Issue: NWEA is changing its item selection algorithm for the 2023-2024 school year to be more grade level specific. Given the information available, the algorithm change will likely render mathematics RIT scores for the new test version to be non-equivalent to RIT scores produced by the current test version. It is uncertain whether reading scores…
School districts are collecting more data than ever before, from student performance to behavior, attendance, and more. Despite this abundance of data, many district leaders struggle to use it effectively to improve student outcomes, and to make an impact on overall school district improvement. This results in a phenomenon known as being data rich, information…
As a curriculum leader in a school district, your role is crucial to ensuring the success of students. One of the most effective ways to achieve success is by understanding how the use of data and analytics has the potential to impact school improvement efforts. Whether you are a district level assistant superintendent or a…
As a school district leader, you are tasked with making decisions that impact student outcomes. One method of analyzing data utilizes predictive analytics. At ECRA, many of our products harness the power of predictive analytics to help school district leaders set goals, make decisions, and assess the impact of programming/interventions. In this article, we will…
Academic Return on Investment (ROI), is a valuable tool for school districts to use in evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs or interventions. Measuring ROI should be considered a crucial component to evaluating a district’s continuous school improvement efforts. The process of academic ROI uses a disciplined method of inquiry that leverages the scientific method…
As school district administrators, the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP) provides a framework for making informed decisions and maximizing positive outcomes for students and staff. As a district leader, promoting the concepts of evidence-based practice can have a positive impact on all district and school improvement efforts. A common misconception is that data is only…
Data vs. Analytics: Do you know the difference? And, how does this apply to a school district environment? As a school district administrator, you may have heard the terms “data” and “analytics” being used frequently (often together or interchangeably), but may not fully understand the difference between the two. It may seem rather basic, but…
School districts often face an unprecedented level of complexity when it comes to managing their strategic learning initiatives, operations, and finances. At times, it can be difficult for school district leaders to stay on top of everything. That’s why many school districts use a strategic dashboard as a way to stay organized, informed, and focused…
At The School Superintendents Association’s (AASA) 2023 National Conference for Education in San Antonio, TX, ECRA Group had the privilege of presenting with Wheaton Community Unit School District 200 (CUSD200) about their recent adoption of a Strategic Dashboard. Dr. John Gatta, CEO of ECRA and Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent of Schools at CUSD200, described how…
“We feel our new cohort [with ECRA] will help AASA members and their respective teams gain the personal training they need to scale up their approaches to measuring student success and the overall quality of the mission of their school systems.” – Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, AASA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Alexandria, Va. – Dec.…
