Third Grade Retention

Act 284 (Read to Succeed) requires that, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, a student must be retained in the third grade if the student fails to demonstrate reading proficiency at the end of third grade as indicated by scoring at the lowest achievement level on the state summative reading assessment SC READY. A student may be exempt for good cause from the mandatory retention but shall continue to receive instructional support and services and reading intervention appropriate for their age and reading level. The Read to Succeed Team is aware of research around third grade retention and is currently researching models and solutions in other states and among stakeholders in South Carolina.

Third Grade Retention Guidance Document (DOC - updated March 2022)