Focus is on students at key stages
We’re using key assessments at each Milestone — from test results to attendance data — to evaluate our school district’s success in preparing our students for success at the next grade level and beyond. This year we are aligning our Milestone measures with state Achievement Compact measures.
Ready to read – At the beginning of first grade, all students should be ready to read, so they have a foundation for future academic success.
Reading to learn – By the end of third grade, students should be reading to gain an understanding of their world, in a variety of subjects.
Ready for high school – In middle grades, students should have strong attendance habits and the writing and math skills to grasp more demanding content in high school.*
On track to graduate – When entering 10th grade, students should have earned at least 6 credits and have 90 percent or better attendance.
Graduate from high school on time – Students should have the skills needed for college or a career.
We’re also tracking our success in closing the achievement gap. We’re charting the disparity between the performance of white students and the lowest-scoring racial or ethnic group at each Milestone each year.
Changes this year:
- The 3rd grade reading Milestone is now measured by students meeting or exceeding the state benchmark. In years past, the Milestone was measured by students exceeding the benchmark. The change was made because the state set a higher bar for passage of the reading test.
- The state's 7th grade writing test was a key part of assessing the Ready for High School Milestone. The state discontinued the test in 2011-12. However, PPS will continue to track student progress for this Milestone, including looking at the passage rates for 8th grade algebra.
- The On Track to Graduate Milestone now aligns with the state Achievement Compact measure, which is students leave 9th grade with 6 or more credits and 90 percent or better attendance.
