The FAST tests are given to students three times over the school year, but only the last one counts toward school accountability.

About 16,238 third graders failed South Carolina reading tests last year. That number has been nearly cut in half.

Nearly a quarter of third graders did not pass the state’s reading test on their first try. Many are now in summer school, ...

Nearly a quarter of third graders did not pass the state’s reading test on their first try. Many are now in summer school, preparing to take the test one final time. Listen • 4:31 ...