Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in second year of scoring model

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released its 2023 Annual Performance Report of Missouri schools on Monday.

DESE uses the Missouri School Improvement Program to grade school districts on their performance and determine accreditation.

Columbia Public Schools scored a 70.1% and Jefferson City School District scored 76.7%. A district's Annual Performance Report score is the percent of points it earned total in the Missouri School Improvement Program report.

This year, there were 192 available points. In 2022, there were 180 available points. This is due to districts being scored on more categories, this year including "science and social studies growth."

In a press conference last week, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Assistant Commissioner Lisa Sireno explained the purpose of the program.

"It outlines the expectations for school practices and student outcomes with the goal of each student being prepared for success in whatever comes next for them," Sireno said.

2023 is the second year DESE has used the sixth version of the Missouri School Improvement Program, after previously using the fifth model. Because it's only in the second year, schools' accreditation is not at stake until next year's report.

Sireno said school districts with a total score below 50% are considered "unaccredited."

Preliminary data from DESE showed the majority of Missouri schools fall within the 70-94.9% scoring range this year.

The Missouri School Improvement Program is broken into two main parts: Performance and continuous improvement.

"The performance metrics measure student outcomes, and the continuous improvement metrics assess the quality of the work of the (local educational agency) toward improving opportunities that they're providing to all students," Sireno said.

Performance

Performance makes up the majority of a district's score at 70% of potential points. It reflects the district's status and student growth in math, language arts, science and social studies.

The scores are determined by the district's MAP and End of Course test scores.

Growth is determined by comparing MAP scores from the current year and grade level to the prior year and grade level, according to the program's comprehensive guide. It states, "Growth in MSIP is calculated using the Missouri Growth Model. The Missouri Growth Model estimates the systemic contributions of (local educational agencies) and schools to student achievement."

Districts are then sorted into four groups per category, with "Target" receiving the most points and "Floor" receiving the least.

The performance section also includes graduation rate, college and career readiness exams and advanced credit courses.

Continuous Improvement

Continuous Improvement makes up the remaining 30% of total points available in the Annual Performance Report. This section scores the action of the district, according to the comprehensive guide.

It scores things like each district's individual school improvement plan, Individual Career and Academic Plans, Kindergarten Entry Assessments, turning in documentation and attendance rates.

The success-ready categories, which includes attendance, are graded on a scale of 0-4. Zero points, according to the guide, is designated as "floor" with an attendance rate below 79%. Both CPS and JC Schools received zero points in attendance.