Student Growth Models: The 50-State Landscape

 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.