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Parents and Students,
This October, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) issued a School Report Card for our school and for every public school in Wisconsin. Shell Lake received three report cards, PK-2, 3-6, and 7-12. The School Report Card, using multiple measures of student learning, provides valuable guidance on how our school is doing and where it can improve. It helps all Wisconsin public schools get a better picture of how well they help children learn, advance to the next grade, and graduate ready for college and career.
The School Report Cards are just one part of a new, statewide accountability system for schools. To develop the system, DPI worked closely with parents, educators, and members of the business community. The Governor, State Superintendent, legislative leaders, and the U.S. Department of Education also helped shape the new accountability system. This system, and the report cards, will grow and develop in future years.
Here’s how the School Report Card works. Each public school earns a “score,” called an accountability index score, from 0 to 100. These scores are included on the report card. The accountability index score that our school receives is based on our performance in four priority areas:
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Student achievement in reading and mathematics on state assessments
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Student growth, measured by year-to-year improvements in achievement
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Closing gaps in performance between specific student groups (comparing English language learners, low-income students, students with disabilities, and members of racial or ethnic group with their peers)
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On-track to graduation/postsecondary readiness, using reliable predictors of high school graduation and postsecondary success
Based on our school’s score, we are placed into one of five categories, from Significantly Exceeds Expectations to Fails to Meet Expectations.
It’s important to note that the 0 to 100 accountability index score is not a “percent correct” measurement, similar to a score your child might earn on a test in school. Instead, in combination with other school data, the accountability index score helps our school staff determine what areas we do well in and where we need improvement. The goal is to help every student in our school succeed, graduate, and be ready to pursue further education and a career.
The new statewide accountability system includes methods to spread effective practices of high-performing schools and support to help struggling schools improve. School Report Cards will come out every year and student results on state tests will continue to be reported. Eventually, this system may include private schools receiving publicly funded vouchers as well.
The Department of Public Instruction produces two versions of each school report card, the basic School Report Card and a lengthier Technical Report Card with very detailed information. For more information, please visit the DPI website at dpi.wi.gov/oea/acct/accountability.html.
Jim Connell, Superintendent
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