READING AND WRITING SCORES ON THE RISE IN SOUTH CAROLINA’S LOWCOUNTRY
Here’s some uplifting academic news: the Charleston County School District has seen a rise in the percentage of African American and Hispanic 10th graders meeting benchmark scores on a major English exam, according to WCSC (Live5News). The test is the English 2 End-Of-Course Examination Program, or EOCEP, which is a statewide assessment administered in all S.C. public schools.
The news was shared at a Jan. 22 school board meeting. Leaders said the percentage of African American and Hispanic students who earned a “C” or higher on the winter exam increased by 13.1% from last spring.
(WCSC and CCSD)
That percentage is a large jump over gains made between 2022 and 2023, where the number of “on track” students grew by 5.1%. Progress is accelerating!
Board members were also encouraged to revisit numbers after the spring 24’ EOCEP is given for a full comparison.
WCSC reports on the district’s approach:
“It goes back to a conglomeration of things that are really supporting these kinds of outcomes,” Charleston County School District’s Acting Superintendent, Antia Huggins, says. “We’re really trying to change the mindset inside of CCSD to believe that all children can achieve at very high levels, and that’s coming with some courageous conversations and work in that regard.”
We at CALN also believe that all children can achieve at high levels, and we applaud CCSD leaders, teachers and students for their exceptional progress.