Columbia, SC, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Education released SC READY test results, showing a significant gap between student performance in English language arts and math. Only third and fourth graders met expectations in math, with just 32.4% of eighth graders achieving success. In contrast, English language arts scores surpassed 50% across all grades, particularly among fourth graders at 63.5%. The results highlight the need for targeted interventions, especially in Richland One and Richland Two districts, while Lexington 1 district showed notable improvement.
Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Department of Education has released the SC READY test results for students in grades 3 through 8, revealing a marked disparity in performance between English language arts and math. According to the recent results, only third and fourth graders managed to meet or exceed expectations in math with at least 50% success rate.
In math performance, third graders achieved the highest success rate, with 56.3% meeting or exceeding expectations, while eighth graders performed the lowest, with just 32.4% meeting the same benchmarks. Conversely, in English language arts, over 50% of students in each grade level met or exceeded expectations, indicating stronger performance in this area.
Among the grades evaluated, fourth graders achieved the best results in English, with 63.5% meeting or exceeding expectations. The overall performance was notably better than in math, which suggests students are more adept at language arts compared to mathematical concepts.
The data indicates that the Richland One and Richland Two districts lagged behind state averages in both subjects, indicating a need for targeted interventions. In contrast, the Lexington 1 district showed improvement, with most grades outperforming state averages. Specifically, over 70% of fourth and fifth graders in Lexington 1 met or exceeded expectations in English. Additionally, 60% of third graders in the same district met or exceeded expectations in math, demonstrating a significant advantage compared to other districts in the state.
While statewide scores over the past three years reflect a gradual improvement in academic performance, the overall numbers remain short of the Department of Education’s target of 75% of students performing at or above grade level by 2030. Current SC READY scores range from a minimum score of 100, with top marks varying from 825 to 950 depending on the grade level.
Improvement has been noted in Richland County School Districts One and Two, although many students still struggle to meet expectations. In Richland One, approximately 26% of eighth graders met expectations in English language arts, showing a slight increase from 22% the previous year. However, in math, only 10.5% of eighth graders in the district met expectations, reflecting a slight decrease from the previous year. Moreover, Richland Two eighth graders experienced a decline in ELA scores, with only 23.8% meeting expectations, and math scores remained stagnant at 13.5% for the same grade level.
It is important to note that changes in testing format from pencil-and-paper assessments to online testing introduced variability in score outcomes, particularly in Richland Two. In response to these challenges, education officials are actively focusing on enhancing reading programs to improve ELA scores and developing more effective math curricula to meet the needs of students.
Parents can access their child’s SC READY test results and district performance online, providing them with insight into their school’s educational outcomes.
FAQ
What is the SC READY test?
The SC READY test is an assessment used in South Carolina to evaluate student performance in English language arts and math for grades 3 through 8.
What were the overall findings of the latest SC READY test results?
The latest results indicated that over 50% of students in each grade met or exceeded expectations in English, while only third and fourth graders achieved this in math. The performance was particularly poor among eighth graders in math.
How did different school districts perform?
Richland One and Richland Two districts performed below state averages in both subjects, while Lexington 1 district surpassed state averages, particularly in English performance.
What is the state goal for student performance by 2030?
The South Carolina Department of Education aims for 75% of students to perform at or above grade level by the year 2030.
Where can parents find SC READY test results for their children?
Parents can access their child’s SC READY test scores and school district performance online on the South Carolina Department of Education’s official website.
Key Features of SC READY Test Results
| Grade Level | Math Performance (%) | English Performance (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Grade | 56.3 | Over 50 |
| 4th Grade | 50+ | 63.5 |
| 8th Grade | 32.4 | Around 26 |
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: SC READY Scores Show Growth
- Wikipedia: Standardized Testing
- Cola Daily: Lexington-Richland District 5 Rankings
- Google Search: Education Performance South Carolina
- Richland Source: Richland County Schools Performance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
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