Spring 2026 SC Ready Mathematics Update

Richland One is committed to being transparent with our students, families, staff, and community. 

During a post-administration review of Spring 2026 SC READY Mathematics assessments, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) identified a testing administration irregularity affecting a small number of Richland One students in grades 6–8. As a result, SCDE determined the affected mathematics assessments must be invalidated. This issue was identified in multiple school districts across South Carolina and was not limited to Richland One. 

Families of affected students are being notified directly. This webpage is intended to provide information about what occurred, what it means for affected students, and the steps the district is taking moving forward. 

The Spring 2026 SC READY Mathematics assessment consists of two sections: 

• A section completed without a calculator 
• A section completed with a calculator 

Both sections of the assessment were administered on the same day. Students used calculators only during the section in which calculators were permitted. 

During administration of the assessment, however, the two sections were administered in the reverse order from what is required by SCDE. Although students completed both sections of the assessment, SCDE determined that the required testing sequence was not followed and invalidated the affected mathematics assessments. 

This was the first administration of the revised SC READY Mathematics assessment under updated state testing procedures. 

It is important to understand what this situation does not mean. 

• It does not mean students used calculators when they were not permitted. Students used calculators only during the calculator section of the assessment. 
• It does not mean students answered questions incorrectly. 
• It does not mean students' academic performance or abilities are being questioned. 
• It does not affect classroom grades. 
• It does not affect English Language Arts or Science SC READY assessments. 
• It does not mean students did anything wrong. Students completed the assessment as directed. 

No. Students completed the assessment exactly as instructed. The invalidation resulted from a testing administration irregularity and is not related to student performance or conduct. 

A small number of Richland One students in grades 6–8 were affected. Only families of affected students received individual notification. If you did not receive a notification, your student was not affected. 

No. Because SCDE invalidated the assessments, no mathematics score will be reported for the affected students. 

The invalidation affects state assessment reporting only. It does not reflect classroom performance or academic achievement. Furthermore, SCDE has stated that score invalidation will not affect a student’s course grades, transcripts, course credits, or graduation status. Families with additional questions about grades or transcripts should contact their child's principal. 

Because mathematics scores will not be reported for affected students, the invalidations will affect certain state accountability calculations used in school and district report cards. 

Richland One has carefully reviewed the circumstances surrounding this testing irregularity and submitted all required documentation to SCDE. The district has also developed an internal standard operating procedure (SOP) that establishes additional safeguards and clear protocols for administering state mathematics assessments to help ensure testing requirements are followed and prevent similar issues in the future. 

Parents should contact their child's principal or Dr. Carol Miner in the Office of Accountability, Assessment, Research, Evaluation, & PowerSchool at: carol.miner@richlandone.org or 803-231-7450.