Add Row

Add Element

update

Around the Upstate Podcast

update

Add Element

Home
Categories
- Upstate Featured
- Living
- Wellness
- Homegrown Business
- Arts & Culture
- Outdoors
- Community
- Episodes
- Events
- Education
- Style & Trends
- Voices
- Attractions
- Other News

September 08.2025

2 Minutes Read

Edgefield County Students Lead in Math Gains with SC READY Assessment Success

Edgefield County SC READY Assessment, students focused in classroom.

Edgefield County Leads in Student Growth with SC READY Data

The latest SC READY assessment reveals remarkable academic advancements in Edgefield County School District (ECSD). The data, reported by the South Carolina Department of Education, showcases a commendable increase in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math, highlighting the district as a standout leader across the state in student growth.

Significant Gains in Academic Performance

ECSD has experienced notable improvements in ELA, with scores climbing from 50.7% in 2024 to 58.5% in 2025. This 7.8 percent increase marks a greater advancement than the state average of 6.1 percentage points. Despite being marginally behind the statewide figure of 60.2%, the district boasts 1.6% fewer students in the “Does Not Meet” category, evidencing the effectiveness of the district's educational strategies.

Exceptional Progress in Math

The growth in Math is even more striking. ECSD's “Meets and Exceeds” scores surged by 8.5 percentage points, positioning the district as the second highest in growth statewide. This achievement is over five times greater than the state average increase of just 1.6 percentage points. Such progress indicates a district-wide commitment to elevating students’ understanding of fundamental concepts, as more students move into the “Meets” category, showcasing effective teaching practices.

The Role of Educators in Student Success

ECSD Superintendent Dr. Kevin O’Gorman attributed this success to the dedication of teachers who have adapted to new teaching standards. “Our staff has diligently adjusted to enhanced instructional materials, demonstrating the vital role educators play in fostering student achievement,” Dr. O’Gorman said. This commitment among educators across the district sets a foundation for continued growth and success.

South Carolina’s Broader Academic Landscape

Statewide, progress remains on track toward the ambitious goal of having 75% of students performing at or above grade level by 2030, according to SC READY results. The data reflects that 61.7% of 3rd graders and 63.5% of 4th graders are currently achieving at or above grade level, hinting at the overall commitment to enhancing student performance throughout South Carolina.

Implications for Future Learning

This encouraging data not only highlights the achievements of Edgefield County but also points to the hard work of educators throughout the state. As SC READY assessment scores continue to improve, it fosters a hopeful outlook for future educational outcomes. For students, families, and educators, these results are a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in public education.

Education

0 Comments

Write A Comment

Related Posts All Posts

09.18.2025

McCormick County's ELA Scores Skyrocket: A Model for South Carolina Education

Update McCormick County Schools Celebrates Top ELA Improvement in South Carolina In an inspiring event held on September 18, 2025, McCormick County Schools received high praise for its remarkable performance in English Language Arts (ELA) education. State School Superintendent Ellen Weaver visited to deliver her State of Education speech and acknowledge the district's achievement of the highest improvement scores in the state. With a notable 14% increase in ELA scores on the SCReady statewide testing, McCormick topped all 46 counties in South Carolina, showcasing the dedication and resilience of both educators and students. Importance of Community Alignment in Educational Success During her address, Superintendent Weaver emphasized the critical role of clarity and alignment in the education system, advocating for a unified vision where schools, families, and the community all strive toward common goals. "The future of our children is based on clarity and alignment," she stated, underscoring the necessity for collaborative efforts that ensure every student is set on the right path to success. This community commitment to education is essential for continuing the upward trend in academic achievement. Understanding the Bigger Picture: Education's Role in Society The significant strides made by McCormick County Schools not only reflect improved test scores but also illustrate a broader commitment to enhancing the educational landscape for future generations. Students' success in ELA is a building block for overall academic prowess and critical thinking skills, both of which are vital in today’s rapidly changing world. The McCormick community’s exemplary performance serves as an encouraging example for other districts looking to enhance their educational outcomes. As South Carolina strives to improve its overall educational system, highlighting local success stories can inspire collective action towards a more effective learning environment.

09.18.2025

New South Carolina Bill Aims to Regulate Educator Social Media Conduct Following Tragic Event

Update A New Bill Shapes Educator Social Media Use In South Carolina, a new bill aims to address a growing concern among educators regarding their social media conduct, especially in light of the recent tragedy involving a local teacher, Kirk. This legislative move is an attempt to ensure that teachers represent their profession positively online. Why This Matters to Students and Families Social media is an ever-present part of our lives, especially for students. With teachers now encouraged to uphold certain standards online, students and families hope this will foster a healthier school environment. Parents want to ensure their children are surrounded by positive influences, and educators agree that professional conduct sets an excellent example. What’s in the Bill? The proposed legislation outlines key guidelines on how teachers should interact online, aiming to prevent situations that might message confusion about proper boundaries. Proponents believe this can lead to a more focused educational environment, while some argue it might overly restrict personal expression. Looking Forward This is just one example of a broader trend where social media interactions are under the microscope. As online platforms evolve, the way educators use these tools will likely continue to be an important topic of discussion within communities. Community Reactions Reactions from the community have been mixed. Some applaud this effort as a way to ensure professionalism, while others question how it might affect teachers' freedom of speech. As discussions continue, local families are encouraged to engage with educators about how this will impact their experiences with schools. As South Carolina moves forward with this bill, educators, students, and families will be watching closely. After all, teachers significantly influence students' lives, both inside and outside the classroom. In this evolving social media landscape, fostering positive interactions remains the ultimate goal.

09.17.2025

How Oconee County is Pursuing State Funds for More School Resource Officers

Update Oconee County Seeks State Funding for School Resource Officers In a bold move to enhance the safety of its schools, Amanda Brock, the Oconee County administrator, announced plans to appeal for state funding aimed at creating additional School Resource Officers (SROs). This comes in light of the recent commitment from the governor, who allocated funds for SROs across South Carolina, particularly targeting public schools that currently lack these vital safety personnel. A Proactive Safety Approach Oconee County's efforts in staffing SROs reflect a proactive commitment to student safety. However, the county faces a unique challenge; while it has successfully integrated SROs in collaboration with the sheriff's office and school district, this record might impede its eligibility for state funds. The implication is clear: counties with established safety measures could potentially miss out on much-needed financial support. The Importance of School Resource Officers School Resource Officers play a crucial role in fostering a safe educational environment. They not only provide physical security but also engage positively with students, helping to build trust and rapport within the school community. As conversations around school safety continue to evolve, the presence of SROs is increasingly valued, making funding initiatives like the governor's commitment essential. The Road Ahead for Oconee County As Oconee County navigates this potential funding application, the community's support and community access to information about the process will be invaluable. The upcoming months will be critical in determining whether Oconee will receive the financial backing needed to expand its safety measures. An effective approach could not only provide funds for additional SROs but also further integrate safety into the county's fabric of education.