School Improvement Council

The SC School Improvement Council's mission is to promote and support civic engagement for quality public education in South Carolina through local school improvement councils

SIC

SICs in South Carolina

School boards were required to establish School Improvement Councils in 1977. Originally known as School Advisory Councils, the passage of the Education Improvement Act in 1984 changed the name and focused the role of the Councils on improving education quality in South Carolina.

The SC General Assembly passed the Early Childhood Development and Academic Assistance Act in 1993. Known as Act 135, this law extended the role of the School Improvement Council to require their active participation in strategic planning and designated the responsibility for the annual Report to the Parents about the school's progress to the SIC.

In 1998 the SC General Assembly passed the Education Accountability Act, which calls upon the entire community, from the Governor to individual students, to be held accountable for student achievement. Specific additional responsibilities of the councils include review and adjustment of the school improvement plan if the school is rated unsatisfactory, and preparation of the School Report Card narrative.

What Do Councils Do?

Councils work collaboratively with the school to develop and implement a five-year school improvement plan (school renewal plan), monitor and evaluate success in reaching the plan's goals and objectives, and write an annual report to parents about the progress of the plan.

Councils also assist the principal in writing the narrative for the School Report Card. In addition, Councils advise on the use of school incentive awards and provide assistance as requested by the principal. School Improvement Councils do not have any of the powers and duties reserved by the local school board.

Why Should I Become Involved?

When parents are involved in their children's education, the quality of schools improves and children do better in school. Parents can bring great wisdom to the council. They have intimate knowledge about their children and access to other parents who can provide knowledge and insight.

Citizens who are not parents of children in the school can make unique contributions to School Improvement Councils. Senior citizens, business people, members of the faith community, staff of social service agencies and others all have knowledge, experience and resources to share.

Community members who feel ownership in the school are often the best advocates for the children and the school.

Information taken from the SC SIC website. http://sic.sc.gov/

Schedule

The School Improvement Council meets each second Monday of the month at 5:00 PM in the GFE Library Media Center.

Resources

Contact Information

Cheri Collins, Chair
Teacher
Great Falls Elementary School