District Strategic Plans and School Renewal Plans are to be developed every five years and updated annually as required  by the Early Childhood Development and Academic Assistance Act of 1993 (S.C. Code Ann §59-139-05 et seq.), the Education Accountability Act of 1998 (S.C. Code Ann §59-18-1300, 1310, and 1510) and the State Board of Education Regulation 43-261.  District Strategic Plans and School Renewal Plans, as well as Annual Updates, are due April 30th of each year and the plans become effective July 1.

According to S.C. Code Ann. §59-18-1300, each district board of trustees must establish and annually review a performance based accountability system, or modify its existing accountability system, to reinforce the state accountability system. Parents, teachers, and principals must be involved in the development, annual review, and revisions of the accountability system established by the district. The board of trustees shall ensure that a district accountability plan be developed, reviewed, and revised annually.

According to SBE Regulation 43-261, the district strategic plan and school renewal plans include the accountability system that directs an annual needs assessment; prioritizes the performance goals; and reports how the district supports schools, students, and families. The district strategic plan and school renewal plans must establish priorities and prioritize efforts to focus on raising student achievement levels for all students, the prevention of academic problems, and reducing the achievement gaps identified on the annual report card. It is imperative that the planning processes demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and respond to accountability requirements in both state and federal legislation. The plans must be developed collaboratively by a broad-based group of stakeholders using a consensus process.

For additional information contact dssr@ed.sc.gov.

District Strategic and School Renewal Plan Directions and Templates