PAIRS, a project of SC Daily Newspapers, is adminstered by the SC Education Oversight Committee (EOC)
The Crisis
South Carolina ranks last among states in graduation rates, graduating only 48% of 9th graders in four years.
Research studies commissioned by the Education Oversight Commitee show an almost one-to-one correlation between reading proficiency and high school graduation.
It Could Happen
The good news is that for every ten additional students we can help to reach reading proficiency , at least eight will graduate. Students' success depends on their contact with adults who encourage and inspire them to read outside of the classroom.
The Relationship between Reading Proficiency and High School Graduation Rates In SC: Executive Summary, 2005*
Dollar General Accepting Applications for Youth Literacy and Back-to-School
2009 SC Literacy Champions Awards
Program Announced