The Lowcountry Literacy Project (LLP) is bringing the conversation around systemic literacy reform to Summerville. On Tuesday, March 24, the community is invited to the Dorchester County Library-Ashley River Branch for a special screening of The Tides of Change, a powerful documentary following the teachers, families, and partners uniting to ensure every child can read.
While admission is free, registration is required. Community members, educators, and local leaders are encouraged to reserve their seats now at givebutter.com/the-rising-
The film moves beyond statistics to show the real world impact of the "Science of Reading." Viewers will step inside Lowcountry classrooms to see how intensive teacher training and multisensory, Orton-Gillingham based instruction are transforming student outcomes.
A central theme of the film and the evening’s discussion is the urgent need to build a robust network of support for educators. “My master's in literacy...did not prepare me to teach reading,” explains Jenny Schaefer, a first-grade teacher featured in the film. Since partnering with LLP, she adds, “I have all these different things in my toolbox that can help me...I know what I'm doing.”
Following the screening, a dynamic panel of experts will lead a discussion focused on the future of literacy in the region. The conversation will shift toward the vital importance of building a local network of advocates and getting more individuals trained in evidence-based instruction to create a sustainable "rising tide" for all students.
In a major highlight for the evening, the Lowcountry Literacy Project plans to announce new training scholarship grants specifically for Dorchester District 2 teachers. These grants will provide local educators with the financial support needed to undergo intensive, evidence-based training, ensuring that the movement to close the literacy gap takes firm root in Summerville classrooms.
“This event is about more than just watching a film; it’s about growing our network of champions for children,” said Lindsey Ballenger, Executive Director, LLP. “We are focused on equipping our community and our teachers with the specific training and tools that actually work. When we invest in training individuals, we change the trajectory of an entire student body.”
Event Details
- What: Screening of The Tides of Change + Panel Discussion
- When: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
- Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. | Program: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Dorchester County Library-Ashley River Branch, 2824 Bacons Bridge Road, Summerville, SC 29485
- Tickets: Free admission; registration required at givebutter.com/the-rising-
tide-summerville
For more information, visit lowcountryliteracyproject.org.