Explanation of School Performance Metrics and Standardized Tests
School Performance Metrics
Understanding school performance metrics is crucial for families navigating the US education system. These metrics are indicators utilized to evaluate the quality of schools and the effectiveness of their educational programs. They can help guardians learn about how schools in their area or state compare to others across the country.
The key metrics typically include students’ academic performance, graduation rates, attendance and dropout rates, college readiness, teachers’ qualifications, and student-to-teacher ratios.
The metric of students’ academic performance reflects the achievement of students in core academic subjects such as math, reading, and writing. It is often measured through standardized tests scores. As for students’ graduation rates, this indicates the percentage of students who complete their high school education and earn a diploma within the expected timeframe, typically four years. High graduation rates are a positive indicator of a school’s ability to retain and successfully educate its students. Additionally, attendance rates measure the average percentage of students attending school daily, which reflects student engagement and the school’s ability to maintain a conducive learning environment. Conversely, dropout rates represent the percentage of students who discontinue their education before completing high school, which underscores potential challenges within the school setting or student body.
College readiness assesses how prepared students are for college-level work. This metric can be gauged through participation and performance in advance placement (AP) courses, standardized test scores, and other college entrance exams. Schools with high college readiness scores are likely to have strong academic programs that prepare students for higher education. In addition, teachers’ qualification involves the educational background and certification of the teaching staff. A high percentage of teachers with advanced degrees or certifications in their teaching areas can indicate an institution’s commitment to academic excellence. Finally, the student-to-teacher ratios measures the number of students for every teacher, which provides insight into the potential for personalized attention and support within the classroom. Lower ratios often suggest that teachers are able to give more individualized attention to each student.
Standardized Tests
Standardized tests are a crucial part of the US education system. They are used to assess students’ academic performance and readiness for the next stage of their education.
Elementary School
Academic Performance Tests:
- MAP (Measures of Academic Progress)- Adaptive tests in math, reading, and sometimes science to measure students’ academic growth over time.
- STAR Assessments: Short, adaptive tests that provide quick insights into students’ progress in reading and math.
Cognitive and Skills Assessment:
- CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test): Assess students’ reasoning abilities in verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal area. Schools utilize this test to identify potential for gifted and talented programs.
Progress Monitoring:
- CBM (Curriculum-Based Measurement): Frequent, brief tests focusing on basic skills in reading fluency, comprehension, and math problem-solving to monitor progress.
English Language Proficiency Tests:
- ACCESS for ELLS: Used to monitor students’ progress in learning English. Measures English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Middle School
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress): Continued adaptive testing in math, reading, and science to track academic progress.
PSAT 8/9: Preliminary SAT test to help students and educators assess academic strengths and weaknesses early on. The purpose of the test is to set a baseline for college and career readiness as students move into high school.
State Specific Tests
Many states have their own standardized tests to measure student proficiency according to state-specific educational standards. For example:
- CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Assessments) in California for students Grade 3 – 12
- MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System for students Grade 3 – 12.
- NJSLA (New Jersey Student Learning Assessment) for students Grade 3 – 12, and students take NJGPA (New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment) in Grade 11.
- State Assessment in New York for students Grade 3 – 12
- SOL (Standards of Learning) in Virginia for students Grade 3 – 8
- STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) in Texas for students Grade 3 – 12
- Smarter Balanced Assessment in Washington for students Grade 3 – 8
- OST (Ohio State Test) for students Grade 3 – 8
High School
College Readiness Tests:
- PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test): A standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT. It is also used to determine eligibility for scholarships offered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): Widely employed for US college admissions, assessing students’ readiness for college with sections on Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and an optional Essay. The essay section is provided only in states where it is mandated during SAT School Day administrations. SAT School Day allows students to take the SAT during regular school hours.
- ACT (American College Testing): Another major college admission test, featuring sections on English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test.
Both SAT and ACT tests offer practice resources to help students prepare, and they are both accepted by all U.S. colleges and universities. Deciding which test to take can depend on a student’s personal strengths and the specific requirements of their desired colleges. For example, students who excel in science might prefer the ACT because of its science section, while those who are strong in reading and writing might lean towards the SAT.
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
| Test Sections | Reading, Writing and Language, Math | English, Math, Reading, Science, optional Writing |
| Science Section | No | Yes |
| Math Section | 50% of total score | 25% of total score |
| Calculator Use | Allowed in only one math section | Allowed on all math questions |
| Essay | Optional, depends on the state | Optional, not included in the composite score |
| Test Duration | 3 hours (plus 50 minutes for the essay if taken) | 2 hours 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes for the essay if taken) |
| Scoring | Total score range: 400-1600 | Composite score range: 1-36 |
| Free Practice Resources | Yes | Yes |
| Test Format | Digital | Paper and digital |
| English Language Support | No provisions | Supports available on all national test dates |
| STEM Emphasis | No STEM score | Provides a STEM score reflecting math and science proficiency |
East Meets West 