In the field of education, data is a key indicator for assessing student performance and providing support for improving learning outcomes. However, a number of factors can influence the quality and reliability of this data. Some of these include the way in which the data is collected, the accuracy and validity of the data, and the rigor of the analysis. Using longitudinal student assessment data to produce statistical growth plots (SGPs) is one approach to analyzing student progress and identifying areas of improvement.
SGPs compare students’ Standardized Test Score (STP) growth over time to that of their academic peers. They provide an accurate and comprehensive picture of student achievement, including the extent to which students are meeting their learning goals. They also help schools and teachers understand what they need to do in order to meet their achievement targets.
As a result of the increased focus on student achievement, educators are increasingly interested in utilizing longitudinal student assessment data to create SGPs. This allows for a more complete view of student performance, which is particularly important when students are being held back in their classrooms because they do not make enough progress towards an achievement target. SGPs can be used to help identify and target students who are not making enough progress and provide them with the support they need to catch up. SGPs can also be used to assess accelerated programs so that they are not being held back by the small percentage of students who do not make sufficient progress.
SGPA is a national student accountability initiative designed to provide an objective, comparable and reliable measure of student academic achievement across states. The initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, consists of a set of rigorous and transparent standards for measuring student proficiency in English language arts and mathematics. The initiative is meant to replace the traditional standardized test-based accountability measures, such as SAT and ACT scores, that are currently in use.
SGPA data is available through the website of the National Center for Education Statistics, which hosts the SGPA database and provides technical assistance to states. It is an invaluable resource for educational leaders, policymakers, and parents who want to better understand the quality of schooling and how it relates to student outcomes. The data can be used to identify underperforming schools and districts and inform policies that address persistent challenges in achieving student achievement. It is also useful in assessing a variety of programs and initiatives that can improve student learning, from school improvement efforts to new teacher preparation programs.