Governor Henry McMaster signs “Read to Succeed” bill at local elementary school
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AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster returned to the CSRA Wednesday, signing a bill that aims to benefit students across the state.
The Governor came to J.D. Lever Elementary School to sign Senate Bill 418, known as “Read to Succeed”.
McMaster told students: “These techniques–if these understandings are fully implemented–and they will be in this school I am sure–that will open every door in the whole world to you.”
The bill aims to improve reading and literacy education in schools around South Carolina.
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver says this bill is a priority at the state level, because they recognize that reading is an important gift to give.
“In today’s changing world and economy, we all have to be lifelong learners. And the way that you become a lifelong learner is to be a great reader,” said Weaver.
According to the SC Department of Education, nearly 54% of 3rd-8th graders met or exceeded expectations in English Language Arts on state assessments during the 22-23 school year.
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That number has consistently increased over the last few school years:
It was 42% during the 2020-21 school year, and 47% during the 2021-22 school year.
41% of students met or exceeded expectations on Math assessments, a jump from 39% the previous year.
But two months ago, former Governor Nikki Haley told supporters at USC Aiken that only 31% of 8th graders across the country are proficient in reading.
Weaver says the bill is in place to change that, and prepare elementary schoolers by reinforcing what they call “The Science of Reading”.
“This bill is essential to build a strong foundation around the most important academic skill students have to have, which is early literacy,” said Weaver. “The Science of Reading is all about high quality instructional materials that are building background knowledge, and giving students a strong foundation in the early grades that is going to pay dividends in the later grades.”
Along with equipping students, Weaver says it’s also the teachers the state intends to make a priority.
The General Assembly has funded an intensive literacy training program for teachers, known as LETRS (Language Essentials for Teaching Reading and Spelling).
The program is an intensive two-year training program designed to show teachers what literacy skills need to be taught, and the tools students need to excel in reading.
The state of Mississippi passed the Literacy-Based Promotion Act in 2013, which ensured all K-3 teachers were trained in the Science of Reading using that format.
The state superintendent says the Palmetto state is adopting this format to continue moving forward.
“This is something that I’m actually doing myself, because I believe so strongly in the power of the science of reading – to ensure that every student in South Carolina has the ability to be a great reader,” said Weaver.
Weaver says close to half of Kindergarten through 3rd grade teachers in the state are either in the process of or completed the program.
“Our final cohort will start this coming Fall,” said Weaver. “Thanks to the partnership of the General Assembly and Governor McMaster, they have fully funded that training for all K-3 teachers.”
Aiken County Superintendent King Laurence says J.D. Lever Elementary was the first school in the state to request intensive literacy training for teachers, and this bill will add to progress being made in the classroom.
“It all starts with reading, and we couldn’t be more proud that you’re here today to see and to celebrate where it all started, as the Governor ensures that what we started here is shared with all early learning teachers and schools throughout South Carolina,” said Laurence.
Before the Governor headed back to Columbia, he shared a word of encouragement for J.D. Lever students.
“I want to encourage all of you students to read, read, read. Learn from your teachers, ask questions. There’s an answer to every question, but you have to ask it first. I want to thank these leaders for seeing to it that the children of South Carolina have the greatest opportunity to fulfill every dream and expectation,” said McMaster.
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