Nearly 1 in 5 children in S.C. struggle to learn to read.
Early reading shapes a child’s future. Yet nearly 1 in 5 children struggle to learn to read, and many are not identified until they have already fallen behind. A child who struggles silently in first grade may struggle for years without the right support. Early identification changes trajectories — transforming silent struggle into opportunity and helping children build confidence, skills, and long-term academic success.
South Carolina requires early screening for reading difficulties, including dyslexia. However, many schools still lack practical, validated tools to identify children at risk during the early grades, when intervention makes the greatest difference. Without accessible, research-driven screening approaches, students may miss the window when support is most effective.
Dr. Scott L. Decker, Professor of Psychology at the University of South Carolina and nationally recognized expert in learning disabilities, has developed an adaptive, research-based dyslexia screening tool designed specifically for young learners. Built upon years of research in early literacy and neuropsychological assessment, this tool is designed to provide educators with clearer insight into early reading risk while remaining developmentally appropriate and accessible for classroom use.
This initiative launches a community-based pilot to bring that screening directly into South Carolina classrooms while continuing to refine and strengthen the research behind it. Support from this campaign will expand classroom-based screening access, strengthen research and development to improve screening accuracy and fairness, and provide educators and families with meaningful information that can guide early support.
This project reflects the University of South Carolina’s commitment to research, education, and community engagement. By translating research into real-world classroom impact, we can help ensure that more children are identified early, supported effectively, and positioned for lifelong success.
Early identification changes trajectories. With your support, we can strengthen early reading across South Carolina and ensure that fewer children struggle in silence.
