While raising proficiency levels of students is the long-term goal of schools, its use as an annual school improvement metric is inadequate. To scientifically and equitably assess improvement efforts, one must focus on measuring student growth, not aggregate improvements in proficiency. ECRA uses predictive analytics to project achievement at the individual student level, which provides personalized achievement benchmarks for individual students. ECRA then expresses the degree to which students outperform or underperform personalized projections as an effect size.

Effect sizes are then linked to district resource allocations so informed decisions can be made regarding programs and other investments and their effect on student outcomes.

ECRA provides a wide range of consulting and professional development services to support the school improvement process. From helping school districts think through their assessment programs to in-depth training and facilitation of school improvement and admin teams, ECRA’s experts can ensure your school or district’s process is aligned to evidence-based practices. In addition, ECRA provides professional development and custom research services on specialized topics such as local assessment development, benchmark development, program evaluation, teacher evaluation, and more.