The South Carolina Public Charter School District (SCPCSD) is an independent state agency charged by the South Carolina Charter School Act to authorize public charter schools to improve student learning and close the achievement gap. As a charter authorizer, the SCPCSD is designed to promote and preserve autonomy in its portfolio of schools while ensuring access, equity, and accountability across its system of autonomous charter schools. This focus on autonomy and accountability protects charter schools from “central office” interference in school operations and programs, including curriculum, professional development, assessment, and other inputs that remain in the hands of school-based leaders and educators. Unlike a traditional school district, the SCPCSD cannot direct its schools in the areas of programming, budget, talent and operations—we strive to empower schools through the continued development of accountability systems, tools, and resources; the facilitation and sharing of proven practices; and the creation of policy and operational conditions necessary for quality schools to succeed. This accountability focus and these specific efforts inform high-stakes decisions around annual review, replication and closure, and charter development—the primary processes that allow for authorizer support and intervention.
With this in mind, the work of the SCPCSD is focused on four strategic priorities: 1) authorizing high-quality charter schools; 2) holding schools accountable for student outcomes; 3) ensuring access and equity for every student; and 4) creating the conditions and policies necessary for charter schools to thrive. We believe that these focus areas are the keys to achieving our mission and creating a high performing charter system in which all students reach their potential and develop the World Class Skills identified in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. In order to remain prudent stewards of taxpayer dollars in operationalizing these four strategic priorities, and to balance oversight responsibilities as the designated Local Education Agency (LEA) for portfolio schools, the SCPCSD organizes its efforts around a “Core Performance System.” This system is comprised of processes and tools that organize and evaluate charter school performance across academic, operational, and financial dimensions of school health and viability throughout the school life cycle. These frameworks and systems of review and monitoring seek to generate an environment built on common expectations, mission-aligned goal setting, objectivity, and transparency. It also seeks to drive a system of differentiated oversight that aims to reduce burdens and incentivize development for higher performing schools, and increase oversight and technical assistance provided to schools that may be struggling along one or more dimension.
In the 2017-2018 school year, the SCPCSD was honored to add Brashier Middle College, Greer Middle College, Legacy Early College, and The Meyer Center to its portfolio of diverse charter schools. The SCPCSD also sponsored the replication of GREEN Charter School, adding a campus in the Midlands and thus creating South Carolina’s first non-profit charter management organization (CMO). Additionally, Mevers School of Excellence opened for their initial year in Goose Creek. Because of these school additions and the expansion of existing schools, the SCPCSD saw significant growth in student enrollment during the 2017-2018 school year- an increase of some 3,000 students – totaling approximately 27,000 students statewide.
Four of the top 12 ACT-scoring high schools in the state are in the SCPCSD, and the SCPCSD ACT average exceeded the state’s average. The highest ACT score for non-selective admissions public schools was earned by Palmetto Scholars Academy, an SCPCSD school located in North Charleston. Palmetto Scholars also earned a National Blue Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education. Similar to those of the state, SC Ready scores dipped in the SCPCSD this year, and although several charter schools were among the highest performing schools in South Carolina. In addition, the SCPCSD graduation rate rose by 10 points to 60%--its highest rate on record—and 70% of schools had higher EVAAS growth rates than they did two years ago. These overall results show promise around increased accountability—and a relentless focus on quality—while also underscoring an urgent need for attention and improvement.
Moving forward, the SCPCSD will continue to prioritize consistently high expectations in charter development, accountability, and access and equity for all students and families. The SCPCSD will strive to be a national leader in charter authorizing, drivers of change in the state’s equity agenda in education, and one of South Carolina’s top performing school districts. Educators and leaders deserve to have the power and flexibility to innovate and make decisions based on what is best for their students, and families have the right to choose high quality school options.
