In Wisconsin, schools are assessed based on the state’s accountability system, which takes into account factors such as student proficiency in core subjects, growth in student achievement over time, and other indicators of school performance. Schools receive an overall score or rating based on these factors, which can range from “fails to meet expectations” to “significantly exceeds expectations.”
Improving a school score typically refers to enhancing the overall academic performance and meeting or exceeding standards set by the state. The score can be associated with various factors, including student achievement on standardized tests, graduation rates, attendance, and other relevant metrics.
One viable solution schools can use to improve their score are report cards. Report cards for Choice schools are a valuable tool for identifying areas of strength and weaknesses and implementing targeted strategies for improvement.
Here are some key observations for schools to enhance performance and foster continuous improvement in their score.
Understanding report card scores
A report card’s overall score is a weighted average of scores for each of four priority areas:
- Achievement
- Growth
- Target Group Outcomes
- On-Track to Graduation
English Language Arts (ELA) and Math assessment data are vitally important to determining report card scores. ELA and Math assessment data are significant factors into Achievement, Growth (when applicable), Target Group Outcomes (when applicable), and can also factor into On-Track to Graduation, depending on data availability. Other important pieces of data include: graduation, attendance, and chronic absenteeism data.
Understanding and addressing the specific factors outlined in the report card criteria, especially related to ELA and Math assessment data, can help a Choice school make targeted improvements to its overall score. This might involve implementing educational strategies, personalized interventions, and support programs tailored to the needs of different student groups.
Unlocking insights with supplemental pages
School leaders find immense value in the supplemental pages of the report cards. Here, they can delve into performance trends over recent years, pinpoint differences among student groups, and analyze how the lowest-performing students (Target Group Outcomes) compare to their peers. This wealth of information serves as a compass for informed school improvement efforts.
For a deeper understanding of report cards and strategies for improvement, please visit the Wisconsin DPI resource page.
Article provided by Sycamore Education: At Sycamore Education, we pride ourselves on being one of the best WISEdata vendors, thanks to our open communication and collaborative relationship with the Wisconsin DPI. We are a unique school management system (database) that helps schools provide the best education experience possible.
