Lawmakers debate how to help students read
South Carolina lawmakers are still discussing how to respond to a study showing that about 30 percent of third graders in the state struggle to read at their grade level, WIS reported.
They are currently debating a measure that would hold back third graders who fail to meet certain requirements. Also included in the proposal are reading coaches, teacher training and summer reading camps.
Lawmakers could mimic Florida’s “Read to Succeed Act,” a third grade retention policy for students who are falling behind in reading, but its cost is a major issue.
On Wednesday, senators voted 36-6 for a bipartisan compromise on the bill.
Many lawmakers predict that a $65 million proposal to expand the 4-year-old kindergarten will eventually merge with the “Read to Succeed Act,” but the issue is still under debate.
Army officer saves life, administers first aid
Sgt. 1st Class John Jackson stopped on Highway 378 to save the life of one man and give first aid to another, WIS reported.
According to Shaw Air Force Base officials, Jackson was returning from an appointment Thursday morning when he saw a sewage vacuum truck hit a tree.
Jackson reported smelling fuel and seeing sparks and smoke coming from the vehicle as he approached. After removing the men from the area, he gave them both first aid.
“I had seen these injuries before,” said Jackson, who has served four tours of duty in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. “I have treated these injuries before — amputations, decapitations, fractures. I have seen about every flavor of trauma you can imagine.”
Brian Christmas, a battalion chief in the Sumter Fire Department, said that one of the victims could have lost his life if Jackson hadn’t acted.
Stephen Colbert, a Charleston native, will be David Letterman’s successor on the “Late Show,” The State reported. CBS announced Thursday that the change will become effective upon Letterman’s retirement.
Charleston native to take over the ‘Late Show’
Colbert has a 5-year agreement with CBS, which was announced by Leslie Moonves, the Chairman and CEO of the CBS Corporation, and Nina Tassler, entertainment chief of CBS.
“Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television,” said Moonves. “David Letterman’s legacy and accomplishments are an incredible source of pride for all of us here, and today’s announcement speaks to our commitment of upholding what he established for CBS in late night.”
Letterman discussed his retirement on his April 3 broadcast after hosting the late night series on CBS for a total of 21 years. The producers and location of the “Late Show” under Colbert, as well as other specific creative details, have yet to be determined.