NWEA Conditional Growth Index

The Conditional Growth Index (CGI) is a statistical measure used in the NWEA Growth assessment system to evaluate the academic progress of students over time. It provides insights into how much academic growth students are expected to make based on their starting point or prior achievement levels.

The Conditional Growth Index (CGI) is a statistical measure used in the NWEA Growth assessment system to evaluate the academic progress of students over time. It provides insights into how much academic growth students are expected to make based on their starting point or prior achievement levels.

Here's how the Conditional Growth Index works:

1. Baseline Assessment: The CGI begins with an initial assessment of each student's academic skills and knowledge, typically administered at the beginning of the school year. This assessment measures the student's proficiency in subjects such as reading, mathematics, and language usage.

2. Growth Projection: Based on the student's performance on the baseline assessment, the NWEA Growth assessment system calculates a growth projection or expected growth trajectory for the student. This projection takes into account various factors, including the student's starting point, historical performance data, and the typical growth trajectory of students with similar characteristics.

3. Conditional Growth Index Calculation: The Conditional Growth Index is calculated by comparing the student's actual growth or progress on subsequent assessments to their projected growth trajectory. It measures the extent to which the student has met, exceeded, or fallen short of their expected growth based on their starting point.

4. Interpretation: A CGI value of 1.0 indicates that the student has made exactly the expected amount of growth based on their starting point. A CGI value greater than 1.0 suggests that the student has made more growth than expected, while a CGI value less than 1.0 suggests that the student has made less growth than expected.

5. Contextualization: It's essential to interpret the Conditional Growth Index in the context of each student's individual circumstances, including factors such as prior academic achievement, instructional support, and external influences. A high CGI value does not necessarily mean that a student is performing at an advanced level, nor does a low CGI value indicate that a student is struggling academically. Instead, it provides valuable information about the effectiveness of instructional interventions and supports in helping students achieve academic growth.

Overall, the Conditional Growth Index is a valuable tool for educators and administrators to assess student progress, identify areas for improvement, and make data-informed decisions to support student learning and success.