Horry County Schools' Bold Plan: 95% Reading Proficiency by 2030!

Horry County Schools Aims for Literacy Leap

Horry County Schools kicked off the new academic year with a renewed focus on improving student literacy. At their recent board meeting, members unveiled the ambitious district-wide initiative, "Rise with Reading," setting a target of 95% of students reading at or above grade level by 2030.

Currently, approximately 74% of students meet this benchmark, according to Communications Director Lisa Bourcier. "We are up for the challenge; it’s a lofty goal, a big goal, but we are all for it," Bourcier stated, expressing the district's commitment to the program.

Key Components of "Rise with Reading"

The "Rise with Reading" program incorporates several key elements designed to support student literacy development:

• Professional Development: Equipping teachers with the latest research and strategies in literacy instruction.
• Stronger Monitoring Systems: Implementing robust systems to track student progress and identify areas needing support.
• Targeted Instructional Coaching: Providing individualized support and guidance to teachers to enhance their literacy instruction.
• Expanded Parent Engagement: Creating opportunities for parents to actively participate in their children's literacy development.

Bourcier emphasized the importance of parental involvement, highlighting the resources available to help parents support their children's learning at home.

Successes and Future Initiatives

District Two Board Member Debbie Edmonds highlighted the success in reducing third-grade retention under the Read to Succeed Act. She also shared plans to strengthen literacy supports through new student programs in agriculture, career and technical education, special education transition services, and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program.

Bourcier also expressed gratitude for the board's funding of new teacher training tools, emphasizing the importance of grounding instruction in the science of reading, particularly at the elementary level, and extending these principles into writing instruction at the middle and high school levels.

Teacher Pay Increase

The board also addressed teacher compensation, noting a significant increase in teacher pay over the past decade. Beginning teachers now earn $52,026 annually, approximately $16,000 more than in 2015.