Columbia, South Carolina, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Education reports significant progress in student performance on standardized tests, particularly in English Language Arts, with 59.6% of students meeting or exceeding standards. Math scores also saw a rise, indicating efforts to bridge educational gaps. Notable progress was observed among students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds. Despite the gains, challenges remain, notably in mathematics. The department has introduced initiatives like the Palmetto Math Project to address these issues and aims for 75% proficiency by 2030.
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina Department of Education has announced noteworthy improvements in student performance on the SC READY standardized tests, with particular gains in reading and writing. The results from 2025 show that 59.6% of students met or exceeded standards in English Language Arts (ELA), a 6.1% increase from the previous year. Additionally, mathematics scores rose to 43.9%, slightly better than the 42.3% from the previous year.
One of the state’s primary education goals is to ensure that at least 75% of all students perform at or above their grade level by the year 2030. Recent state assessments indicate that progress is being made, albeit with challenges remaining, especially in mathematics and reading proficiency.
Significantly, students with disabilities have recorded improvements in proficiency, along with reductions in the number of those categorized as “Does Not Meet” standards for all grade levels. Additionally, students living in poverty have seen enhancements in their ELA test scores across all grades, reflecting the department’s ongoing efforts to close educational gaps.
The SC READY assessment is administered to public school students from third to eighth grade across South Carolina and evaluates student proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. The results for this year follow heightened concerns stemming from the Nation’s Report Card, which highlighted critical deficiencies in reading and math education earlier this year.
Specific District Progress
Among local districts, Anderson Districts One and Four celebrated ELA levels exceeding 75%. Meanwhile, Greenville County Schools has emerged as a notable example of growth, with students outperforming state averages in ELA, Math, and Science.
Furthermore, 74.4% of Greenville students who participated in the Career Ready Assessment earned credentials, surpassing the state average of 69%. The district has demonstrated consistent improvement across various subjects over the last three years.
State Issues and Educational Strategies
Despite the gains, South Carolina’s educational framework continues to grapple with broader systemic challenges. The overall reading scores increased six points statewide; however, it still leaves less than two-thirds of students reading at grade level. Math scores have improved marginally by over one-and-a-half points, indicating persistent struggles in reaching national benchmarks.
In response to these challenges, state officials have adopted the Palmetto Math Project, aimed at tackling the issues surrounding math proficiency. This initiative, coupled with a focus on strong leadership from school principals, is essential for driving educational success within schools.
While standardized tests provide important insights, educational advocates remind stakeholders that these assessments do not capture every aspect of student success or the effectiveness of teaching methods. Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on accommodating learning differences and advancing the use of technology in education.
Looking Forward
The South Carolina Department of Education remains committed to refining its educational strategies and resources to promote student success. The full SC READY report is accessible online for those interested in a comprehensive overview of the findings and further insights into student performance.
Key Statistics
- ELA Performance: Increased from 53.5% to 59.6%
- Math Performance: Increased from 42.3% to 43.9%
- Students with Disabilities: Gains in proficiency and reductions in low scores
- Students in Poverty: Improvements across ELA
- Greenville County: 74.4% earned credentials in Career Ready Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the SC READY test?
- The SC READY test is a standardized assessment administered to public school students in South Carolina, evaluating their proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- What were the recent performance trends in 2025?
- In 2025, ELA scores improved to 59.6%, and math scores increased to 43.9%, marking progress in student proficiency levels.
- What are the educational goals for South Carolina by 2030?
- The goal is for at least 75% of students to meet or exceed grade-level proficiency by the year 2030.
- How are students with disabilities faring in these tests?
- Students with disabilities have shown gains in proficiency and a reduction in “Does Not Meet” scores across all grade levels.
- What are some initiatives being taken to improve math proficiency?
- The Palmetto Math Project has been launched to address ongoing challenges related to math education.
Key Features of SC READY Test Improvements
| Category | 2024 Results | 2025 Results | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELA Performance (%) | 53.5 | 59.6 | +6.1 |
| Math Performance (%) | 42.3 | 43.9 | +1.6 |
| Students With Disabilities | Improvement Noted | Continued Gains | N/A |
| Students In Poverty (ELA Improvement) | Notable Gains | Continued Improvements | N/A |
