Pre-Service Teacher Preparation
Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 59-155-180 and beginning in the fall semester of the 2016-17 school year, all pre-service teacher preparation programs, education preparation providers (EPPs) must ensure that all candidates enrolled in pre-service teacher education programs, including MAT degree programs, complete an approved sequence in literacy that is aligned with relevant literacy competencies and South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) policies. Ultimately, the goal of the legislation and its pre-service requirements is “to improve the academic success of all students in prekindergarten through grade twelve” (Section 59-155-180 (A)). Additional information regarding pre-service Read to Succeed (R2S) can be found in the August 2, 2021 Pre-Service Read to Succeed Memorandum.
Prior to implementation of these pre-service requirements, the SCDE worked with educator preparation providers to approve course sequences aligned with the appropriate South Carolina Literacy Competencies for each initial preparation program offered. See course requirements by certification field/grade span below:
Early Childhood and Elementary Education
- Teacher candidates are required to take a twelve credit hour sequence in literacy that includes a school-based practicum.
Middle School and Secondary
- Teacher candidates are required to take a six credit hour sequence in literacy that includes a course in the foundations of literacy and a course in content area reading.
Special Education
- Teacher candidates are required to complete a twelve credit hour course sequence, including a school-based practicum experience, which may be included in the total practicum hours of the program. Providers that offer a special education program in severe disabilities may find that not all elements within each standard apply to their work. These programs will be given flexibility to embed the appropriate elements within each standard that best apply to teachers working with students with severe disabilities.
PK-12 (all areas except special education)
- Teacher candidates are required to take a three credit hour course in content area reading and writing. Candidates have the option to take a content area reading and writing course with an early childhood/elementary emphasis OR a middle/secondary emphasis.
Recommendation for Certification and Verification of Program Completion
When completing candidate recommendation forms, the provider must verify each candidate’s completion of all requirements of the approved program, including all R2S courses and field experiences in the approved sequence. Candidates must earn a grade of C or better in each course in the approved literacy sequence for issuance of the R2S endorsement for the certification field.
Approved R2S Course Sequences
Each candidate must complete the approved R2S sequence for the program in which the individual is enrolled. Providers may not allow a substitution for a course, in an approved R2S sequence without approval from the SCDE prior to a candidate’s enrollment in the course. The requirement applies to transfer courses as well. The Read to Succeed (R2S) Course Substitution Form must include a rationale for the substitution and documentation that the proposed course addresses the same South Carolina Literacy Competencies as the approved course.
Provider Information for Read to Succeed Implementation
Providers must ensure that the approved R2S sequence is implemented with fidelity for each preparation program leading to initial certification and that candidate progress toward fulfilling R2S requirements is monitored through standard advisement and degree-auditing processes.
Any provider seeking revision to an approved R2S course sequence must submit proposed changes, including additions or deletions of courses, to the SCDE for approval prior to implementation using the Read to Succeed Pre-Service Verification Form. Providers must also submit this form to provide notification of changes to course titles or course numbers.
Providers must ensure all changes address the relevant South Carolina Literacy Competencies for the grade span of the preparation program.
For additional information regarding R2S pre-service requirements or to request technical assistance, please contact Jaclyn Walsh at jwalsh@ed.sc.gov or at 803-896-0428.
