Increasing the Impact of the Accountability System

Information for educators, parents, students, and the general public

Incorporating a new assessment involves changes to student performance levels, the ratings designations and reporting formats.  In summary, the final legislation provides the following:

• Implementation of a new grades 3-8 assessment in 2009
  • Testing includes English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies using the census and sampling design employed with PACT;
  • Student performance levels include Exemplary, Met (performing at grade level) and Not Met (performing below grade level);
  • The writing test is administered earlier in the school year;
  • Performance is reported also at the strand level; and
  • Beginning in 2010, student and school reports must be provided by August 1.

• Funding for formative assessments in grades 1-9
  • Formative assessments are to be identified for grades 1-9 in English language arts and mathematics and funded in 2009-10; and
  • The SCRA and first and second grade reading assessments are eliminated.

• School and district ratings modified to incorporate the new test
  • The term “unsatisfactory” is changed to “at-risk;”
  • The name “improvement rating” is changed to “growth rating;”
  • The current practice of including  graduation rate in high school, career and technology center and district ratings is codified; and
  • Criteria for the Palmetto Gold and Silver program are modified to include recognition for closing the achievement gap.

• Report card format modified
  • A summary document is to be issued to parents;
  • A comprehensive report is to be published on state, district and school websites, with printed copies made available upon request;
  • Principals must have access to student test scores before writing the report card narrative; and
  • Local superintendents must review the report card narrative before publication.

• Requirements for academic plans are repealed.

• Technical assistance provisos are codified.