Spearman announces $700,000 in Summer Reading Camp Community Partnership Grants
Columbia–State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman has announced that 24 school districts and community organizations will receive a share of $700,000 through the Summer Reading Camp Community Partnership Grant.
“A student’s ability to read is a critical predictor of educational and lifelong success,” said Superintendent Spearman. “Summer reading camps provide students with extended time and support to help them become stronger readers while combating summer reading loss in a fun, active environment. I am excited that we can help support community organizations across our state interested in partnering with schools to expand summer learning opportunities.”
The Summer Reading Camp Community Partnership Grant is funded by an appropriation from the South Carolina General Assembly and aims to expand the existing summer reading camps, which provide elementary school students who are working toward grade level reading proficiency with the opportunity to receive quality, intensive instructional services. The 2017-2018 school year is the first year in which a student must be retained in the third grade if the student fails to demonstrate reading proficiency on the state summative reading assessment SC READY. Successful completion of a summer reading camp is one of seven good cause exemptions from mandatory retention provided in the state’s Read to Succeed legislation.
For students to benefit from the summer program, they must attend regularly and be engaged in instructional and hands-on learning experiences. Grant sites strategize ways to increase consistent student attendance through collaborative partnerships between local community organizations and school districts.
Darlington County School District received a grant for $29,856 for the project titled Success for All: Readers Becomes Leaders. Their community partners are EdVenture, YMCA of the Upper Pee Dee, Coker College and the Teach Foundation.