New A-F Model Relies Less On Test Performance

State education leaders have been crafting a new school accountability system over the past two-and-a-half years – and today, the State Board of Education approved a final framework.

Under the previous A-F model, grades were based mainly on student performance on state standardized test. The new system dramatically changes that, calculating school grades based on equal parts test performance and student growth on those tests.

So a student score that isn’t exemplary but is better than the previous year will still earn the score points toward its A-F grade.

Schools also cannot earn an A unless they show growth with students in certain subgroups like special education, English Language Learners and low-income kids for example.

This new system likely means there will be fewer As but also fewer Fs.

State superintendent Glenda Ritz says she’s pleased the board has now updated the state’s assessment, standards and now accountability system.

“Those are the three big systems that we needed to get in place to have fair, transparent, accountability moving forward in the state of Indiana and I’m very excited about that,” Ritz said.

The approved rule now goes to the Attorney General for technical approval, the governor for signature, and the state's Legislative Services Agency to be finalized and published. Any additional changes the IDOE wants to see may also go to the LSA for later consideration.