SGP (Scaled Growth Percentile) measures how much student performance on MCAS tests improved from year to year, measured relative to a group of academic peers that have also taken an exam in the same subject area. SGP indicates whether score increased or decreased relative to this cohort and can also be used to compare performance amongst students from same grade and demographic group (race/ethnicity, gender or income status). SGP should be considered alongside scaled scores and achievement levels to obtain a more complete picture of academic abilities within student’s abilities.
The SGP is calculated using up to two years of MCAS data. A student’s score is compared with those of his or her “academic peers,” or other students who performed similarly on tests within that grade (including demographic groups and programs tested such as sheltered English immersion or multilingual education). Quantile regression provides normalization that allows us to identify his/her percentile rank on a standard distribution.
To calculate a student’s SGP, teachers must input each MCAS test score taken by that student in one subject area and compare it against all of those taken by all students of their grade in that grade. SGP reports as the percentage of those scored higher or lower than them on all those tests taken.
SGPs are reported at both the state and district levels as well as by grade. On the MCAS Results by Student Group page of School and District Profiles, it is also possible to monitor trends in average SGPs across groups of students (such as by grade level, race/ethnicity status, income status status or special education programs).
For optimal interpretation of an SGP score, compare it with that of students from your same grade and demographic group. If a student’s SGP falls below that of his or her academic peers, this could indicate they need to work harder at maintaining performance to keep pace. If a student’s SGP score surpasses that of their academic peers, it could indicate they have made above-average progress. If a student’s SGP score falls within the average for his/her academic peers, this can be taken as evidence that they have met expectations at their grade level and could serve as an important message from educators and families to share with students. However, it is essential to remember that having a high Student Growth Potential does not guarantee future academic success; other factors could play a part in an individual’s achievement as well. Therefore, educators must discuss with their students the significance of understanding SGPs.