff said. Kindergarten diagnostic testing is scheduled to finish Sept. 26 and was not included in the current charts.

- Color coding: Staff explained the chart coding used in the packet: dark/ light green = on or nearing grade level, yellow = near/low grade level (expected…