As they bounce back from pandemic-related setbacks, South Carolina schoolchildren continue to show incredible perseverance.
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — The most recent findings from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also referred to as the Nation’s Report Card, show that South Carolina children are still exhibiting exceptional resilience as they bounce back from pandemic-related setbacks.
Fourth-graders in South Carolina are surpassing their national counterparts in reading and math, while the state’s economically disadvantaged pupils are making significant strides in critical subjects, defying the national pattern of losses.
State Superintendent Ellen Weaver remarked, “These outcomes are a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our students, educators, and families.” When it comes to rebounding from pandemic disruptions, South Carolina is outperforming the rest of the country.
Based on the numbers:
- 4th Grade Math: South Carolina students scored an average of 238, one point higher than pre-pandemic levels and four points higher than 2022, marking a statistically significant increase.
- 4th Grade Reading: While scoring one point below pre-pandemic levels, SC students exceeded the national average.
- 8th Grade Math & Reading: Scores held steady with no significant decreases, unlike the national trend of declines.
- Economically Disadvantaged Students: Maintained or improved performance in 4th- and 8th-grade assessments, defying a national trend of significant declines for this student group.
Results for the fourth grade (average score for the SC relative to the national population)
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Results for the eighth grade (average score for the SC relative to the national population)
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The difficulty:
Even with the positive developments, South Carolina acknowledges that there are still obstacles to overcome. All pupils still need to master the fundamentals of math and reading. The reading and math scores for the eighth grade show that middle schools require more attention and focused assistance. Persistent achievement inequalities between demographic groups also emphasize how crucial it is to make consistent efforts to guarantee that every student has the resources necessary for success.
Using Strategic Initiatives to Advance Progress:
In order to maintain the state’s momentum and promote further progress, South Carolina is dedicated to tackling these issues:
- Palmetto Math Project: This initiative targets underperforming schools with high-dose tutoring, instructional coaching, and comprehensive support to boost math achievement.
- Science of Reading Training:Nearly all K-3 teachers in South Carolina are now trained or actively participating in evidence-based literacy instruction, ensuring students build a strong foundation in reading.
- Summer Reading Camps Expansion: Starting this summer, first graders not demonstrating grade-level reading proficiency will join the program, further reinforcing the state s commitment to early intervention.
Their Statements:
Superintendent Weaver stated, “These results validate what we witness on a daily basis in our schools: South Carolina students and educators are resilient and unrelenting in their pursuit of excellence.” In order to guarantee that every child in our state graduates high school prepared for college, the workforce, or military service, we are dedicated to capitalizing on this momentum.
Change in the 4th Grade Average Scale Score from 2019 to 2024 (SC)
Change in the 8th Grade Average Scale Score from 2019 to 2024
Observing the Future:
To eliminate achievement gaps and give every kid a solid academic foundation, the South Carolina Department of Education is stepping up its efforts. The state is well-positioned to maintain and increase these advances in the years to come because to the implementation of new math standards, excellent teaching resources, and increased early literacy programs.
Concerning the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress):
The most nationally representative test of American students’ knowledge and proficiency in foundational topics like reading and math is the NAEP. The performance of roughly 3,600 fourth and eighth graders from schools that represent the different demographics of the state is reflected in the 2024 results. Visit https://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/ to examine the complete NAEP results and for other information.