Continuous Improvement Process Guide
The South Carolina Continuous Improvement Process Guide is intended to support schools and districts in developing and implementing a continuous, sustainable improvement process that supports student achievement at the highest levels.
Continuous Improvement Rubric
The Continuous Improvement Rubric should be used to identify a school’s level of engagement in the continuous improvement process. The Office of Leadership Effectiveness will use the rubric to monitor districts and schools identified for improvement and provide ongoing feedback regarding progress toward increased student outcomes. It is important to note that continuous school improvement is critical for the sustained success of all schools, regardless of performance level.
- How do I score the rubric?
- How can I help my team come to consensus around scoring?
- It's important for teams to focus on lagging indicators in order to experience rapid improvement. When team members don't agree on the score for a particular criteria, it's helpful to consider what kind of evidence the school would be able to produce to show that this indicator is being addressed. This should help teams to see what improvements can be made within the first 30 days of a cycle AND allow schools to see marked improvement from facilitation to facilitation.
Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP)/Turnaround Plan
Purpose of the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP), District CIP, and Turnaround Plan Component
The purpose of the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) is to focus district and school improvement efforts on identified areas of need by establishing clear priorities, goals, and evidence-based strategies that lead to improved student outcomes. The CIP serves as both a planning and progress-monitoring tool aligned to the Continuous Improvement Rubric and supports compliance with GEMS (Grants Electronic Management System) requirements. Additionally, the CIP should facilitate collaborative conversations centered on improvement priorities and effective practices while documenting the continuous improvement process.
All designated schools are required to complete a school-level Continuous Improvement Plan. For schools identified for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI), the school-level CIPs should be used to inform the development of a district-level ATSI CIP, which must be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). The district ATSI CIP provides a coordinated approach for addressing the needs identified across ATSI schools and outlines the district's support and monitoring efforts.
Schools designated as Underperforming (Unsatisfactory or Below Average) must also complete a Turnaround Plan Component as part of their improvement planning process. The Turnaround Plan Component is intended to identify and address the specific factors contributing to low performance and to outline targeted actions, supports, and interventions necessary to accelerate improvement and increase student achievement. Together, the CIP and Turnaround Plan Component serve as comprehensive tools for planning, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
Resources and Links
South Carolina Consolidated State Plan (ESSA)
South Carolina's Consolidated State Plan outlines how the state implements the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and uses federal education funds to support student achievement. The plan establishes South Carolina's accountability system, school improvement framework, educator supports, and strategies for ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education. It also describes the state's goals for academic achievement, college and career readiness, and continuous improvement for schools and districts. [ed.sc.gov]
View the South Carolina ESSA Consolidated State Plan and amendments:
ESSA State Plan Amendment [ed.sc.gov]
Accountability Manuals
The Office of Accountability regularly updates accountability manuals, guidance, and related resources. To ensure you have the most current information, visit the EOC website frequently for updates and announcements.
Access the latest accountability manuals and resources on the EOC Website.
