SC-SIC The Basics for Effective School Improvement Councils

What is SIC? Legislatively mandated Community advisory group Works with the principal Supports student achievement

SC-SIC History (gray handout) 1977 – Education Finance Act 1984 – Education Improvement Act 1993 – Act 135 (Early Childhood Development and Accountability Act) 1998 – Education Accountability Act

What an SIC is NOT SICs do NOT hire, fire, or evaluate staff Mandate curriculum changes Raise or possess funds

SIC Do’s Provide input, feedback, recommendations, resources, and support to the principal and school. Help develop the Five Year Strategic Plan – School Renewal Plan – ERT Plan – and the annual revisions. Assist in tracking academic progress Write the annual Report to the Parents.

SIC Membership Minimum of 2 elected parents, 2 elected teachers, and 2 elected students (Grs. 9-12) Elected members make up two-thirds of the council (excluding Ex-Officio) The Principal appoints members based on the reflection of school and community: non- parent, race, gender, income status, educational background, faith community, law enforcement, service and health agencies.

SIC Membership Ratio There must be twice as many elected members than appointed members in order to be in compliance with the State. Ex-officio members: Principal, PTO president, Teacher of the Year, school business partner, previous SIC Chair… All information is entered electronically into the state database at

The Election Process Held by Oct. 15 th Can be held in the spring or in the fall – based on your school’s bylaws Every year

SIC Goals Choose 3-5 goals for the year Develop committees to address and monitor these goals Make regular reports to the full SIC Adjust goals as necessary

Report to Parents Sell your school – goals achieved, honors and recognitions, mission statement, list all SIC members Before April 30 of each year Put out in community Make extra copies Don’t repeat your state Report Card information

Report Card Narrative Briefly describe your school Note successes Due early summer, however should begin looking and planning in February for SIC input and assistance Signed by Principal and SIC Chair “At-Risk” schools also send a copy to the SC- SIC

Effective Councils Each member has a job Balanced membership Current bylaws Regularly scheduled meetings Published agendas Member training Support of district

SIC Self-Assessment Profile Located at back of SIC Handbook Get new ideas Increase effectiveness

Dick and Tunky Riley School Improvement Award Awarded annually by SC-SIC in recognition of outstanding and effective efforts by a local SIC Single winner, 4 Honorable Mentions SICs submit applications and letters of support

SC-SIC Services Include with free downloadable materials, information and links Quarterly newsletter mailed to parents and community members – also available on-line Training opportunities Council Updates Telephone and support Other state, regional, and national support

SC-SIC Mission “Civic Engagement in Public Education” To promote and support civic engagement for quality public education in South Carolina

Contact Information District Level – Mrs. Barbara Woodbury Ext State Level –