Student Growth Models: The 50-State Landscape

By Abbigayle Mills

 Every state tracks student growth, using statistical models that estimate annual student level growth in tested subjects. Different states use different models and methods. This policy brief examines the types of student growth models across U.S. states, focusing on their methodologies, transparency, and implications for educational equity. Growth models such as Student Growth Percentiles (SGP), Growth to Proficiency Models, and Value-Added Models (VAM) provide critical insights into student progress and inform accountability measures. This is the first, national, publicly-available data set of the student growth models used in each state. Analysis reveals a widespread reliance on SGPs and similar frameworks, with some states incorporating demographic controls to address equity concerns.

Key Points

● Nearly half of U.S. states utilize Student Growth Percentiles (SGPs) as their primary model for tracking student progress, underscoring its widespread adoption across the nation.

● Other frequently used growth models include Value-Added Models (VAMs), Growth to Proficiency frameworks, and the Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS), reflecting a diverse range of methodologies to evaluate student performance and instructional impact.

● States use growth models to serve different policy goals, such as teacher evaluation, school accountability, or targeted interventions for struggling students.

● Some states have developed unique variations of existing models, tailored to meet local educational needs and policy priorities.

● Several states implement growth models developed by third-party organizations, highlighting the role of external expertise in educational assessments.