School Performance Profile
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has released the 2013-2014 School Performance Profile (SPP). The PA School Performance Profile is the State’s information and support system designed to provide an Academic Performance Score for all public schools in Pennsylvania. This is the second year for this system, which replaces the “Adequate Yearly Progress” measure under No Child Left Behind that was in place for 12 years. In 2014, the SPP will be used as part of the State’s Educator Effectiveness regulations, which use student achievement as a component of teacher and principal evaluations.
The 2013-14 School Performance Profile scores have been calculated based upon 2013-14 assessment data, including PSSA, PASA, and Keystone Exam performance as well as progress schools have made in closing the achievement gap in science. The School Performance Profile is based upon many data points. State assessment scores, college readiness tests, industry standards-based assessments, progress in closing achievement gaps, and degree of student growth over time are factored into the scoring while other identifiers of high-achieving schools are also considered: graduation, promotion and attendance rates as well as evidence of offering rigorous courses factor into the calculation. Schools may also earn extra points beyond the 100 point scoring system for those students who have earned advanced scores on the State, industry, and Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate exams. The SPP includes data related to progress schools have made in closing the achievement gap in science as well as information related to promotion rates for students historically underperforming in these areas. As Pennsylvania is transitioning to more rigorous standards and assessments in English language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, closing the achievement gap data/results will not be reported until 2015-16 for these two content area assessments.
The Individual school performance profiles of all schools can be accessed at http://paschoolperformance.org. The SPP will provide parents and taxpayers additional measures of accountability, the data will be used by administrators to set goals, plan, and direct resources in order to maximize individual student achievement and make the important link between what the tests measure and what our students must learn in order to succeed. While the SPP score continues to provide a mechanism for identifying strengths and needs of schools, we must be cautious when comparing performance from one year to the next due to the changes within the system.
In addition to the scoring aspect of the site, the public can compare schools within their geographical area and across the State. For schools, the site also offers supports to consider as they identify needs associated with the performance measures in the School Performance Profile.
Please feel free to contact your child’s building principal regarding questions related to your child’s school profile