McMaster hails new reading law in visit to Aiken school
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster paid a visit to Aiken on Wednesday.
He stopped by J.D. Lever Elementary School, 2404 Columbia Highway North, around 10 a.m. for a ceremonial bill g.
He signed Senate Bill 418, which strengthens the Read to Succeed Act, which has been in effect for nearly a decade.
“If these plans, if these techniques, if these understandings are fully implemented and they will open every door in the whole world view,” said McMaster.
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A keystone of the original act has been retaining students in third grade if they can’t read yet. 45% of third-grade students are below level, but summer learning camps can help them catch up.
State Superintendent Ellen Weaver said the goal is “to ensure that every student in South Carolina has the ability to be a great reader.”
Among other things, the new measure focuses on younger students.
“You’re the younger ones. This is going to be your world. In order for you to fully appreciate it and make it a better place, you must read,” said McMaster.
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Summer learning camp opportunities will now be extended to first- and second-graders at risk of falling behind.
State Sen. Greg Hembree said: “What we had happening is your child was already well behind by the time they got to third grade and then it’s you know, kind of ringing the alarm it’s too late.”
The measure also strengthens guidelines for teachers on teaching reading and deciding when to intervene.
McMaster originally signed the measure a couple of weeks ago, so Wednesday’s visit was primarily ceremonial.
J.D. Lever is one of the first schools in the state to implement the LETR Program, which this bill will fund for every kindergarten through third-grade teacher in the state to go through. The program will help teach the teachers how to better help educate those at a young age how to read.
“I think it’s going to turn the entire state around,” said J.D. Lever Principal Kippy Kelly.
They now expect all K-3 teachers to have completed this program in the next two years.
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