School Performance Framework

Schools rated Distinguished are exceeding district expectations and have very high ratings in both Academic Growth and Academic Proficiency.

Schools that Meet Expectations are performing at the level that the district expects and have high ratings in either the area of Academic Growth or Academic Proficiency, or the school has good ratings in both areas. Schools in this category that have seen a decline in student performance from previous years receive increased instructional supports, such as assistance with enhanced training for the school’s staff.

Schools are rated as Accredited on Watch when they are performing below the district’s expectations. Improvement is needed on either Academic Growth or Academic Proficiency measures. Schools in this category receive intensive instructional supports, such as enhanced, targeted training for the school’s staff, consultation on curriculum and assistance using data to increase student achievement. Accredited on Watch schools that show a lack of improvement from previous years may be subject to interventions such as replacement of staff or a change in the academic program.

Schools rated Accredited on Priority Watch are performing significantly below expectations and are expected to dramatically improve student achievement. Accredited on Priority Watch schools receive intensive instructional supports, such as enhanced, targeted training for the school’s staff, consultation on curriculum and assistance using data to increase student achievement. These schools are subject to interventions that may include changes to academic programs or school staff or implementation of school-turnaround strategies.

Schools rated Accredited on Probation are performing significantly below expectations and are expected to dramatically improve student performance. Accredited on Probation schools receive intensive instructional supports, such as enhanced, targeted training for the school’s staff, consultation on curriculum and assistance using data to increase student achievement. Accredited on Probation schools require additional budget review, and the district may provide additional financial resources to help the school improve. These schools are subject to interventions that may include changes to academic programs or school staff or implementation of school-turnaround strategies.

This is a measure of how much students are learning from year to year. Academic Growth is a particularly meaningful measure because it applies equally to students at all academic levels – no matter at what level a student starts the year (advanced, at grade level or below grade level). The Academic Growth rating tells you how much students at your school are growing each year, as compared to students across the state who start the year at a similar level. Academic Growth is the category that receives the most weight in calculating each school’s overall SPF rating.

This measure is a snapshot of how well students performed on state assessments during the previous school year. This category gives a school a rating based on the percentage of its students who scored at grade level or above grade level on state tests.

This is a measure of how well a high school is preparing its students for post-secondary success. This category includes graduation rates, college remediation rates, performance on assessments (e.g., ACT, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), etc.) and enrollment in higher-level course work (e.g., AP, IB, etc.)

This is a measure of how well a high school is doing in improving its ability to prepare its students for postsecondary success. This category rates each school on its ability to improve graduation rates, college remediation rates and performance on state assessments. It also measures changes in enrollment in AP and IB programs along with enrollment in college courses. Changes to performance on AP and IB tests are also included.

This is a measure of how effectively a school engages and creates a connection with its students. Attendance rates, results from student-satisfaction surveys, and availability of enrichment and special education offerings are factors that are used in determining a school’s Student Engagement rating.

Enrollment is a measure of how likely students are to stay at their school from year to year. This category is included in the SPF rating as an evaluation of how effectively a school is meeting the needs of its students and families. Dropout rates are also used in calculating this rating for high schools.

This measure is based on responses to the DPS parent-satisfaction survey at your child’s school. It also takes into account the response rate on the survey for your school.