Charleston, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Charleston County’s Matilda Dunston and Ladson Elementary schools are partnering with the Lowcountry Literacy Project to enhance literacy through a new teacher training initiative. This program targets Title 1 Elevation schools and focuses on the Orton-Gillingham method, providing educators with effective reading instruction tools. The initiative aims to address alarming literacy statistics, providing in-classroom support and expanding efforts to improve literacy outcomes among disadvantaged students. Additionally, community events will foster family involvement in literacy.
Charleston – Charleston County elementary schools, Matilda Dunston and Ladson Elementary, are set to launch a new teacher training initiative aimed at enhancing literacy outcomes among students. This program, developed in partnership with the Lowcountry Literacy Project, specifically targets Title 1 Elevation schools, which serve a population of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The main objective of the initiative is to provide teachers with effective reading instruction tools that have been proven to improve literacy skills.
As part of this initiative, educators at both schools will undergo training in the Orton-Gillingham method, a structured and evidence-based approach to teaching reading. Workshops will be provided, along with in-classroom support to ensure teachers can effectively implement what they learn during the training. This effort comes in light of troubling statistics regarding literacy in South Carolina, which ranks 38th in the nation according to the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. About two-thirds of fourth graders in the state are not reading at grade level, as highlighted by assessments from the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
The Lowcountry Literacy Project’s executive director noted that schools with a high percentage of students living in poverty and those with multilingual learners desperately need support. The initiative aims to help students not only learn to read but also to read in order to learn, which is essential for their academic success.
This collaboration between the Lowcountry Literacy Project and the Charleston County School District is not new; it began in 2021. Last year, the initiative had already supported 45 classrooms across three other elementary schools: James B. Edwards, Jennie Moore, and St. Andrew’s School of Math and Science. The expansion will add 31 more classrooms, increasing the total number of supported classrooms to 76. Preliminary data from participating schools indicates that literacy achievement gaps have narrowed by nearly 40% since the program’s inception. Classrooms led by trained educators have shown over 20% more students reaching reading proficiency compared to those without such specialized training.
A survey of teachers revealed that 81% felt unprepared to teach reading upon graduating. By addressing this gap in training, the initiative hopes to equip teachers with the necessary skills to effectively teach reading, thereby improving student outcomes. A teacher who transitioned from kindergarten to become a reading interventionist in order to assist more students noted that the Orton-Gillingham method has drastically improved students’ reading capabilities.
In addition to the training initiative, the Jenkins Youth and Family Village is hosting its first family resource fair, which aims to foster family involvement in children’s literacy, especially during the summer months when academic skills often decline. This fair will feature various vendors providing resources, including mental health services and literacy workshops. The event will highlight the importance of parent participation in encouraging reading habits at home.
The fair will also include activities for children such as reading stations and soccer games, and it emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming families from all backgrounds regardless of race, age, or income level. While 51% of K-8 students in the Charleston County School District are reading below grade level, the figures are even higher among minority students, with 83% of Black students and 73% of Hispanic students in the third grade failing to meet reading benchmarks.
Recognizing the need to prioritize literacy, the Charleston County School District is set to implement a new comprehensive English Language Arts curriculum for 52 out of its 61 K-8 schools this August. This curriculum is designed to meet the unique learning needs of students by incorporating foundational skills into its framework. District leaders are also embracing universal design for learning to facilitate equal opportunities for student success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the teacher training initiative?
The initiative aims to enhance literacy outcomes by training teachers in effective reading instruction methods, particularly in Title 1 Elevation schools.
Which schools are involved in this initiative?
The initiative involves Matilda Dunston and Ladson Elementary schools in Charleston County.
What specific reading instruction method will be used?
The Orton-Gillingham method will be the primary approach used to train teachers.
How has the initiative impacted literacy achievement so far?
Data indicates that literacy achievement gaps in participating schools have closed by nearly 40% since the initiative began.
What are the statistics related to literacy in South Carolina?
South Carolina ranks 38th in the nation for literacy, and two-thirds of fourth graders are not reading at grade level.
What additional community efforts are being made to support literacy?
The Jenkins Youth and Family Village is hosting a family resource fair to promote parental involvement and offer resources related to literacy and education.
Key Features of the Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Schools | Matilda Dunston and Ladson Elementary |
| Partnership | Lowcountry Literacy Project |
| Reading Instruction Method | Orton-Gillingham |
| Supported Classrooms | 76 classrooms total |
| Literacy Achievement Gap Closure | Closed by nearly 40% |
| Teachers Feeling Unprepared | 81% of teachers reported feeling unprepared to teach reading |
| Community Support Event | Family Resource Fair by Jenkins Youth and Family Village |
| New English Curriculum Implementation | Starting in August for 52 K-8 schools |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Adult Education Options at Technical Schools in Charleston, SC
Top Trade Programs at Charleston’s Technical Schools
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Charleston County School District Working to Improve Child Literacy Rate
- Live 5 News: North Charleston Nonprofit Boosts Literacy and Family Engagement
- Charleston City Paper: Colbert Mocks Network’s Reasoning in Canceling Show
- Charleston Business: Eileen Chepenik Retires After 19 Years at Trident Literacy
- ABC News 4: 1 in 2 CCSD K-8 Students Read Below Grade Level
- Wikipedia: Literacy
- Google Search: Literacy Education
- Google Scholar: Literacy Intervention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literacy
- Google News: Literacy Programs
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