Read to Succeed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Read to Succeed FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why was the law created?
A: On June 11, 2014, South Carolina's Governor Haley signed into law Act 284 (Read To Succeed). The purpose of this law is to improve literacy rates of students in our state. The Read To Succeed Act requires that the SC Department of Education develop, implement, evaluate, and continuously refine a comprehensive state plan for PreK-12th grade to improve reading achievement.
Q: What do Reading Plans consist of?
A: The SC Reading Plan was developed to support reading achievement across the state. Richland County School District One and all other districts also developed their own comprehensive literacy plans that align to the SC State Plan in an effort to support reading and writing development of students in grades PreK-12.
Q: What about third grade retention?
A: The Read To Succeed Act requires that beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, a student must be retained in the third grade if the student fails to demonstrate reading proficiency at the end of third grade as indicated by scoring at the lowest achievement level on the state summative reading assessment. A student may be exempt for good cause from the mandatory retention but shall continue to receive instructional support and services including reading intervention appropriate for their age and reading level.
Q: Are my children required to attend summer reading camps?
A: Only those third grade students who are not reading proficiently on grade level will be provided with the opportunity to attend a summer reading camp. During the summer reading camps, students will be taught by highly qualified teachers who have experience in working with struggling readers. Students will have the opportunity to receive small group and individual instruction to work on their reading, writing, listening and researching skills.
Q: What about interventions?
A: All RCSD1 students PreK-12th grade who are not substantially demonstrating reading proficiency in their grade level will receive interventions. Literacy-endorsed teachers outside of the regular classroom instruction can provide them with research-based and effective interventions.
Q: What are Literacy Competencies and Endorsements?
A: South Carolina teachers must complete professional development or coursework related to literacy to earn either the Read To Succeed Literacy teacher endorsement or requirement, depending on their certification area. Educators will have 10 years or two renewal periods to complete the required coursework or professional development.
Q: Why so young with early learning and literacy?
A: Even our youngest learners will need to receive a strong foundation for reading and writing. Research shows that with effective literacy-enriched learning experiences, at a very young age, chances of reading and writing success will be greater.
Q: How will teachers get prepared to handle all that will be required?
A: Many educational institutes have already begun restructuring how they prepare teachers. Students entering teacher education programs, including MAT programs, must complete the approved course sequence in literacy to ensure that teacher candidates grasp the theory, research, and practices that suppport and guide the teaching of reading. Teacher candidates graduating from these programs will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assist children in becoming proficient readers.
Q: Why do we need Reading Coaches?
A: Richland School District One and many other districts believe that the reading coach plays a significant role with supporting teachers. The reading coach will assist teachers in ensuring that all teachers are effective teachers of reading and implement literacy strategies and interventions that improve literacy. The coach will work collaboratively with all teachers in the school he or she serves and must have the proper certification to serve in that capacity.