This year’s report card demonstrates fundamental changes to the calculations of Value Added and Achievement scores. 

The method of calculating scores and the scale used to determine letter grades have been revised to allow for a transition to the new standards and assessments required by the Tennessee Diploma Project.

“Because we have been on an aggressive path of improvement with the Tennessee Diploma Project, it was necessary to utilize this transition year to change our calculation methods and more accurately demonstrate student progress in an effort to pursue higher standards,” Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said. 

Two major changes have been implemented for calculation of scores on the Report Card. First, the baseline year for comparing student achievement has been reset using 2009 test scores. Second, a new grade scale will be used. 

The scale used to determine all grades A through F has been dramatically revised, meaning scores considered to be an “A” proficient in years past may now be a “B” or “C”.

“Part of student success means setting the stage,” said Dr. Connie Smith, Assistant Commissioner of Accountability, Teaching and Learning. 

“With the Tennessee Diploma Project and recalibrating the Report Card, we’re setting the stage for our students to be more competitive and better prepared for career or college after high school.”

In 2007, the Tennessee Department of Education launched the Tennessee Diploma Project. The more rigorous curriculum and graduation requirements the TDP call for become effective this year. For more information on the TDP visit: http://www.tn.gov/tdp. 

According to the Value-Added Assessment Update, the changes to the 2009 Report Card include:

• Beginning this year, there will be a different grade scale used. Scores consdiered to be an “A” or proficient in years past may now be “Bs” or “Cs.” These changes do not reflect a loss of learning, but a change in the scale.

• There will be no ability to compare previous years for Value-Added data and acheivement data. Schools and parents should compare their scores to the state average to understand how well their students are performing.

• Only 2009 data will be reported and no trend data will be available. In 2010 and each after that, you will be able to compare grades on the Report Card to the 2009 year.

In 2003, Tennessee set the state growth standards for each subject based on the progress rate of students in 1998. Since that time, all TCAP Criterion Reference Test (CRT) scale scrores have been converted into state Normal Curve Equivalents (NCEs) consistent with the way calculations were performed in the base year of 1998.

Since 2003, many districts and schools have regularly met the state’s growth standard. Calculation based on 1998 data show current levels Tennessee students would be considered passing state tests in all subjects and all grades.

In 2009-10, the Tennessee Department of Educaiton is implementing new curriculum, assessment standards and graduation requirements. 

To demonstrate student progress towards these higher expectations, it was necessary to revise the formula used for grades on the Report Card, according to the Tennessee Department of Education.

This year, the Tennessee Department of Education rese the growth standard to reflect the average student performance in 2009 providing a fixed transition point prior to the implementation of standards and assessments.
WCP 11.05.09