Strategic Data Project Convening 2019

If 40 of New York State’s lowest-performing schools do not improve student outcomes over the next three years, they risk the appointment of an Independent Receiver or even closure. How do these schools show evidence of measurable progress? How do you set rigorous, yet achievable goals for schools that lag far below state benchmarks on key indicators (e.g., test scores, graduation rates, drop-out rates, etc.)? Working with stakeholders across the New York State Education Department, we designed a rigorous, transparent, ESSA-aligned system for helping superintendents direct and track improvement efforts in these schools. The new methodology integrates 41 types of indicators and sets realistic annual goals, while also providing flexibility to help schools prioritize and address their unique challenges. Come hear about how we did it and what we discovered along the way.