How to Design Systems to Support School Quality and Student Success under ESSA
December 8, 2016
Center for American Progress released a report on designing systems to support school quality and student success under ESSA. The group issued four recommendations for states as they develop their accountability systems.
- States and districts should use a variety of indicators under a broader system of accountability;
- When considering which indicators to use at the state level to classify schools, states should use valid and reliable indicators, such as rates of chronic absenteeism and measures of college and career readiness, but be cautious about using new indicators;
- Districts should be key drivers within comprehensive accountability systems by supporting continuous improvement, tracking additional measures of school quality and student success, using these measures to inform local decisions about resources and supports, and serving as laboratories of innovation for the state;
- States should measure and report on school quality and student success indicators that are actionable for districts—not just schools.