Data SGP is a statistical software package that is used to generate normative student growth percentiles and percentile growth projections/trajectories from large scale, longitudinal education assessment data. The software uses a procedure called quantile regression to place students’ performance relative to academic peers on a normed scale. The results are a set of coefficient matrices that allow the calculation of percentile growth estimates.

SGPs provide a clear and concise picture of how a student is progressing on the path to proficiency, and allow a comparison of the performance of students across a variety of demographic groups. This allows a direct comparison of the achievement levels of students, schools and districts and makes it possible to identify best practices for improving educational outcomes.

How are SGPs generated?

A student’s SGP is determined based on their performance on the spring MCAS and a comparison to their academic peers across the state. This comparison is made in a way that takes into account the range of experiences the student has had since the end of 8th grade.

The resulting average SGP score is reported on a per student basis to the district, school, and teacher following each year’s statewide assessments. The scores are reported using the exemplar LONG and INSTRUCTOR-STUDENT lookup files, sgpData_LONG and sgpData_INSTRUCTOR_NUMBER that must be created prior to running SGP analyses (see Prepare SGP for more details).

SGP results may be used to guide instruction in the classroom, inform the development of curriculum and instructional practices, and measure student learning in relation to their peers. This information is also helpful in identifying and providing support for students who need extra assistance.

As the number of students with disabilities in Massachusetts continues to increase, it is increasingly important that we use student SGPs to provide all students with equal opportunity to access the academic learning opportunities they deserve. This is why the MCAS is being revised to include a new measure of student growth in addition to traditional performance measures.

The SGP model will continue to be updated regularly so that the most accurate student projections and trajectories can be produced. This will be the most accurate information available about how much more a student needs to grow in order to reach proficiency and maintain proficiency over time.

The SGP model is a valuable tool for understanding student growth and can be an integral part of an educator’s continuous improvement cycle. To help with the interpretation of the SGP report, DESE has created three stakeholder-specific guides for administrators, educators, and families that outline how to access and interpret the growth reports and include sample questions that can be used for reflection on teaching practices. The guide for administrators and educators also provides prompts for incorporating SGPs into educator evaluation systems.