Student growth percentiles (SGP) compare a student’s performance on state assessment tests with that of academic peers nationwide. A student’s SGP is a number between 1 and 99, with lower numbers representing higher growth. A student’s SGP is based on the relationship between a student’s previous and current test scores using a statistical method called quantile regression.
SGPs are calculated by comparing the results of up to two consecutive testing windows for the same content area. The most recent assessment is used in the calculation, as well as any prior assessments for the same content area that have valid and consecutive data points. The SGPs are reported at the school, district and student levels, and a student’s score is compared to his or her academic peers for the same content area and grade.
Generally, a student’s SGP will be higher than his or her grade level average. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and a student’s individual SGP may be higher or lower than the average for his or her grade. A high SGP score does not necessarily indicate that a student has made good progress toward meeting state standards; it only indicates that the student’s score on the most recent test is above or below the average for his or her academic peers.
A student’s SGP score is based on the comparison of his or her current MCAS test score with the average of the past three years of test scores for the same content area and grade. This method provides a more accurate measurement of student growth than the traditional pass/fail model. The SGPs are reported at the individual, school, and district levels, as well as the state level.
The SGPs are derived from a statistical methodology developed by Damian Betebenner and Adam Van Iwaarden at the Center for Assessment. The SGP models are designed to provide normative growth information on a long-term basis and are intended to be as easy to interpret as possible.
In addition to a detailed description of the SGP models, the Center for Assessment also has several videos that explain the SGP methodologies in more detail.
SGP results are a critical part of the accountability system in Washington State and provide families with valuable information about a student’s achievement. However, the data needed to produce these results is complex and time-consuming. OSPI recognizes that districts have many other priorities and may be unable to devote the necessary resources to training staff on the use of these data.
Providing access to sgp data is one way to help make it easier for teachers and parents to interpret and use these results. This data is provided through a web-based platform called live draw sgp, and allows users to view the results in real-time. The website also features an analytic tool to help users understand how the sgp results were generated. This information can help users better understand the significance of the sgp results and identify trends and patterns.