As its name suggests, Result Sgp (Student Growth Progress) is an academic measure of student performance and growth. It is calculated using a percentile rank formula that compares assessment scores of students from similar grades in similar assessment subjects – those considered academic peers based on history of assessment score progression rather than demographic or program participation factors – against each student in his or her grade and assessment subject group. Percentile ranking serves as an indicator of whether performance improved or declined during the school year.
Once a school’s report card has been released, its Student Growth Profile can be found on its Performance and Growth Chart in the “Student Information” section of the report card. On School Snapshots for Families pages based on 2012-13 NJASK language arts literacy scale scores do not reflect median SGP. As soon as OSPI receives state wide NJASK results they will update these charts with this data as well.
The SGP provides families with an easily understandable way of measuring student progress; however, it should not replace other measures of achievement like the MAP or ISAT. Students’ academic peers in their grade and assessment subject area are being measured rather than across Washington State – therefore making comparisons outside their own school inappropriate.
Furthermore, the SGP does not account for differences in academic achievement among students of different ethnic backgrounds or socioeconomic statuses. Therefore, educators must continue providing an accurate picture of student performance by using multiple sources of data when making decisions regarding support services for each student.
Though limited, the Student Growth Profile has proven useful for identifying student learning needs. It provides a snapshot of academic achievement levels at present and pinpoints areas requiring improvement for all students, helping educators create comprehensive educational plans tailored specifically for each child and track student progress over time. Furthermore, educators need clear training from OSPI in order to interpret SGP data accurately; OSPI offers guidance via its Student Growth District and School Resources website as a great starting point.