achievement measures

The law (s. 118.43(4)(b)) requires that each performance improvement contract include a description of the method the school district will use to evaluate the academic achievement of pupils enrolled in the school.

1. Evaluation of Achievement - The department will ask for a description of the methods currently in place and any changes planned for next year.

The department recommends that any assessments used by the district be aligned with established content standards, the evaluation of achievement be based on performance standards, and the success in attaining the standards be described in terms of levels of proficiency. The department encourages districts to use ongoing, authentic measures integrated with instruction and learning and appropriate to the age of children being assessed and recommends against the use of group-administered tests that rely heavily on reading for the assessment of skills other than reading.

2. Pupils Assessed - The department expects that all pupils counted for the purpose of determining SAGE aid will be included in all assessments conducted as part of the program, unless the inclusion of such children is restricted or prohibited by law.