South Carolina
State Information
The purpose of this document is to capture state-by-state information of policy and guidelines related to the science of reading / evidence-based reading instruction to be presented on The Reading League Compass, a website of reliable and reputable guidance and resources for targeted stakeholder groups.
Updated 2025
Local control?
Yes
Has your state passed legislation and/or non-legislated rule changes related to the science of reading?
Yes, Act 114 of the 2024 legislative session:
- Requires and funds SoR training for K-3 educators.
- Prohibits 3-cueing
- Pre-service and in-service teachers must receive coursework grounded in the Science of Reading.
- Districts must regularly reassess curriculum and materials to ensure alignment with foundational literacy skills.
Proviso 1A.74 requires and funds SoR training for 4K teachers.
Does your state have an approved curriculum list?
Yes. Comprehensive Listing of State Adopted ELA Instructional Materials for Elementary Schools (K–5) for School Year 2024-2025 and beyond.
Was evidence-aligned reading instruction a consideration for the curriculum review?
Yes. Section 59-155-110 (1) (2) of Act 114 of 2024 requires the use of scientifically based reading instruction in PreK-5th grade that includes oral language, phonological awareness, phonics fluency, vocabulary and comprehension and requires districts to ensure curriculum and instructional materials align with foundational literacy skills.
This is a K-5 ELA Curriculum Adoption Consideration Rubric that was used. Page 2 specifically required alignment to SoR. Page 5 requires alignment to the SC Foundations of Literacy ELA standards that are aligned to SoR.
Does your state mandate or provide guidance on early screening?
Yes. MTSS Legislation (Act 213) requires districts to screen all kindergarten and first grade students three times a year for potential literacy difficulties (including but not limited to dyslexia). Approved tools must screen for foundational reading skills. More information and approved screeners here.
Does your state have policy or guidance related to MTSS that incorporates information on the science of reading and/or evidence-based literacy practices?
Yes. Districts must screen all kindergarten and first grade students three times a year for potential literacy difficulties (including but not limited to dyslexia).
The SC MTSS Framework provides more information on best practices with MTSS, including the importance of foundational skills.
Additional information on MTSS can be located on the webpage.
MTSS Legislation can be found here. The SC State Reading Plan was updated in 2024-25 to reflect the requirements set forth in Act 114.
Does your state have policy or guidance related to instruction and/or professional development
Yes, Act 114 of the 2024 legislative session requires and funds SoR training for K-3 educators.
Proviso 1A.74 requires and funds SoR training for 4K teachers and teaching assistants.
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading?
Yes. SCDE contracts with Lexia (LETRS) to offer SoR training. Lexia provides teachers and administrators with a plethora of resources to support their SoR journey. More information can found on the South Carolina/Lexia site.
Has your state reviewed standards for alignment to the science of reading?
The Office of Assessment & Standards have produced additional resources aligned to SoR to support work in the field including a Foundations of Literacy Support Document.
Does your state have guidance or resources for families related to the science of reading?
Yes.
- Overview of SoR that includes a one-pager.
- Videos from schools that have embraced SoR practices.
Literacy Toolkits for Community Stakeholders aligned to SoR.
Does your state have licensure or program approval criteria to ensure Educator Preparation Programs are aligned to the science of reading?
Yes.
- From the SCDE Read to Succeed Implementation Guidelines for Endorsements and Course Approval Document: Pursuant to Act 114, pre-service preparation in literacy instruction must ensure that teacher candidates develop knowledge of foundational literacy skills grounded in the scientific principles of reading instruction and have opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in field and clinical experiences. Implementation of the amended Read to Succeed Act will require all educator preparation providers (EPPs) to review their current approved course offerings to ensure that teacher candidates are prepared to teach reading effectively to students in South Carolina classrooms, and SCDE offices are committed to working with EPPs as part of this review process.
Act 114 of the 2024 legislative session also requires teachers seeking initial certification to earn a passing score on a scientifically based reading exam prior to receiving their teaching license. This begins September 1, 2026.
Do you have a “contact us” website that we can share publicly on TRL Compass?
Main agency contact page.
Interactive State Map
Use the interactive state map to find descriptions of state-level policy adoption, guidance, and practices related to the science of reading. State policy may include legislation incorporating training or practices related to the science of reading or state education agency guidance regarding policy, professional development, curricula, instruction, or assessment.
Filter by specific topic area(s) to find state-specific work:
The Reading League expresses gratitude to our collaborators and associates within the state education agencies for sharing their state-specific data. This data will undergo semi-annual updates, contingent upon the availability and resources of the respective state agencies. For any inquiries, clarifications, or updates, please reach out to compass@thereadingleague.org.
