TOWSON, MD. – School Progress Index results released today from the Maryland State Department of Education show declines for Baltimore County elementary and middle schools, mirroring a statewide drop.
The school progress index, first calculated last year, evaluates elementary and middle school progress toward school- and subgroup-specific targets in three areas: achievement, gap reduction and growth. At the elementary and middle school level, school progress index scores are based entirely on Maryland State Assessment data, which slumped statewide this year.
Based on the school progress index, MSDE assigns each school to one of five strands and works with local school systems to ensure that all schools receive appropriate intervention, support and recognition. Schools in strand 5 receive the most intensive support and monitoring.
The number of Baltimore County Public Schools elementary and middle schools in strands 1 and 2 decreased from 84 in 2012 to 31 in 2013. Strand 5 elementary and middle schools grew from six in 2012 to 34 in 2013.
Three BCPS elementary schools exceeded their achievement, gap reduction and growth targets in 2013: New Town, Cromwell Valley, and Franklin.
“We will glean from these test results all of the information we can about how to improve instruction in our schools,” said BCPS Superintendent Dallas Dance. “As we proceed with the school year, our primary focus is on completing our successful transition to Common Core State Standards and preparing for our instructional digital conversion. We are working with all members of Team BCPS to raise academic achievement and close achievement gaps for all students.”
High School Assessment (HSA) data and school performance index scores for high schools are forthcoming from MSDE. Calculated differently at the high school level, the school performance index score is based on HSA achievement; HSA, graduation and dropout gap reduction; and a college and career readiness indicator.
MSDE also released MSA science results today, and these results show that BCPS science performance dipped slightly. The percentage of Grade 5 students scoring proficient or advanced slipped from 67.7% in 2012 to 66.6% in 2013. Performance at Grade 8 decreased from 73.7% proficient or advanced in 2012 to 73.4% in 2013.
State, BCPS and school-level SPI and MSA results are available on the Maryland State Department of Education’s report card website at www.mdreportcard.org.
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