JCCS Announces District’s CCRPI Scores

On October 29, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) released the 2018 College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI) scores.

Jasper County High School received a score of 75.2 which includes a record-high graduation rate of 82.8 percent accounting for the four year and five year cohort rates.

Jasper County Middle School’s CCRPI was 74.9 and Washington Park Elementary School received a score of 67.1.

The scoring formula for K-2 schools like Jasper County Primary is based entirely on one data point, the Georgia Milestones results of third grade students in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics. Using this single data point, the GaDOE issued Jasper County Primary School a CCRPI score of 50.9.

This year’s CCRPI scores were calculated using a new formula that was created in response to new Federal legislation. This new calculation also includes a score for K-2 schools. Overall, the new CCRPI scoring formula is based on content mastery, student progress, closing the achievement gap and college and career readiness as well as high school graduation rate. The updated CCRPI formula is vastly different from the formula used for the last six years making comparisons between previous year’s CCRPI scores and the FY18 CCRPI scores virtually impossible.

As schools across the state receive up to 90 points for student growth, a primary school has no option to receive points based on student progress because third grade students have not been previously assessed on a statewide assessment. Therefore, primary schools like JCPS are automatically at a disadvantage because they cannot work towards obtaining points in student progress which is a critical factor in student success.

“I have serious concerns about assigning the primary school a score that is based on a single grade level data. JCPS’s CCRPI score does not reflect the level of instruction and student achievement we have observed through the use of multiple data such as MAP scores (Measures of Academic Progress) and individual student growth documented on the standards based report card,” said Supt. Mike Newton. “We are proud of the work and success of our students and teachers. I’m concerned that the state’s newest CCRPI calculation does not reflect the true achievement of our students.”

Most recently, nearly 50 percent of students in grades two and three met the grade level expectation in Reading/ELA according to the beginning of the year MAP results. This information tells us that almost half of the JCPS (second grade) and WPES (third grade) students are already reaching national expectations when using fall grade level averages.

Because CCRPI is based on an end of the year assessment that is only a snapshot of performance, the results of CCRPI should be interpreted as such– a one day snapshot on a one time test. Fortunately, JCCS is working with other systems across Georgia to obtain permission to use student growth data and multiple data points through the year to more accurately assess student learning and progress.

Using the MAP assessments, the Jasper County Charter System was recently approved to participate in an “Innovative Assessment Pilot.” The state-approved pilot would allow Jasper County students to be assessed in grades three through eight using a modified version of the MAP assessment which could be used for accountability purposes rather than the Georgia Milestones Assessment. Teachers would still receive through the year data on every student and be responsible for students’ academic growth and achievement if the USDOE accepts the application of this model.

The academic growth of students is the most critical factor in achieving proficiency at high levels for all students. All schools in JCCS are committed to providing superior learning environments to foster individual student success. This steadfast commitment for student success will continue regardless of mandates that only consider the results of one end of the year test score.