Improvements in student performance are central to an academy’s mission. It is important to gather data that reflect whether students are showing improvement and to report these accurately and fairly to maintain the academy’s integrity.
- Student data
Student data includes those necessary to describe the student body within the academy (e.g., grade level, gender, and race/ethnicity) and its relationship to the high school in general, as well as student performance on a variety of outcome measures.
- Multiple academic measures
Measures include a variety of accepted indicators of performance (e.g., attendance, retention, credits, grade point averages, state test scores, graduation rates, college going rates) as well as rubric-based assessments on performance tasks. Multiple measures need to be aligned to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and longitudinal data are collected.
- Technical learning
Measures include knowledge of the field’s terminology, technical concepts, and ability to apply academic skills to authentic real world projects. Where appropriate, industry recognized credentials, certifications or licenses are incorporated.
- Accurate reporting
Analysis of the data elements are reported accurately and fairly regardless of the results.
- Evidence of impact
These measures show whether, and how much, the academy improves student performance. Teacher teams use student assessment to evaluate the quality of the education provided in the career academy and to make improvements to curriculum, instruction, and program structures. A longitudinal study shows whether there are improved student outcomes in terms of reduced dropouts, increased academic success, career readiness preparation and greater entry into post-secondary education.