Business Support Improved educational outcomes are integrally linked to South Carolina's business growth and economic development. In 2002, the Palmetto Institute an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit economic and policy research organization issued a report which clearly cited the relationship between improved educational outcomes and the economic progress and well-being of the citizens of South Carolina. Citing that our state's per capita personal income is only 81 percent of the national average, the report also noted that South Carolina has the "largest share of urban area adults without a high school diploma among the nine southern states.” Also according to the Measuring Up 2000 survey, a national survey conducted by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, the percentage of 8th graders scoring at or above "Proficient" level on national assessments exams are low - 14% in math, 22% in reading, and 15% in writing. Particularly worrisome is that South Carolina has one of the largest groups of 8th graders that do not even have a grasp on basic math. Of South Carolina's 8th graders, 45% were assessed to have less than basic understanding of math. Recent data released by the Educational Oversight Committee reports that 47% of the public school enrollment is eligible for free and reduced lunch, a measure of poverty, and that only 16.7 are proficient in reading and 15.2 proficient in mathematics.
SCAPCS, therefore, seeks business support in achieving its goals and objectives to advance choice and accountability as a means to reverse the continued trend of inadequate academic performance which is necessary to grow a "knowledge based" economy. Choice and accountability is necessary because, based on the South Carolina Department of Education own data, South Carolina spent an average of $7,275 per student in 2001, more than all its neighbors as well as the national average ($7,079). This represents a 9.7% increase from the amount spent in 2000, placing South Carolina among the top states in expanding education expenditures. The national average rate of increase was 3.9%.
Business support for SCAPCS will specifically address the successfully implementation of its Strategic Plan in the areas of:
· Assistance to Charters, Local School Districts and Other Entities
· Additional Study, Data Collection and Research
· Establishing or Strengthening Relationships
· Anticipating and Preparing for the Future
· Parent Involvement and Charter Schools Instructional Support Initiatives
· Closing the Achievement Gap
Business support can be accomplished through tax deductible donations (Federal Tax ID Number 57-1121862) or Associated Membership. The Associate Membership fee is $500 per annum. Associate Members include any person, group, or organization that is interested in supporting the purposes of the Association and who is approved by the South Carolina Association of Public Charter Schools Board of Directors. Associate members are not voting members. The Associate member firm, however, is invited to attend without additional fees all monthly meetings, the Annual Meeting in November, SCAPCS Regional Networks and Workshops and the State Conference usually held in April. Associate members have access to the SCAPCS mailing list and timely information concerning emerging stakeholder groups and other information communicated to you through our SCAPCS Newsletter and website.
