Performance Framework Guidance

Idaho statute provides an accountability structure for public charter schools and authorizers. At the heart of this structure is a performance framework that includes the indicators, measures, and metrics used to evaluate each school’s performance outcomes.


All public charter schools in Idaho are issued a performance certificate by their authorizer. This document is a legal agreement detailing the roles and responsibilities of both parties and identifying the five-year operational term awarded to the school. The IPCSC’s performance framework is incorporated into each school’s performance certificate and serves to communicate the expected performance outcomes. Each year, schools’ actual outcomes are measured against these established standards, and an annual report is issued to the school and the public. These reports are then used to inform the IPCSC’s renewal decisions at the end of each school’s performance certificate term.

The traditional performance framework that applies to all schools establishes standards for outcomes in three categories: Academic, Operational and Financial. Schools which utilize an alternative model or program are held accountable to the “Alternative Performance Framework” which includes additional measures that a school must meet.

Financial Outcomes

Financial Outcomes
The financial section of the framework evaluates schools' near-term and long-term sustainability measures. The financial measures help evaluate a school's responsible use of public funds by indicating the financial health of the school.

Operational Outcomes

Operational Outcomes
The operational section of the framework contains measures designed to consider whether schools are operating in compliance with federal and state law, authorizer requirements, and the provisions of their performance certificates.

Academic Outcomes

Academic Outcomes
The academic section of the framework focuses on quantitative academic outcomes. It reflects the IPCSC's commitment to considering schools' performance in the context of their communities and student demographics.