Charleston County schools celebrate historic test score gains

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Charleston County School District students showed gains in reading and math on state assessment tests not seen since before the pandemic, according to recent SC Ready scores.

In reading, 65% of students scored proficient or above, a boost of 19.6% since 2019. In math, 54% were proficient or above, up more than 5% since the pandemic began.

The district’s students outperformed state averages and ranked tops in pandemic recovery in a national study.

“We’re really excited about the progress we’re seeing in student growth and achievement,” said Superintendent Anita Huggins. “We believe a continued focus on literacy in our schools and mathematical readiness is going to be critically important to maintaining those gains.”

District plans universal pre-K expansion

Huggins wants to build on the recent successes by making pre-kindergarten learning available to every child on the Peninsula first, then district-wide in three to five years.

“I’m really excited to explore that with our board. We’re making plans to roll that out next August in one area here in South Carolina, in Charleston,” Huggins said. “It gives me chills just to think about the opportunities that universal pre-K can change and give for students, particularly students of color, children in poverty.”

The district currently has waiting lists in many schools for pre-K opportunities.

“It’s really expensive to do. You also need space to do it. And so we’re prioritizing that. It’s one of our budget investments,” Huggins said. “I fully believe that where you spend your money is where your heart resides.”

Teachers receive highest pay in state

Huggins has made Charleston educators the best paid in the state.

“We want the very best here in Charleston and we’re emphasizing the importance of livable wages for our educators,” she said. “When you pay the highest in the state, you often can attract some of the best. So, we’re really focused on teacher quality and teacher development and we’re doing that at a significant pace here in Charleston.”