The South Carolina State Department of Education is an education agency that is governed by the state of South Carolina. The department deals in the areas of educational reform and improvement in more than 85 school districts and over 1,100 public schools. It aims to provide research-based teaching and learning opportunities. It also administers state and federal laws affecting public education, as well as implements regulations. The South Carolina State Department of Education operates the Division of Accountability, which is engaged in the development and administration of assessment programs. The department also owns Finance and Operations, educator quality and leadership, and innovation and support divisions.