APPROPRIATE USES FOR GROWTH SCORES

The growth scores released in 2021 were calculated from the 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2018–19 Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments in English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics. Because the growth scores are based on historical data, the information provided by these scores is not actionable. The growth scores are being released now to allow local educational agencies (LEAs) time to understand the methodology, the available data, and how it can be used.

INDIVIDUAL STUDENT GROWTH SCORES

Individual student growth scores are computed as one step of the methodology for creating aggregate growth scores at the school, LEA, and student group levels. Individual student growth scores will not be provided to families.

Inappropriate Uses

• Share individual growth scores with students, parents, or guardians. Those interested in student- level growth scores should be referred to the individual California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) student score reports.

• Individual student growth scores should NOT be used for measuring individual student progress. Just like the assessment target reports from the Smarter Balanced assessments, the data are more robust and usable at the school, LEA, and student group levels.

  AGGREGATED GROWTH SCORES FOR DISTRICTS, SCHOOLS, AND STUDENT GROUPS

  Aggregate growth scores at the school, LEA, and student group levels provide an additional piece of information about student learning. Combined with other available information, aggregate growth scores can provide a robust picture of student learning.

  Appropriate Uses

• Increase your understanding of aggregated growth scores by looking at your data and comparing the scores across schools and student groups.

• Evaluate how aggregated growth scores compare to other 2019 CAASPP measures, such as Distance from Standard or the percent of students who met or exceeded standard.

• Consider what information would be helpful to communicate with stakeholders once data is actionable.

Inappropriate Uses

• Use aggregated growth scores to target schools or student groups for improvement.

• Produce reports or communications for external audiences that contain 2021 growth data, particularly while data is still in private preview.

Source: California Department of Education Growth Model web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/acctgrowthmod.asp.