Resource
State Systems of Identification and Support under ESSA: Evaluating Identification Methods and Results in an Accountability System
November 2017
Description
The report "Evaluating State Systems of Identification and Support under ESSA: Evaluating Identification Methods and Results in an Accountability System," authored by Juan D'Brot, Susan Lyons, and Erika Landl for the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), provides a thorough evaluation of school accountability and support systems under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This report emphasizes the importance of ongoing evaluation of state accountability systems to ensure their reliability, utility, and impact.
The report introduces a three-step approach for evaluating accountability systems: assessing the reliability of accountability scores and designations, evaluating accountability system decisions and intended outcomes, and determining the utility and impact of these systems on continuous improvement efforts. Key considerations include the consistency of measures, the interactions among indicators, and the appropriateness of school classifications.
The report also highlights the significance of understanding dependencies within accountability systems and the implications of exit criteria on school improvement efforts. It underscores the need for state education agencies (SEAs) to engage in self-evaluation and continuously refine their systems to support effective school improvement.
