Pair norm-referenced metrics with evidence of progress toward grade-level expectations in accountability decisions¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The paper recommends that leaders using MAP Growth in screening, evaluation, or authorization choose deliberately between anchoring decisions to grade-level expectations and preserving relative percentile benchmarks, and apply the choice consistently. Its bottom-line guidance is that "screening decisions can be strengthened by pairing norm referenced metrics with evidence of whether students are on track to meet grade level expectations." In each context it offers two options: anchoring to grade-level proficiency risk, or retaining percentile benchmarks with explicit re-interpretation under the new norms.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Leaders must be explicit about whether accountability goals signal relative standing or grade-level learning, and define meaningful growth relative to grade-level expectations, starting achievement levels, and decision time horizons.

Constraints¶

• Anchoring to grade-level expectations requires more local decision-making and calibration; preserving percentile benchmarks may unintentionally weaken the rigor of identification or yield different evaluative consequences for teachers with similar effectiveness.

Target Learners¶

• K-12 students assessed with MAP Growth in reading and math

Target Learning Goals¶

• Accurate identification of students for intervention; fair teacher evaluation; valid school authorization and accreditation decisions

Related Strategies¶

• Use multiple evidence sources alongside benchmark scores when identifying students for intensive intervention
• Schools and districts should choose screener benchmarks that match their goals and resources for defining and serving at-risk students

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Hashim, A. K. (2026). How post-COVID norm shifts change the meaning of MAP Growth metrics for school accountability. NWEA White Paper. https://www.nwea.org/research/publication/how-post%e2%80%91covid-norm-shifts-change-the-meaning-of-map-growth-metrics-for-school-accountability/