High School AYP and the Algebra I CRT

How is AYP determined in Math at the High School level?

As many of you know, the criteria for making AYP in mathematics changed slightly last year at the high school level. Here are a few of those changes:

  • In high school, the AYP report is based the Algebra 1 CRT scores of ALL tenth grade students, regardless of when the test was taken.
  • A student can take the test multiple times and the highest score will be counted at the end of their tenth grade year.
  • While Geometry and Algebra 2 CRTs still impact UPASS, they are no longer part of the AYP report.

What does this mean for us?

  • We are recommending that ALL ninth and tenth grade studentswho have not already passed the Algebra 1 CRT take it at the end of the 2011/2012 school year regardless of the course they are currently enrolled in.
  • This means that students in Geometry and Algebra 2, who have not passed the Algebra 1 CRT, will be taking two CRTs at the end of the 2011/2012 school year (current enrollment and Algebra 1).

Why should we do this?

  • There is a strong alignment between the Secondary I core and the Algebra 1 core. This overlap of content provides a great opportunity to have more of our ninth graders pass the Algebra 1 CRT.
  • Even if a ninth grade student does not pass the assessment this year, they will have exposure to the test which may help them to pass it next year.
  • The more students who pass the Algebra 1 CRT before their tenth grade year, the fewer tenth grade students will have to take the assessment, allowing us to really focus our efforts on those who have not passed.
  • If a ninth grade student passes the Algebra 1 CRT this year, they will not have to take an end of level assessment from the state next year.
  • There is no harm in taking the CRT in ninth grade, yet if they pass, this will count toward AYP.

What support will be in place to help students pass the Algebra 1 CRT?

  • Algebra I and Secondary I pacing guides
  • Pre- and Post- growth assessments
  • Daily warm-ups
  • CRT reviews for Algebra 1
  • Benchmarks
  • District created “units” for Algebra 1 content that is not part of Secondary I but should be covered prior to the Algebra 1 CRT (can be incorporated in math essentials or used in review sessions before/during lunch/ after school)
  • Reference sheets—have copies available to students throughout year and include them in lessons/warm-ups