Student Growth Objectives Update
The purpose of setting student growth objectives (SGOs) is to help teachers and student services professionals (SSPs) examine the impact of their instruction or professional services. Student Growth Objectives must be attainable and grounded in the reality of a teacher/SSP’s work. Teachers/SSPs have the flexibility to select or to develop assessment tools appropriate to their content and population.
Goals and Objectives
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SGOs are not the primary strategy for achieving building level, principal/manager or district goals.
- Goals express large-scale or strategic expectations. They are pursued over longer periods of time. Examples include Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), elements of the School Improvement Plan and the district’s goals.
- Objectives describe smaller scale or tactical expectations that are focused on the specific context in which a teacher/SSP works.
Collaborative Process
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Setting Student Growth Objectives presents an opportunity to initiate a professional conversation between principals/managers and teachers/SSPs.
- The objectives must be developed through a collaborative process between the teacher/SSP and the principal/manager.
- The specific objectives and measures will not be mandated by either party.
Parameters for SGOs
- The Student Growth Objectives process is designed to help the teacher examine the impact of instruction on the students who are in attendance 85% of the time.
- Teachers/SSPs and principals/managers will reach consensus on the percent of the total population to include in an objective. Three criteria for deciding what makes sense are the needs of the student population, the level(s) the teacher/SSP serves, and the time allocated for instruction or intervention.
- Addressing 100% of the teacher/SSP’s assigned population is not a requirement.
Growth and Achievement
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SGOs are based on growth, not achievement.
- Growth is measured over time. An example of a measure of growth is progress toward grade level.
- Achievement is measured at one point in time. Examples of measures of achievement include grade level, CSAP proficiency level, or the grade on a final exam.