Math & reading standards and testing in South Carolina
Updated June 2026
South Carolina repealed Common Core and adopted its own College- and Career-Ready Standards. Students in grades 3-8 take the SC READY assessment each spring.
Does South Carolina hold kids back in 3rd grade for reading?
Yes. Under Read to Succeed (Act 114), 3rd graders scoring Does Not Meet Expectations on SC READY Reading must be retained unless they qualify for a good-cause exemption (the portfolio exemption was removed).
Standards
SC College- and Career-Ready Standards
South Carolina sets its own grade-level expectations rather than using Common Core, though the core math and reading skills are similar grade to grade.
The key test
The South Carolina state test
SC READY covers both math and reading in grades 3-8.
Reading the results
Spring.
Four levels: Does Not Meet, Approaches, Meets, Exceeds Expectations.
On grade level means Meets or Exceeds Expectations on SC READY Reading; Does Not Meet in 3rd grade triggers retention absent an exemption.
What's distinctive about South Carolina
South Carolina strengthened its retention gate under Act 114 starting 2024-25 and dropped the portfolio exemption.
Practice the skills, by grade
Whatever South Carolina calls its test, the underlying math and reading skills are grade-level. Practice them directly:
Practice the skills behind the test
KangarooKiddo gives short, daily, grade-aligned math and reading practice mapped to Common Core, in sessions kids come back to. Honest progress for you, rewards they earn.
Source: South Carolina Department of Education. Verified for the 2025-26 school year; policies can change, so confirm with your school.