Results SGP (Student Growth Pathway) is an index of student academic growth calculated by comparing current MCAS performance with prior scores. The higher a student’s SGP value is, the more their performance has grown relative to others in their grade. Quantile regression provides students with normative scales which enable them to identify their percentile rank and evaluate how much growth has taken place since initial testing.
As students progress from year to year, it is normal for some of them to make greater gains than their classmates in the same grade. The State Growth Percentile average is determined based on trends in past performance data from years prior, so may differ depending on circumstances like temporary events like Covid-19 Pandemic which caused some students to show less growth than usual.
SGPs are determined using up to two years of historical MCAS score data, and annually in spring each student’s performance is compared with that of their academic peers who share similar MCAS history statewide in their grade and include different demographic groups such as gender, income and educational programs (such as sheltered English immersion).
SGP stands for Score Growth Percentile. In other words, it measures the amount that their MCAS score increased from their prior one; for instance if an increase by 85 percent results in an SGP of 85; whereas growth from 75 percent of their peers will yield an SGP of 95 – this indicates they grew within the top quarter of all students.
Can two students who have different MCAS scores share an identical SGP?
Answer: Yes. Student Growth Projection (SGP) measures student scores relative to those of academic peers with similar score histories, thus explaining why those with vastly differing MCAS scaled score histories could experience different SGPs.
Student A and Student B have very different MCAS scaled scores histories, yet both made significant strides in one subject area this year. While their SGP is similar, Student A scored lower MCAS scaled scores than Student B; as such, his SGP is significantly less.
No matter the method employed to calculate student GPAs, educators should carefully consider multiple measures of student performance to gain an accurate view. The table below highlights key considerations when assessing a student’s performance as well as whether each factor represents strength or weakness for that student’s performance. By understanding key components that impact learning outcomes more deeply, educators can make more informed instructional decisions for their students.