Data SGP is an analysis tool for longitudinal student assessment data which generates statistical growth plots (SGPs), which show students’ academic progress relative to their peers. SGPs utilize standard test scores with covariate information and an established “growth standard,” which more accurately accounts for prior testing history than traditional percentile scores do.

This tool was created to assist educators in identifying schools and students that require additional support and/or assistance by providing an accurate picture of student achievement through SGPs. Furthermore, educators can view how much growth students require to meet their achievement targets/goals on time, which allows them to identify both high achieving students as well as those who require acceleration programs so that all are on pace to meet their goals within their mandated timeframes.

Data SGP requires longitudinal student assessment data in two forms – WIDE format and LONG format – in order to use. LONG data sets tend to make analysis preparation and execution simpler, and all users of Data SGP should refer to its documentation and utilize its long format file when performing operational analyses if possible; using this format allows easier manipulation and will make updating analyses with additional years’ data easier.

The sgpdata_long format file was developed to facilitate the creation of SGP analyses with WIDE format data set sgpData. It contains pre-populated files which emulate time dependent data found with lower level functions like studentGrowthPercentiles and studentGrowthProjections; using this format when running these functions will simplify data preparation while increasing reliability of analyses performed using them.

Teachers and educators can access Student Growth Plan reports for their schools and students on the BAA Secure Site starting Fall 2019. These reports will showcase each student’s current achievement score on the most recent Star assessment, along with previous test scores taken during that same window of testing. In addition, each report includes a graph displaying progress toward achievement targets/goals for individual student.

SGP results are determined by comparing each student’s most recent score with both past performance and that of academic peers across state and country. Growth results are normalized by converting all scale scores for their most recent assessment to one 100-point scale scale and subtracting previous tests from current ones; graphs then display how far each student needs to progress in order to meet achievement targets/goals; green represents making progress and red signifies needing further progress.

SGPs can assist educators in identifying students who require additional support in reaching their achievement goals by giving a clear indication of the amount of growth each student needs from their starting point to be considered successful. After working closely with each student to develop instructional approaches or programs that will ensure they meet their targets/goals without being hindered by small percentages of individuals who do not make enough progress towards them, educators can work to develop plans which allow all to meet them on schedule without being limited by small percentages who do not make adequate gains.