New School Dashboard Released
The California Department of Education and the State Board of Education have launched the fall 2017 California School Dashboard.
The Dashboard provides valuable information on multiple topics regarding school and student performance in an easy-to-understand report card format.
The information, which includes test scores, graduation rates, and college and career readiness, is aimed at helping all students succeed. The launch follows a pilot version released in March.
"This is a critical moment in our education reform efforts because we are now turning data into direct action by identifying districts that face challenges in certain areas and providing them with help rather than sanctions," said State Superintendent Tom Torlakson. "The Dashboard helps all schools and districts improve by identifying strengths and weaknesses in many different areas, allowing parents, teachers, students, and communities to target their resources toward areas where improvement is needed. It also highlights the performance of student groups, making disparities or achievement gaps impossible to ignore."
The Dashboard, which will evolve over time as data is added and improvements are made, will be a key source of information for parents, teachers, administrators, and school communities as they develop their Local Control and Accountability Plans, which are required under the Local Control Funding Formula signed into law by Governor Brown in 2013.
"With the Dashboard, California is shining a light on inequities by identifying the students that need the most help within a district and pinpointing their areas of challenge," said State Board of Education President Michael W. Kirst.
The Dashboard incorporates the following six state performance indicators:
Academic, which includes results on standardized tests
Career/College Readiness
English Learner Progress
Suspension Rates
Chronic Absenteeism
The following four local indicators are based on information collected by districts, county offices of education, and charter schools:
Basic Services and School Conditions
Implementation of State Academic Standards