Progress Report grades are based on three elements:
- School Environment constitutes 15% of a school's overall score. This category consists of attendance and the results of parent, student, and teacher surveys.
- Student Performance constitutes 25% of a school's overall score. For elementary and middle schools, student performance is measured by students’ scores each year on the New York State tests in English Language Arts and Mathematics. For high schools, student performance is measured by diplomas and graduation rates.
- Student Progress constitutes 60% of a school's overall score. For elementary and middle schools, student progress measures average student improvement from last year to this year on the New York State tests in English Language Arts and Mathematics. For high schools, student progress is measured by credit accumulation and Regents completion and pass rates.
A school’s results in each area are compared to results of all schools serving the same grades throughout the City. Results are also compared to a peer group of up to 40 similar schools. Schools can earn additional credit when they help special education students, English Language Learners, and other high-need students make exemplary progress.
Nearly all public schools in NYC receive Progress Reports. Schools that are new this year, schools that are phasing-out and high schools that have yet to have a graduating class receive Progress Reports with no overall scores or grades.
Changes to Progress Report Methodology
In an effort to strengthen the Progress Report evaluation, changes were made to the elementary, middle, and high school Progress Reports created to reflect school performance during the 2009-2010 school year. Feedback from more than 600 principals, network staff, parents, and union leaders informed these changes.
The Deputy Chancellor for Performance and Accountability, Shael Suransky, sent a letter to principals in January 2010 introducing changes to accountability tools and explaining the methodology of the 2009-10 Elementary and Middle School Progress Report.
For more information, take a look at:
Educator Guides explaining 2009-2010 Progress Report methodology are available for Elementary/Middle Schools , High Schools, Early Childhood Schools, and District 75 Schools.
Educator Guides explaining the 2008-09 Progress Reports methodology are available for Elementary/Middle Schools, High Schools, and Transfer Schools.
Educator Guides explaining the 2007-08 Progress Report methodology are available for Elementary/Middle Schools, High Schools, Transfer Schools, YABCs, and Early Childhood Schools.