Quick References
For SIC members
Handbook for Effectiveness- The SIC Handbook provides you with all the information needed to maintain effective conversations, SIC rules, and other important information that pertains to SIC members. The Handbook for Effectiveness can be viewed like an instruction manual and FAQ guide all in one. If there are any questions left unanswered by the Handbook, visit our FAQs page.
Online Training- During the COVID-19 pandemic, SC-SIC began to offer virtual trainings. Although restrictions have been relaxed since the pandemics start, SC-SIC does understand that virtual training may be a more convenient option as opposed to in-person training.
Schedule Training- If your SIC would like to request in person training, click schedule training and an email will populate to Tom F. Hudson, SC-SIC Executive Director, and Karen Utter, SC-SIC Associate Director to request a training session.
Self-Assessment Profile- This has been designed as a teaching tool, used at the beginning of the year to induct and orient new members, to evaluate the past year, or to be used at both the beginning and end of the school year to examine SIC effectiveness. It is best used in a group setting to stimulate conversation and ideas for improving the SIC.
Annual Compliance Checklist- This checklist provides your SIC with all the important deadlines that must be met throughout the school year.
Suggested Content for SIC School Webpages- This document gives guidance for what information should be included on your school’s SIC webpage.
SC-SIC District Contacts for 2023-24 - Need to consult your SIC District Contact? Click on this link to find their contact information for the 2023-24 school year.
For SIC District Contacts:
SIC District Contact Duties and Responsibilities- An SIC District Contact is a liaison between the school improvement councils (SICs) in their district and the South Carolina School Improvement Council (SC-SIC). District Contacts are appointed by the district’s superintendent. Appointments are renewed annually in July of each year. Use this guide as a reference for what you should be accomplishing as your district’s contact!
Annual Timeline for SIC District Contacts- This guide gives great reference for the timeline of duties you have as a district contact.
Scheduling and Coordinating SC-SIC Training for Your District- Quick reference guide for coordinating trainings for your district.
SIC Leadership PowerPoint- Basic information on how SICs operate, best practices for SIC meetings, and much more.
As a school leader, you understand the importance of involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process for improving your school. Your School Improvement Council brings together parents, community members, educators, and students to help shape the direction of your school and ensure that it is meeting the needs of its students.
However, we also know that convening and organizing a SIC can be a challenging task. That's why we're excited to introduce some resources that will make it easier for you to convene your SIC and facilitate productive meetings that lead to meaningful outcomes for your school community. Whether you're a veteran school leader or new to the role, these resources will help you engage your SIC and work together to drive positive change in your school.
You might be asking what exactly an SIC is, or why they exist. Here's some contextual information to provide a deeper understanding.
School Improvement Councils were established under South Carolina law over 45 years ago to provide the member training, technical assistance, statuatory accountability, and other resources vital to the continued success of community-based School Improvement Councils in each of the state’s 1,100-plus K-12 public schools.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher or student elected to your local SIC, a community or business representative appointed to your Council, a school or district administrator, or a member of the public committed to quality public education in South Carolina, you can find information on this website through downloadable files and direct links to other sites that will help you get the facts you need to understand the vital roles you play in the life of our schools and the futures of our children.
The vision of the SC School Improvement Council is:
"To promote and support civic engagement for quality public education in South Carolina.”
The mission of the SC School Improvement Council is:
"To facilitate meaningful parent and community involvement in our state’s public schools by providing resources, tools and strategies to local School Improvement Councils and other stakeholder groups."
Start here: