For decades, “percent performing above standard” - or some version of that - has been the most commonly used metric of student performance. Recent changes to the charter renewal process have changed the lens, however. In many charter school renewals, “one year’s progress for each year of enrollment” may be a critically important metric. In planning ahead for renewal, charter school leaders may want to track progress on that metric according to the new rules.
Charter schools must use “verified data” sources to meet the “one year’s progress” standard. In November 2020, the State Board of Education adopted a list of such sources, including thirteen academic assessments. As part of that adoption, the State Board indicated metrics specific to each academic assessment that must be used to evaluate “one year’s progress.” See page 14 of Item 14 for the metrics designated for each assessment. These are the metrics schools should track, with respect to “verified data.” Schools should also review limiting criteria added into the “verified data” adoption – see the addendum to Item 14.
Since the state has not yet implemented a system for evaluating student growth using California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) assessments, charter schools can only use CAASPP results as “verified” data if the authorizer agrees on the methodology used to meet the “one year’s progress.” Charter schools can use English Language Proficiency Assessments for California.
Numerous issues complicate evaluation of “one year’s progress.” For most assessments, publishers have not revised progress norms, post-pandemic. This means that student progress may be compared to pre-pandemic norms for progress. Schools may want to contact the publisher of their assessment about this issue. Also, there is no clear standard indicating the portion of students who must meet the “one year of progress” standard or how to consider different content areas and different assessments. CSDC will continue to track and advocate on these issues.
Well ahead of renewal, CSDC encourages schools to develop a strong understanding of the complex renewal standards and the specific data that feeds into these standards on the Dashboard and via California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).
Schools can make use of CSDC’s numerous resources for members, webinars, CSDC’s Guide to Renewal, and including numerous in-depth Currents articles on verified data, the Growth Model, participation rate penalty, local indicators and renewal, and more.
CSDC also encourages members to contact us for personalized guidance, including a free consultation with custom reports for the school.
