South Carolina

A comprehensive overview of South Carolina’s enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.

Brief Summary

South Carolina mandates early dyslexia screening, structured interventions, and evidence-based literacy training for teachers. Educators must complete professional development focused on dyslexia identification. Schools are required to communicate regularly with families about intervention plans.

South Carolina Legislations and Regulations

H4434 Dyslexia Screening and Intervention Law (2018)

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Summary

This law requires universal screening, evidence-based interventions, and professional development for educators, as well as the establishment of a Learning Disorders Task Force to guide these efforts and ensure statewide implementation and reporting.

How This Affects Families and Educators

By ensuring early identification of reading difficulties, this law helps teachers provide timely interventions, which can significantly benefit students with dyslexia. Families will have access to resources that support their children’s learning needs.

H5024 Literacy Coaches and Teachers (2016)

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Summary

This law requires the South Carolina Department of Education to provide training to literacy coaches and teachers in grades K-3 on dyslexia and related reading disorders. The training includes evidence-based screenings, instructional methods, and interventions.

How This Affects Families and Educators

The law ensures that educators are trained to recognize and address dyslexia, which can lead to more effective teaching strategies for students with reading difficulties. Families can expect better support for their children’s literacy needs.

Teacher Certification and Professional Development Requirements

  • The State Department of Education must provide training on dyslexia and related reading disorders to all literacy coaches and literacy teachers in kindergarten through grade three before the 2016-2017 school year.
  • Training must cover:
    • The prevalence of dyslexia using the internationally accepted definition from the International Dyslexia Association.
    • Evidence-based screening tools appropriate for age.
    •  Multisensory instructional methods specifically designed for students with dyslexia.
  • Public school districts are required to implement a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to address the needs of students with reading difficulties.

More Info

South Carolina Department of Education/SC Dyslexia Handbook
H5024