At a board meeting, Lexington County School District Four discussed actions they are taking regarding academics following the 2024-25 S.C. Ready exam results. 

The district saw an increase in English language arts scores. 48.5% of third graders, 48.1% of fourth graders, 33.2% of fifth graders, 41.4% of sixth graders, 34.7% of seventh graders and 32.2% of eighth graders met or exceeded expectations.

In 2024, 26.3% of eighth graders and 35% of fourth graders met or exceeded expectations.

Some grade-level math scores declined this year. In math, 46.2% of third graders, 41.9% of fourth graders, 19.1% of fifth graders, 28.6% of sixth graders, 12.1% of seventh graders and 10.6% of eighth graders met or exceeded expectations.

In 2024, 49.3% of third graders and 14.9% of eighth graders met or exceeded expectations. 

“Right now, we want to make sure we are moving in that positive direction and we are giving our teachers all the support they need so that our students continue to perform well,” Chief Academics Officer Penny Atkinson said. 

Throughout the district, all schools are holding professional development sessions for I-Ready exams so teachers can learn how to analyze the data. Instructional coaches are also being used to support classroom teachers with best practices for students. 

At Swansea Freshman Academy and Swansea High School, teachers are utilizing online platforms for subjects that are individualized for each student, based on the scores on last year's exams. Teachers are able to monitor student activity to ensure they are making progress.

Both schools recently completed a benchmark assessment, and educators are using data from both the benchmark and the end-of-course exams to make instructional decisions, address gaps and plan next steps.

Additionally, the schools have been focusing on developing lessons for the end-of-course examination courses. 

The district was also given a specialist by the South Carolina Department of Education who has been working with teachers in all four content areas. Teachers have had at least one session with the specialist. 

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lexington Four Administrative Office, located at 607 E 5th St. in Swansea.